By Sean Murphy
OVER 2,500 successful Donegal students who got their results and celebrated over the weekend are now anxiously awaiting offers.
The grades were revealed last Friday from their June exams when 253 students sat the Leaving Cert Applied programme.
The Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) is a two-year practical and vocationally oriented programme that prepares students for adult and working life.
Nationally, some 65,326 students took the traditional Leaving Cert, with 4,779 sitting the Leaving Cert Applied.
The numbers represent the highest participation ever in the 100-year history of the exams.
The students were all congratulated by their schools.
Loreto Letterkenny principal Caroline McHugh told the Donegal News: “We are immensely proud of each and every one of our students.”
Errigal College principal Danny McFadden said: “There was plenty of excitement among students getting their results.”
The school’s deputy principal Deirdre Markham said: “We’re really happy with the grades in Honours Maths this year.”
Leaving Year students at Loreto Secondary School in Letterkenny were pictured after they completed their exams and are now awaiting offers. Photo: Brian McDaid.
Donegal TD Charles Ward said: “Remember that your Leaving Cert results are just a snapshot of one moment in time.
“They do not define your worth, your intelligence, or your future success.”
The National Ambulance Service issued advice to students as the celebrations are set to continue when the first offers are made in just two days’ time this Wednesday.
A spokesperson said: “We’re appealing to parents to talk to your child about being sensible when it comes to alcohol, drugs and going out.
“While we want everyone to enjoy themselves and the celebrations, it’s important to be safe.
“Make sure they’ve made a plan for getting home, that they know to never drive under the influence, to stay with their friends while out and to call 999 in an emergency, no matter what has happened.”
Students, who want to see their exam script, have been advised to do so quickly.
A spokesperson for Citizens Information said: “The window to apply to see your Leaving Certificate exam script is narrow!
“You can apply to view your script on the Candidate Self-Service Portal from 5pm [tomorrow] on Tuesday, August 25, until 8pm on Wednesday, August 26.
“There is no fee to view your exam script. If your script was marked manually, you’ll be invited to your school for a three-hour viewing session at a specific time on Saturday, August 29.
“If your script was marked online, you can view it online from 9am on Saturday, August 29, until 9am on Sunday, August 30.”
Key dates to look out for now include August 26 when Round 1 offers are available online from 2pm; September 1 at 3pm which is the closing date to accept a Round 1 offer; September 7 when Round 2 offers are available online from 2pm; September 9 at 3pm which is the closing date to accept a Round 2 offers; September 15 when Round 3 offers are available online at 10am; and September 17 at 3pm, which is the closing date to accept a Round 3 offer.
The Department of Education has set up a helpline for students who need advice with next steps.
A spokesperson said: “Following the release of Leaving Certificate results, the Department of Education and Youth, in partnership with the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC), National Parents Council (NPC) and Irish Second-level Students Union (ISSU), will provide a free National Parents and Students Leaving Certificate Helpline.
“Helpline is freephone 1800 265 165 or text 086 180 0685. The helpline opened on Leaving Certificate results day (August 21).
“It remain available until 2pm on Saturday, August 29.”
He added: “What topics are covered? The helpline is staffed by experienced guidance counsellors who can support students and parents.
“The advice includes understanding Leaving Certificate results, viewing exam scripts and the appeals process, CAO applications and offers, apprenticeships, Further Education and Training (FET), and Tertiary Degrees and other progression pathways.”