Q: MY child has been attending a Gaelscoil and while I know there are lots of befits to be gained by going to an all-Irish second-level school, I wonder are there any bonus marks given for answering in Irish in the Leaving Cert?
- Co Danegal father
A: YES, there are bonus points for answering completely in Irish, but none is given if you answer partly in Irish and partly in English. A bonus of 10 per cent of the marks obtained will be given to a candidate who obtains less than 75 per cent of the total marks in subjects such as Latin, Greek, classical studies, Hebrew studies, history, geography, physics, chemistry, physics and chemistry, biology, business organisation, economics, economic history, agricultural science, agricultural economics, home economics, music, and in art (for the history and appreciation of art only).
For example, if you score 70 per cent in any of these subjects, you are entitled to a 10 per cent bonus, bringing your total up to 77 per cent. A reduced bonus of 5 per cent is given to those who obtain less than 75 per cent in languages such as French, German, Italian, Spanish and other subjects such as maths, applied maths, accounting engineering and construction studies. So for these subjects if you score 70 per cent then you would get a 3.5 per cent bonus, bringing your total mark to 73.5 per cent.
For candidates scoring above 75 per cent, the bonus will be subjected to a uniform reduction, until the candidate who scores 100 per cent gets no bonus. No bonus is given in the case of technical drawing or art (other than history and appreciation of art). A bonus system also exists for subjects answered completely in Irish for the Junior Certificate.
So it is worthwhile answering in Irish - it could move you up a grade and secure your desired college place.
Q: WHAT'S the difference between the different types of Leaving Cert that are available now? I am in Transition Year and would like to do a good Leaving Cert but I don't feel the subjects that are available in the traditional Leaving Cert suit me very well. Could you explain them?
- Cork student
A: THE traditional Leaving Cert programme is being up dated and the content of all subjects is being reviewed and brought into line with modern thinking. All subjects are offered at higher and ordinary level and in addition Irish and maths are offered at foundation level. Since you are more familiar with this programme, I will give you more details on the other two.
The Leaving Cert Applied Programme (LCAP) was introduced to suit students for whom the traditional Leaving Cert was felt to be an unsuitable programme which ended in an unsatisfactory level of attainment.
There are three main elements in this programme. The first section, which takes up 15 per cent of course time, deals with vocational preparation which includes work experience, guidance, enterprise education, organisational structure and behaviour. The second section is vocational education and includes languages and communications, mathematics, science, technology and business and takes up 40 per cent of the time. The third section includes the arts, civics, Irish language and culture, social and health education and accounts for 30 per cent of the time. The remaining 15 per cent of the time can be used for a choice of any of the three sections listed above.
The Leaving Cert Vocational Programme (LCVP), which has been in operation for a number of years, sets out to encourage enterprise and initiative in senior cycle students. It is very similar to the traditional Leaving Cert, combining subjects such as Irish, a continental language, two other Leaving Cert subjects from prescribed groupings and one other Leaving Cert subject, with three additional short courses or link modules which are mandatory.
These modules are enterprise education, preparation for work and work-experience. They are equivalent to one subject in the Leaving Cert and are awarded a composite mark, unlike the other subjects which are graded individually. A pass is 30 points, a merit is 50 and a distinction is 70. You should check the details with your school, because particular combinations of subjects are essential to fulfil the requirements of the programme.
I would, however, sound a note of warning if you are thinking of applying for a college place. The LCVP is supposedly acceptable for third-level college entry, but although the RTCs recently accepted it, the DIT and universities are still considering the matter.
The LCAP is not designed for direct entry to third level and there are some difficulties about the acceptability of the LCAP programme for entry to PLC courses.
I know it is going to be difficult to make a decision when you do not have all the facts at your disposal, but I hope that further clarification on the LCVP becomes available soon because, though you may need it shortly, the students doing LCVP in June need it immediately.
Q: I AM an arts graduate in Irish and maths, who qualified in 1995. I am interested in teaching at secondary level, but more especially at primary level. Can I take a shorter route to gain national teaching qualifications, or do I have to do the full B Ed training?
- Co Offaly graduate
A: THE quickest route for you is to take the postgraduate programme in primary teaching in a college such as Mary Immaculate College of Education in Limerick and St Patrick's, Drumcondra, Dublin, which provide an 18-month course. The next intake is next month and applications have closed.
These courses are offered sporadically and you should contact the teacher training colleges. Full-time employment prospects are poor for national teachers, and you will probably have to take temporary work at first.
If you decide on second-level teaching you must have a H Dip Ed to get a full-time incremental post in a secondary school. Most of the universities provide this course, but you will possibly have a better chance of getting a place in your alma mater, because of the high demand for places. If you wish to teach in a vocational school, you need to have the Ceard Teastas Gaeilge.
Fortunately for you, your two subjects are in fairly good demand and again you will probably get part-time temporary work at first.
