Donegal Leaving Certificate Students to Avail of New Helpline

Added: 10-08-2012 13:13:43

For South Donegal's young school leavers, worried or stressed about their exam results this Wednesday- help is at hand! Exam Helpline 2012 has been launched today by the National Parents Council Post Primary (NPCpp), to offer advice, information and support to Leaving Certificate students receiving their exam results this week. The helpline is open from 10.00am on results day, Wednesday 15th August, to take queries from students, parents and teachers alike that are seeking information.
The helpline is sponsored by eircom and the Irish Independent, supported by the Department of Education and Skills, and staffed by members of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors.
Guidance Counsellors running the helpline will be providing support and advice on all third level courses, rechecks, repeats, CAO procedures, the points system, apprenticeships and further training.
“It is important for students to remember that they have options if they do not receive their first university of Institute of Technology course choice, there will be second and third round offers. Students also have the choice of PLC courses. Direct contact with Colleges is recommended to see what is available on unfilled courses. The Exam Helpline will provide advice to students on course options and help point the way forward for students in doubt”, Rose Tully, Helpline Co-Ordinator, said when commenting on Exam Helpline 2012.
Lisa Comerford Head of Brand and Communications, eircom said “Leaving Certificate results day is both an exciting and nervous day for students and the Exam Helpline is a great support to help answer any questions students and their families may have. We are delighted to support the Exam Helpline again this year. It’s a confusing time in many students’ lives, there are lots of decisions and choices to make. The Helpline is a really valuable resource to help them make an informed decision on what career or study paths they wish to choose”.
“School-leavers are at an important milestone and it is crucial that they and their parents can access the right advice”, Katherine Donnelly, Education Correspondent of the Irish Independent commented, “each individual is different and the Exam Helpline experts will be there to provide information and reassurance and help guide students towards the path that best suits them. Today's school-leavers will be entering a fast-changing employment market and time spent talking to a career guidance professional is an investment in a bright future”.
It is expected that thousands of queries from all over Ireland will be handled by the helpline. Those wishing to contact the Exam Helpline can do so on 1800 265 165.

By Nao Cannon