East Glendalough School

East Glendalough School Guidance Programme

1. The School Guidance Programme

Introduction
The Education Act of 1998 Section 9 (c) requires that schools ensure students have access to appropriate guidance and develop a comprehensive guidance plan, as part of the overall School Development Plan, which takes into account the needs of students, available resources and contextual factors (www.education.ie, 2007). The Guidance programme can be defined as the full range of interventions that assist second level pupils to make choices in Educational, Personal and Social areas of their lives. Chapter One outlines East Glendalough’s School Guidance Programme, the staff involved in planning the programme and the personal, social, educational and career guidance programmes in place.

1.1 Setting the Scene
The Guidance Programme Plan outlined below is designed for East Glendalough School in Wicklow, a co-educational school under the auspices of the Church of Ireland. The school has 360 students and .6 of a Guidance Counsellor, which equates to a weekly allocation of 13 Guidance Counselling hours. The Guidance Counsellor has an office, careers library and personal computer. Guidance classes take place in the classroom or computer room. Career interviews and personal counselling take place in the Guidance Counsellors office

1.2 Staff involved in the Guidance Programme
The Guidance programme is an integral part of the school curriculum and as such involves the whole school community. The Guidance Counsellor consults and liases with the following key personnel in the planning and development of the programme. This is a continuous process which is regularly evaluated with a view to updating and enhancing the programme.

Principal, Deputy Principal, Head of Senior School, Head of Junior School
Year Heads, Form Tutors, Transition Year Co-ordinator
Learning Support Teachers, Resource Teachers, Special Needs Assistants
National Educational Psychological Service
Parents Association, Students Council, Students
Secretarial/Administrative/Caretaking staff

1.3 Personal & Social Guidance and Counselling
Personal and social guidance and counselling in schools aims to help students to make decisions, solve problems, resolve difficulties and develop coping strategies that will empower them to live more fulfilled lives. Students can be referred for counselling at their own request, the request of parents, other teachers or if a friend or peer draws it to the attention of any staff member that a student is in crisis. Counselling can only take place if the student is willing to participate and after an initial referral it is always the student’s choice whether they wish to continue. At all times it is the policy of the Guidance Service to respect and value a student who is receiving counselling and to provide the student with a safe, accepting atmosphere where they feel listened to and understood. Confidentiality is guaranteed except in situations where there is a risk to the student, to others, where the law has been broken or where there is ongoing abuse or neglect. The school is committed to following the Department of Health’s Child First Guidelines.

The Guidance Counsellor and Chaplain are the people primarily responsible for providing one to one counselling although all members of the school community have a role to play. Students are encouraged to talk to any member of staff with whom they feel comfortable, if they are experiencing difficulty, rather than not look for help. Individual counselling is seen as an integral part of the pastoral care system in the school and as part of the school’s responsibility to care for the student in a holistic way, taking into account their individual needs and developmental stage. It should be viewed in a positive light as an attempt on the part of the student and counsellor to. The theoretical orientation of the counselling is eclectic encompassing Rogerian, person-centred counselling, Adlerian counselling and Solution-Focussed counselling. The student is viewed holistically as a unique individual within their school and family environment. Counselling aims to develop a rapport with the student and build up a trusting relationship in which they can explore coping strategies and interventions in order to facilitate positive change in their lives.

1.4 Referrals
Students may be referred to outside agencies when the Guidance Counsellor or Chaplain feels that the student would benefit from specialised services that are out-with her area of expertise. In such cases parental permission is sought, except in exceptional circumstances such as physical or sexual abuse or neglect by a member of the family where the Department of Health Guidelines are followed. When recommending students for counselling it is the policy of the school to issue the parents/guardian with a list of accredited counsellors from the Directory of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy who can provide further help. It is not the policy of the school to recommend an individual counsellor.

1.5 Educational Guidance
Educational Guidance commences prior to student’s entry into the school. The Learning Support teacher visits feeder schools and meets with sixth class teachers to identify students who may require extra support from the Resource Department or the Guidance Counsellor. Drumcondra Verbal and Numerical Reasoning tests are administered by the Guidance Counsellor to first year students in October of the year of entry. These are evaluated in conjunction with the Learning Support teacher in order to identify students who may require extra help or resources. DATS (Differential Aptitude Tests) are administered in 4th year and cover Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Perceptual Speed & Accuracy, Mechanical Reasoning, Space Relations, Spelling and Language Usage, It is the policy of the school to give the results of these tests in writing individually to each student prior to them making their subject choices. The implications of subject choices for third level education and different careers are outlined during this talk. Students are encouraged to speak individually to the Guidance counsellor if further information is required. A series of evening lectures are provided by the Guidance Counsellor in conjunction with the Principal for parents in the following areas -

Subject Choice Evening for 1st & Transition Year parents
Maximising your success in the Leaving Certificate for 5/6th year parents
Applying to the C.A.O. and U.C.A.S. for 5/6th year parents

1.6 Career Guidance
Career Guidance is an on going process which commences when students enter the school and continues throughout their secondary school education. Students are provided with the knowledge, skills and resources to research the options open to them in areas such as subject choice, different types of careers, apprenticeships, employment opportunities and further study at college or university. Students will be guided towards making informed, realistic choices about their future plans after the Leaving Certificate. This takes place during classroom Guidance classes and individual career interviews.

1.7 Early School Leavers
The Guidance Service, in conjunction with members of staff and the resource department will endeavour to identify students whom they feel are at risk of early school leaving. The multi-faceted individual needs of these students are recognised by the school and a personal, flexible and holistic approach needs to be taken to meet their educational and personal requirements. The Guidance Service would liaise with the resource department to develop appropriate early interventions. This would include, where possible, adjusting their curriculum and providing extra support in numeracy, literacy, personal, social and career development programmes. The parents/guardians are an integral part of this process and the Guidance Service along with the resource department would keep them informed of their child’s progress and relevant parental and counselling support services.

2. The Guidance Programme

First Year:
Introductory talk to first year classes on the role of the Guidance Service and Open Door club - September
Administer and evaluate Drumcondra Verbal & Numerical Reasoning Tests in conjunction with Learning Support Teacher - October
Liaise with Form Teachers and Year Head to identify students at risk or who are having difficulty settling in
Individual counselling as required
Subject choice presentation at parents evening – March
Individual queries on subject choice – March/April

Second Year:
Individual Counselling as required
Advise 2nd Years on the role of the Guidance Service and Open Door Club
Subject choice or careers queries as required
Liaison with Form Teachers and Year Head

Third Year:
Individual Counselling as required
Advise 3rd Years on the role of the Guidance Service and Open Door Club
Subject choice or careers queries as required
Liaison with Form Teachers and Year Head

Transition Year
10-week careers module consisting of two 40-minute classes covering the
Be Real Game – Modules 1-7
Beat the Blues – Aware depression support group talk
Administer and issue results of Differential Aptitude Tests – March
Subject choice talk on the Implications of subject choice
Individual queries on aptitude test results or subject choice
Individual careers queries & Individual Counselling as required
Advise Transition Years on the Open Door Club
Liaison with Form Teachers and Year Head

Fifth Year
Weekly 40-minute career guidance class consisting of the following subjects:

• Goal setting and Time Management
• Options after the Leaving Certificate
• Introduction to the world of work, college and different types of qualifications
• Researching career options on the Internet, accessing useful websites and utilising specialised Career software
• Completing Career Interest Inventories online and by paper questionnaire
• Multiple Intelligence
• Entrepreneurship
• Overview of different Careers
• Goal setting and Career planning skills
• Careers exploration, project and action list
• Discussion groups, self awareness exercises
• Videos on college/university and different types of careers
• Guest speakers from college, business and industry
• Use of Careers library and computer room for career research

Individual career interview & queries
5th year parent teacher meetings
Advise 5th years on the Open Door Club
Individual Counselling as required

Sixth Year
Weekly 40-minute career guidance class consisting of the following subjects:

• Goal setting and Time Management
• Study Skills
• CAO, UCAS application procedures and PLC college applications
• UCAS Apply online application and personal statements
• Further Education Colleges application procedures and FETAC links scheme
• Review of career interest inventories
• Career Presentations to class on CAO choices
• Online application for CAO
• Interviewing skills, overview of psychometric & personality testing
• Managing exam stress
• Planning a GAP year
• Planning the transition to third level education
• Grants Information
• School trips to college/University Open Days
• Guest speakers from college, business and industry
• Use of Careers library and computer room for career research

Individual career interview & queries
6th year parent teacher meetings
Advise 6th years on the Open Door Club
Individual Counselling as required


2.2 School Guidance Service Year Plan

Term 1:
Introduction to the Guidance Service talk for first years
Administer & evaluate Drumcondra tests for First Years
Meetings with Principal and Deputy Principal
Meetings with Form Teachers and Year Heads
Meetings with Resource Departments
Meetings with Transition Year Co-ordinator
Liaison with National Educational Psychological Service
Give CAO talk at 5/6th year parents evening
Update careers library and renew licences for careers software packages
Update careers information boards & Open Door Club posters
Class contact with First, Transition Year, Fifth and Sixth Year students
Individual Counselling for all year groups
Individual Career Interviews for Sixth Year students
Assist students with UCAS applications and personal statements
UCAS Applications - Collate and write UCAS references
Assist past pupils with college/career enquiries
Meet individual students with queries from all year groups
Organise careers talks within the school
Organise students’ visit to Higher Options Careers Exhibition
Attend Higher Options Careers Exhibition
Identify students at risk who required support and counselling
Speak to parents re student’s subject & career choices
Speak to parents concerning students who are referred for counselling
Attend Institute of Guidance Counsellor’s counselling supervision groups
Attend branch meeting of Institute of Guidance Counsellors
Attend Guidance Counsellors COA (University/I.T. Admission Officers Conference)

Term 2:
Continuing class contact with Transition Year, Fifth and Sixth Year students
Meetings with Principal and Deputy Principal
Meetings with Form Teachers and Year Heads
Meetings with Resource Departments
Meetings with Transition Year Co-ordinator
Liaison with National Educational Psychological Service
CAO online applications
Individual Career Interviews for Sixth Year students
Individual Career Interviews for Fifth Year students
Individual Counselling for all year groups
Update Careers Library & Careers notice boards
Arrange careers talks
Attend Open Days & FAS Opportunities Conference
Attend Institute of Guidance Counsellor’s Annual Conference & In service training workshops & counselling supervision groups
Administer & feedback of results from DATS tests for Transition Year students
Subject choice presentation for Transition Year students
Subject choice presentation for 1st and Transition Year parents evening
5th year parent teacher meetings

Term 3:
Continuing class contact with Transition Year, Fifth and Sixth Year students
Meetings with Principal and Deputy Principal
Meetings with Form Teachers and Year Heads
Meetings with Resource Departments
Meetings with Transition Year Co-ordinator
Liaison with National Educational Psychological Service
Attend Institute of Guidance Counsellor’s counselling supervision group
Attend branch meeting of Institute of Guidance Counsellors
Individual Career Interviews for Fifth Year students
Write references for Further Education applicants
Individual careers enquiries
Individual Counselling for all year groups
Apply for grants for psychometric testing materials
Update careers library & recycle old material
Update Careers notice boards
Evaluate guidance programme – survey 6th year students

August
Give out information on CAO helpline support services when Leaving Certificate results are issued

Advise students and parents on college offers as required


3. Other Guidance Service Activities

• Counselling supervision group with local Guidance Counsellors – five times per year
• Liaison with Principal , B.O.M., staff and parents on Guidance Service
• Administration of Guidance Service – telephone calls, faxes, filing and dissemination of post and careers literature, emails, updating careers library, photocopying
• Preparation of Guidance classes and student handouts
• Collating and writing references for UCAS applicants
• Writing references for Further Education applicants and past pupils
• Networking with local employers, FAS, Youthreach
• Attending local branch meetings of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors
• Attending the Annual General Meeting and In service training day of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors
• Evaluating the Guidance Service – feedback from 6th year pupils, past pupils, parents and school management on effectiveness of the school Guidance Service
• Liaising with National Psychological Support Service over specific students
• Liaising with Social Work Department, Health Board or other professional organisations as required
• Meeting with Critical Incident Team to update procedures
• Keep up to date by attending the Higher Options Careers Conference, Open Days and specialised career events
• Keep abreast of new developments in third level educational requirements, new courses, employment opportunities and labour market trends

3.1 Resources available to the Guidance Counsellor

• Printed material – Prospectuses, books, newspaper and magazine articles, psychometric test materials, National Centre for Guidance in Education Manuals, Department of Education circulars
• Videos – Range of careers videos, University and colleges, Central Applications Office (CAO), FORFÁS skills shortages, Failte Ireland
• Internet – Qualifax, CAO, UCAS, Career Directions and list of useful careers websites issued to students
• Careers Software – JCal Career Progressions – Pathfinder & Skillcheck
• Careers Library – Career Choice, Applying to College, Life skills for adolescents, LCVP programme materials, Careersworld materials, Job File, Occupations, Engineering as a Career – Institute of Engineers, Science Technology & Engineering in Schools (STEPS) materials, Literature from professional organisations e.g. CIMA
• Community – Institute of Guidance Counsellors, National Centre for Guidance in Education, Department of Education, school staff & students, speakers from business & industry, college & university contacts, past pupils, parents

3.2 Evaluation and Accountability
In order to be effective it is essential that the school’s guidance programme be regularly evaluated to assess whether the learning objectives of the Guidance programme have been realised. The Guidance programme has been designed to be flexible and is continually reviewed by the Guidance Counsellor to ensure it keeps up to date with the changing needs of the school, third level education, employment opportunities and labour market trends. Sixth year students formally evaluate the guidance programme by way of an annual questionnaire in which suggestions for improvement are incorporated into the guidance programme. The Guidance Service and Principal also informally receive feedback from parents, students, teachers and past pupils as to what extent the Guidance service meets the needs of the school. The Guidance service also gives talks at staff meetings on topics such as critical incident planning.

3.3 Bibliography
Guidelines for Second Level Schools on the Implications of Section 9 (c) of the Education Act 1998, relating to students’ access to appropriate guidance. Available at: http://www.education.ie/servlet/blobservlet/pp_guideliines_second_level_schools_9c.pdf