KTCS Guidance October 2019
Career Guidance
A total of 46/170 Leaving Certificate students have been met by the Guidance counsellor for their careers appointment. This appointment involves analysis of Aptitude tests, Interest tests and any other online self-awareness tests. The student is interviewed about their work/ life experience, school subjects and future plans. Grades are examined and targets are set. A list of courses/training programmes are drawn up for each student and they are given information on career events, access programmes as applicable. It is hoped to meet each student twice in their leaving certificate year. Parents are welcome to attend the meeting.
NUI Galway, Athlone IT, University of Limerick, IT Carlow have addressed Leaving certificate and 5th year students this month on the range of courses and facilities at the respective colleges and have given students real insights into the third level experience. Past pupil Jack Kennedy also addressed 6th year students interested in Engineering. A TCD graduate himself, Jack gave the students real insights into studying the subject at third level and career opportunities afterwards.
Parents can pay for the IT Carlow / Carlow College Open Day on the school website. This tour will take place on November 14th 2019. Students will be given a map and a list of talks in advance so they can plan their day and gain the most information from the trip.
There will be a Parents Information Session in KTCS on Third Level Options and Applying to College on 13/11/2019 at 3.15 pm. All 6th year parents are welcome to attend. Information on access schemes will be given at the presentation.
KTCS participates in the Maynooth Access programme and this outreach programme provides many benefits for our students. The Guidance Counsellor coordinates a series of events ranging from Educational programmes, enhanced open days, science practical days, information sessions, Shadowing days, the College Connect programme, campus tours, MAP Ambassadors schools visits, maths drop in services, CoderDojo, Summer school and Computer and Entrepreneurship camps. These events benefit our students, promote positive community links and help to increase our participation in third level. All events will be advertised to students in the school throughout the year.
A total of 30 students commenced Business in the Community’s Skills at Work programme in association with Kildare Village. The introductory session took place in the Guidance suite. Students learnt about the company and the iconic shopping experience it offers. Over 6 sessions, students will develop work related skills and receive certificates in hospitality and Skills at Work at the end of the programme.
Kildare Village is sponsoring the Transition Year Careers Competition. The projects are on display in the Guidance lobby. Students have investigated a variety of areas such as Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Defence, Accountancy, Childcare, Hospitality, Law, Education and Construction amongst others. Winners will be announced on Friday.
Educational Guidance
Students have been learning about how to study in SPHE class and at assemblies. All students have been given study timetables to help them to plan their time. They have been also given study methodologies to try out at home at assembly. The focus this term was on:
- Flashcards where they make out questions and answers on cards and ask a friend of family member to quiz them.
- Teach someone else. It is said that true learning is when information is taken out of the head and applied. Students have been encouraged to speak aloud and tell their parents in summary form, about the information they have learnt.
- One page summaries and mind maps help students to condense the information in the book and aid with recall in exam situations.
The 1st year students who missed the CAT4 / Entrance test last May will sit the test this term. Parents’ reports which give parents ways to help with study and learning, are available to purchase at a cost of €5.
Personal Guidance
Personal Counselling is available to all students of KTCS on request. Students can make an appointment with any member of the care team which consists of the Principal, Deputy Principals, The Chaplain, Guidance Counsellor, year heads or resource teachers. The Chaplain and Guidance Counsellor will give the student an appointment slip which they present to the class teacher before attending.