The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) today urged students to remain optimistic and positive, reminding them that the Leaving Cert is a landmark rather than the end of the road. The union is advising students to look at furthering their education in areas that interest and stimulate them.
Speaking today, TUI President Gerry Quinn said:
‘We congratulate students on their hard work and achievements today. Schools are still reeling from the effects of austerity cutbacks, and students have shown resilience and determination in securing these excellent results.
Teachers have shown dedication and innovation in ensuring the continued provision of a first class public education service to students.
Parents also deserve huge credit for the vital support offered to their children over the course of their studies, all too often at a time of increased pressure due to job losses and financial strain.
The key message today should be that students should be proud of what they have achieved. Those students who choose to enter the workforce now should keep in mind the possibility of further education at a later stage. Students should remember that there is a direct correlation between future earnings and their level of academic attainment.
They should look at furthering their studies in areas that excite and stimulate them rather than basing decisions exclusively on where jobs currently seem more likely upon graduation.
The Leaving Certificate is a landmark rather than the end of the road, and now more than ever, learning is a lifelong pursuit and is not age-limited. Students should consider the wide breadth of cutting-edge courses in third level institutions and further education colleges around the country.
Celebrate wisely
We urge students to celebrate responsibly and to avoid any behaviour that might ruin this special occasion for themselves, their friends and families.
Construction Studies and Engineering popularity shows need for new apprenticeship system
‘Over 8,400 students (15% of candidates) took Construction Studies this year, with 5,203 sitting Engineering. Clearly, our education and training strategy must continue to provide options that allow for the training of tradespeople. Apprenticeship in this country continues to be exclusively employer led, so if a young person wants an apprenticeship they must find an employer to sponsor it. A significant and steady increase in construction is expected in the coming years, yet because of the excessive reliance on the employer-led system there is a real risk that a dearth of qualified tradespeople available until new apprentices qualify. A recalibration of this system is required, and Institutes of Technology are best placed to devise and deliver new ways of meeting the education and training needs of apprentices and the needs of the construction industry.
LCA/LCVP numbers worrying
While there has been a small increase in the number of candidates taking the Leaving Certificate Applied programme compared to last year, the total is still 12% less than the number who took the programme in 2010. Cuts to capitation grants and support roles such as guidance counselling and year head have had a hugely negative effect on the programme.
The 2.6% fall on last year’s number of students taking the Leaving Certificate Vocational programme is extremely worrying, particularly given the overall rise of 2.4% in the total number of students taking the Leaving Certificate. Over one in four candidates takes this programme and its blend of established subjects mixed with work experience, enterprise activity and information technology makes it extremely attractive to a large cohort of students.
The fall in candidates is a worry given that vocational education and training options after the Leaving Certificate are a key method of tackling unemployment.
Maths
The increase in the number of students taking Higher Level Maths is encouraging.
Physics and Chemistry numbers encouraging
The 12% increase in the number of candidates taking Higher Level Physics and 7% increase taking Higher Level Chemistry is encouraging at a time when these have been identified as key in terms of the nation’s skills requirements. School principals and teachers should take great credit for their innovation in offering and promoting the subjects at a time when teaching numbers have been reduced, student numbers have increased and a slew of other cutbacks are impacting on schools. This should be consolidated by providing teachers with secure, full-time jobs so that they do not choose alternative career paths. Regrettably, a third of all second level teachers are on part-time contracts.
External candidates
At 2,578, the number of external candidates is 30% less than the 2010 total. This reasons behind this fall should be further researched.