Students should be proud of what they have achieved, knowing it is only the first step on a career path for them that has many options - Minister Hanafin
Mary Hanafin T.D., Minister for Education and Science today congratulated students, parents and teachers following the release of the Leaving Certificate Examination results for 2006. "This is an important milestone and can be a time of great celebration and indeed relief for students and their families as the results become available" said Minister Hanafin. From this morning over 54,000 candidates will receive their results from the 2006 Leaving Cert exams.
"I am happy to see that the results and trends are on a par with previous years" said Minister Hanafin. "Again, I would ask students who have performed well in the subjects in the examinations to think carefully about choosing courses in the Science, Engineering and Technology sectors. These areas offer qualifications which are in high demand with good career prospects, and are critically important to support the growth of high value knowledge based industries in Ireland."
Minister Hanafin urged students and parents to think carefully about their options, and to seek advice where they are uncertain. "There has never been more options or choices available than there are now for students coming out of school with their Leaving Cert. Last year some 38,000 students accepted a CAO offer and a further 23,000 entered Post Leaving Certificate courses. In addition, there is a wide range of other training and education opportunities available, such as apprenticeships. So whatever your results - there is something out there for you.
I want to also say to students who feel that they may not have done as well as they had hoped that all is not lost. Look at all the options and career paths that are open to them and the variety of ways to gain additional academic credits which could lead you to your chosen career path in the future."
Minister Hanafin also urged students to seek guidance from the people that matter to them most, their parents, families and teachers. "While some students will be out of the country at this time and can access their results on-line or over the phone, I still think it is important that students go to their school, be with their friends and get the help and support that their teachers are there to provide. There are also a number of professionally manned helplines available where students and parents can seek information and guidance on the options available to them.
I hope that students getting their results celebrate with their friends sensibly and enjoy their achievement while not putting themselves or others at any risk."
Minister Hanafin also congratulated the State Examinations Commission on their fourth year operating the examination system. Students will be able to access their examination results online at www.examinations.ie from midday on Wednesday, quoting their Personal Identification Number (PIN) and Examination Numbers. Results are also available from midday (quoting PIN and examination numbers) by phoning 1530 719 290 for callers in the Republic of Ireland, or 00353 1 258 9001 for callers from outside the Republic.
Students will be able to access the CAO online at www.CAO.ie from 6.00am on Monday 21st August to view their third level offers and apply for courses.
Helplines
Irish Independent/National Parents Council Helpline - 1800 265 165 and The Irish Times College Helpline - 1800 946 942 are both available to provide support and advice from professional counsellors from the Institute of Guidance Counsellors.
ENDS