Latest news with #BrianMooney
Irish Times
06-06-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Carl O'Brien: ‘Take a deep breath - the weekend is a time to recharge'
Phew – that was intense. The first few days of the exams really are the hardest. The weekend, thankfully, offers the chance of some much-needed respite for everyone. Leaving Cert students who sat maths paper one on Friday afternoon may well feel deflated . But remember: if it was hard for them, it was hard for lots of others too. Our live coverage of the exams on Friday includes lots of comments from students who really struggled with the content and questions. Examiners tend to mark 'hard' exams easier in order to keep the same proportion of grades from year to year. It's also know as the bell curve . So, there is every chance the marking scheme will take account of this. READ MORE Students Why not take a deep breath – the weekend is an opportunity to recharge. It may be tempting to spend every moment revising, but rest is just as important. Brian Mooney, our guidance counsellor, recommends a balanced approach : review upcoming exams in manageable sessions, and then step away from the books. Take a walk, get exercise, meet up with friends or watch your favourite show: it can do wonders for your focus and mood. Parents For parents, supporting your child can simply involve a calm presence and encouraging downtime. Try to keep the atmosphere relaxed and remind them that it's normal to feel nervous or tired. A favourite meal, a listening ear or a quiet space to work can make all the difference. With balance, support and rest, your child can face the week ahead with greater energy and clarity. Keep going – you're doing great!
Irish Times
05-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Carl O'Brien: ‘Students buoyed by positive to start to State exams 2025'
So, it's day two and done. For many students, the first 48 hours of the Junior Cycle and Leaving Cert exams have been nerve-racking, energy-sapping and emotionally draining. Yet, candidates have also been getting into their stride, honing their exam technique and learning to pace themselves. The generally positive reaction to Leaving Cert English papers one and paper two has certainly helped, buoyed by the much-predicted appearance of Eavan Boland. If your student is still struggling, our guidance counsellor Brian Mooney has solid advice on how to approach the papers: take time to review then initially and leaving time and space to review answers. READ MORE Anxiety Exam anxiety can still be a factor for some students: bursts of panic, feeling sick, stomach turning to jelly, stage fright. My colleague Peter McGuire has spoken to experts in the field . We were stuck by this comment. 'Testing is not a natural state – it is an artificial condition that we have created that has negative impacts on many people's mental health,' says Dr Jennifer Symonds, associate professor of education at UCD school of education. His article has plenty of tips to help address exam anxiety such as 'diaphragmatic' breathing', keeping smartphones at bay and avoiding marathon study sessions. Marathons Speaking of which, my colleague Cian O'Connell has documented the rise of 'extreme study ' online, such as 5am starts and 12-hour sessions. It's fair to say that none of the expert we spoke to recommended it. Friday, at least, gives students a chance to relax, breathe out and take stock. As Brian Mooney says in his advice for parents, some young people taking the Leaving Cert can mistakenly believe their standing in their parents' eyes is dependent on their success in the exam. 'Ensure your son or daughter is clear that your love for them is in no way dependent on how they perform,' he says. 'This affirmation is one of the greatest gifts you can give them during the exams.' Tomorrow : Leaving Cert: geography (9.30-12 midday), maths paper one (2-4.30pm) Junior Cycle: history (9.30-11.30am), maths (1.30-3.30pm) How are we doing? If you are a parent/ guardian of a Leaving Cert student, we'd love to hear from you. Maybe you have a personal story to share, have a burning question or want to comment on the exams, CAO and further education applications process. Please click the link below to send us your questions or feedback: ingCert
Irish Times
03-06-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Carl O'Brien: ‘You've got this' - Leaving Cert tips for students and their supporters
It's almost here. Whether you're a student running over revision notes one last time or a parent/guardian doing your best to offer support, many households are feeling a mixture of nerves, pressure and hope on the eve of the State exams. The Irish Times Classroom to College newsletter is here to help: we've pulled together advice, tips and gentle reminders to make the coming weeks a little bit easier – for students and those cheering them on. Our guidance counsellor Brian Mooney has seen dozens of Leaving Cert classes come and go. He has distilled his wisdom into this guidance for parents and students on how to handle the exams. 'There is no need for parents to overhype the importance of the exams,' he writes. 'Students put themselves under enough pressure as it is.' READ MORE It's fair to say his advice is the polar opposite of this ... For students, the clock may be ticking but it's not too late to make a real impact. Whether brushing up on key concepts or calming exam nerves, a few strategic moves now can boost your confidence. We've gathered last-minute subject-by-subject tips for the Leaving Cert from seasoned teachers to help you stay sharp and steady. This year, students from Athlone Community College will be charting their exam highs and lows with daily student diaries. Peter McGuire spoke with them and found them to be focused, hopeful and surprisingly relaxed in advance of the exams. Our Leaving Cert exam diarists from Athlone Community College, Athlone, Co Westmeath. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill Not everyone is quite so calm. We were struck by the proliferation of 'extreme study' video diaries on social media. Study regimes include 5am alarms and 12-hour sessions . Any experts we spoke are far from convinced it is a route to success. Finally, our Leaving Cert parent Damian Cullen has written a funny, moving and uplifting column as his daughter prepares to take on the exams. Do, please, read it - it is well worth it. In the meantime, over the coming days we'll be providing daily reaction to the exams, help with navigating career choices and the CAO, as well as daily doses of encouragement and advice. We wish you all the very best of luck over the days and weeks ahead. - Carl O'Brien, Irish Times education editor How are we doing? If you are a parent/ guardian of a Leaving Cert student, we'd love to hear from you. Maybe you have a personal story to share, have a burning question or want to comment on the exams, CAO and further education applications process. Please click the link below to send us your questions or feedback: ingCert
Irish Times
30-05-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Classroom to college: your essential Leaving Cert guide
Nerves are jangling, pressure is building and teeth are on edge – and that's just the parents. The Leaving Certificate doesn't just test students; it can feel like the whole household is sitting the exams as kitchen counters are strewn with highlighters and dog-eared study notes. So, how can you help your child prepare for the exams? What's the best way to keep spirits from flagging? And how can you help ensure they pick the right study options after school? READ MORE Our new Classroom to College newsletter will include: 'Get seated 30 minutes beforehand': Leaving Cert survival guide from guidance counsellor Brian Mooney; Exam diarists from Athlone Community College who will share the highs and lows of the Leaving Cert exams; Up-to-the-minute reaction to all the big exams with access to the exam papers; Parents' diary : Damian Cullen on trying to stay calm as the tempest approaches; Analysis of how the move to lower grades towards pre-pandemic norms will affect the class of 2025 in the CAO points race; The inside track on alternative pathways available in further education and third level to help students fulfil their dream careers; My Leaving : entertainers, broadcasters and politicians recall their most vivid exam memories When August comes, we'll provide expert advice on guidance on CAO offers, a live help desk staffed by our team of guidance counsellors to deal with readers' queries, and detailed guidance on the smart options in further education and training.
