Presentation Secondary School , Wexford

INFORMATION SHEET FOR PARENTS OF LEAVING CERT STUDENTS
SEPTEMBER 2009

6 Year is a very important year in your daughter’s education and in her future career. It is a short year; it is a time of hope and often some anxiety for both students and parents. It is vital that it is well planned right. We hope it will be both a happy and successful one for her. To ensure that it will be we suggest that attention be paid to certain key areas.


SCHOOL ATTENDENCE
Coming to school every day is essential in 6 year. Course work covered by teachers each day is very difficult to catch up on when missed. We would urge students not to take unnecessary days or half days off school.

PART-TIME JOBS
In order for your daughter to succeed and do her best, we strongly discourage part-time work during term time. It is our experience that it can become a priority over homework, disrupting study patterns, which affects student’s progress. 6 years need to be well rested each day attending school, which is not possible, if they are doing homework late into the night after work.


ORGANISATION
Key targets dates: the Halloween Break, Christmas Tests, and the ‘Mock’ Exams should be used to review progress.
1 term Tests 26th November 2008
Mock Exams – 23rd Feb 2009
Oral Exams- March (Orals are part of the Leaving Cert.)
LCVP written Exam- Mid May-
Leaving Cert Exam begins- Wed 3rd June 2009

We advise study(over learning) should be started now to avoid cramming thus causing anxiety and stress.


CAREER RESEARCH
It is vital that your daughter puts a great deal of thought and research into her future career options in the 1st term . Making career decisions -- is a process and requires hard work and effort by the individual student. Each 6 year has been allocated a career guidance interview but it is your daughter’s responsibility to research options discussed and to seek relevant information available from the colleges and other bodies. She may also request follow up career interviews if necessary. She can avail of the Careers Library and updated information is posted on the Careers Notice Board as it becomes available.


An Information Night for parents on entry procedures to 3 level courses will be held 0n Tuesday 2 December 2008






STUDY
Effective study in the 1 term is vital . Students are sometimes shocked to learn what is required for successful completion of homework and to have an effective revision programme.

Our advice is as follows:
Have a definite place to study--- a quiet place, a table & chair with good back support, good lighting, no TV/ radio or telephone interruption
Have a definite study time each day--- Routine helps success. A regular starting & finishing time is important. We advise a minimum of 3.5 hours homework/study 6 nights per week. Supervised study is available in school.
A study /Revision plan during mid-term, Christmas and Easter holidays is essential.
Supervised study during school breaks (Feb mid term & Easter)is offered to students.
Have a study Plan---Set out times as to what will be revised either before/after
homework.
Time management for revision not just homework at the weekend is particularly important .
Make sure all subjects are studied. We suggest 30/40- minute study periods with 5 minute breaks in between .
Ensure students are using active study methods--- effective note taking, mind maps and self tests, all of which will be discussed in class.
Set reasonable Targets---use key dates outlined already

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Games, hobbies, music etc. play an important part in your daughter’s physical and psychological well being. The right balance is important. There is nothing to be gained by giving all of them up provided they are not seen as a priority over school & study.
Proper diet, regular exercise and time to relax should be encouraged and are vital as they provide a counter balance to the hours of study in this highly stressful year


Stress Management
6 Year is a very pressurised year for most students and stress is a serious issue for many. A certain amount of stress can help to bring out their best performance but excessive stress can be damaging. Taking on too much, working outside of school, having many extra- curricular activities, very high expectations and not managing study can lead to overload.
Symptoms include; tension & irritability, withdrawal, absenteeism, poor timekeeping, low morale and physical disorders such as ulcers, skin & dietary problems.
We would encourage students to:
1) Plan work---Start now!
Do not take on to much---make school a priority for the next 6 months
Try to maintain a balanced lifestyle----relax, eat and sleep well, take some exercise. Plan some time off at the weekend
Practise relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, meditation
Learn to recognise when they are not coping and get help early
Talk to someone at home or at school




We wish your daughter every success in her endeavours this year.

GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS