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Words: Niamh Dwyer

The anxious wait is almost over for Leaving Certificate students as the Leaving Cert results will be issued on Wednesday next, the August 15. Results will be available in schools on Wednesday morning and can be accessed online on

www.examinations.ie (from 12 noon) by keying in examination and pin numbers.

The results represent a milestone and every student deserves huge congratulations for reaching it. For many it is a very exciting day when students reap the rewards of months of hard work. For some students it can be tinged with disappointment for a variety of reasons. For all students it is important to keep the results in perspective and to remember that there are plenty of options available for all, in further and higher education institutions, apprenticeships, training programmes and in the world of work.

Students will make important decisions in the coming weeks so it is important to be aware of the key deadlines relevant to results, viewing of scripts and CAO offers.

On receipt of their results most students will be quickly doing a tot of their best six grades to calculate their points total. It will then be another waiting game as the CAO points required for 2018 entry won’t be known until Monday, August 20 at 6am when the 1^st round CAO offers will be available online. It is important to ensure that minimum entry requirements and specific course requirements are met before points are relevant. Exact requirements are available on the college websites and in prospectuses.

Viewing of examination papers and Appeals

Students who wish to view their marked examination paper can do so by

Completing an application form for Viewing Scripts, which students receive with their Leaving Cert results.  This form must be returned to the school by August 22. There is no charge for this service and students will be given a viewing time on either Aug 31/Sept 1 by the school.

Students who wish to appeal their examination result you can use the online Appeals Application Service to do so. The service will be available from 12 noon on 20 August 20. Students will need their examination number and PIN to access this service. While it is not necessary to view the script before appealing the result, it is advisable to do so as students can be downgraded as well as upgraded on appeal.

When students apply online and pay the fee, they will get an Appeal Confirmation Form which must be printed and brought to the Organising Superintendent in the school/centre where they sat the Leaving Cert no later than 3 September 2018. All details can be found on www.examinations.ie

Decisions

This can be both an exciting and anxious time for students awaiting results and their parents so it is important to take time to enjoy the achievement and to consider carefully choices being made over the coming weeks. Remember there is life after Leaving Cert and a bright one at that. 

Next week: Guidance on CAO Offers and other options for students 

Niamh Dwyer is a guidance counsellor in Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore and is PRO of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors. She can be contacted on careerfocusnow@gmail.com