The daily grind

The intense learning environment of a grinds school can deliver amazing results for some students.

In Limerick Tutorial College, the average increase across repeat students in 2013 was just over 100 points. A total of 32.7% achieved over 500 points, while six attained over 600 points. Some 47% go over 450 points.

“There are a variety of reasons why students could end up repeating,” explains principal John O’Halloran. “We work with a student’s ability and discuss their options for the year ahead.”

Limerick Tutorial College takes fifth and sixth years as well as repeat Leaving Cert students. Repeat students can tailor their subjects depending on matriculation requirements, and some may take on new ones. Supervised study forms an important part of a student’s routine.

“Many of our past pupils find they are better prepared for college because they learned how to use their time and got into the habit of picking up the books when they’re not in class,” says John.

Similarly, in the Institute of Education on Leeson Street in Dublin, emphasis is placed on the development of study skills.

“We are very strong on study,” explains career guidance counsellor Mary Dorgan. “We show them how to make timetables and plan their revision. In class, we give notes so they can fully concentrate on what’s being taught.”

The institute is a full-day school which caters for sixth year students only. Approximately 100 students repeat the Leaving Cert in the school each year. For students who are hoping to study medicine, all subjects have to be taken again.

“With Post Leaving Cert courses (PLCs) and the wide range of courses available nowadays, we find that students repeat for good reasons. Illness or bereavement could have affected their performance,” says Mary.

“We sit down with them to find out why they need to repeat and if they are likely to increase. They can drop subjects they weren’t good at, and we recommend some they can take on. For example, if a student is good at biology and geography, we might advise them to take on ag science. We teach 26 subjects so there is a wide range to choose from. Point increases vary, but some students can jump by up to 150. Others are only here for those 10 extra points.”

The school is open for study from 8am to 9pm during the week, 9am to 4pm on Saturday and from lunch to 6pm on Sunday. A website called Moodle is used as a resource for notes and continuous assessment.

Mary continues: “Assessing students throughout the year is important and helps prepare them for college,” says Mary. “Parents are kept informed on how their child is performing throughout the year. It’s important that students don’t make the same mistakes they did the year before.”