CPD IN WHOLE SCHOOL GUIDANCE PLANNING

The philosophy behind the programme is encapsulated in the following Chinese Proverb:

“If you give a man a fish he will eat for a day.  Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.” Confucius.

The programme then is about equipping guidance counsellors and schools with the knowledge and skills that are required to undertake the guidance planning process, rather than providing schools with a guidance plan.  This takes into account the uniqueness of each school and the context in which the guidance counsellor operates.  On successful completion of the programme (I.e. all 3 modules) guidance counsellors will receive a HETAC Special Purpose Certificate in Whole School guidance Planning.  This award is a level 8 award of the National Framework of Qualifications (www.NFQ.ie).

Guidance counsellors who successfully complete a module on the programme will receive a Single Subject Certificate.  This certificate is not an award, it will indicate the title of the module and the ECTS credits (10 for each module) attached to each module.  A Subject Certificate will be available for each module and on successful completion of the third module and all programme requirements each learner will also receive the full HETAC Special Purpose Certificate as indicated above. 

 To be a participant on the above modules guidance counsellors will need to fulfill the following entry criteria: Be:

• Currently working in a post-primary school

• Able to use Microsoft Word, Email and the Internet.

Have:

• A qualification in guidance recognised by the Department of Education and Science as outlined in Circular Letter PPT 12/05. Guidance counsellors with qualifications other than those listed will have to provide evidence that the Department has approved their qualification for working in a post-primary school. The approval of the school Principal.

• Access to a computer and the internet (preference will be given to schools with broadband).  

In addition to the above entry criteria, guidance counsellors who wish to participate on Module 2 must also:

·        Have completed Module 1: Reviewing Whole School Guidance.

OR

·        Submit a portfolio to the NCGE demonstrating that (s)he has achieved the learning outcomes for Module 1.

Applicants who achieve a place on the Module will have:

• Submitted a fully completed application form by post. Fulfilled the above entry criteria.

• Submitted their application form on time

In the event of demand (eligible applicants) exceeding places on a module (the number of Centre's is determined by NCGE’s ability to support those Centres) random selection of applications will be used. 

Please note that the location of a Centre is determined by local demand (minimum of 15 participants).