Will the leaving cert be enough to join?

Marshall987

Hi

Im going back to do my leaving cert this september so i can join the guards.

One of my friends told me today that there changing the whole requirements to join and that just having a leaving cert is no more good that ill need to go to college afterwards to get a degree.

Is there any truth in this?

Thanks lads.

da__flash

Marshall987 wrote: »

Hi

Im going back to do my leaving cert this september so i can join the guards.

One of my friends told me today that there changing the whole requirements to join and that just having a leaving cert is no more good that ill need to go to college afterwards to get a degree.

Is there any truth in this?

Thanks lads.

well according to the review report and its recommendations, they are not set in stone you will need a 140 points in your leaving cert, nothing about a degree but it is nearly better for yourself to get a degeree if want. But its totally up to each person involved. So answer your question no u wont need a degree to apply

Marshall987

140 points,does that equal out to the educational requirements already in place i never sat my leaving so i don't know anything about points.

Is there alot of people that get to join with just a leaving cert that have no interest going on to college as im 21 going back to sit my leaving just to join the gaurds and have no interest in anything else.

Thanks.

longhalloween

Id say joining the guards is just like every other job, in that the more education ya have the better the chances of getting in.

It says on the website that the LC is good enough, but if theres a load of college graduates applying it might not be enough to distinguish yourself from the pack.

SO study hard and get good grades, especially in english and irish, as they're the required subjects.

Shield

longhalloween wrote: »

SO study hard and get good grades, especially in english and irish, as they're the required subjects.

Correction:
English and another language, such as Irish is required, OR
Irish and another language such as English is required.

You don't necessarily need to have both. You could have English and French, English and German, Irish and Italian, Irish and Spanish, and so on. As long as you have either English OR Irish plus another language, you fulfill the requirements.

Saxobank

Marshall987 wrote: »

140 points,does that equal out to the educational requirements already in place i never sat my leaving so i don't know anything about points.

Is there alot of people that get to join with just a leaving cert that have no interest going on to college as im 21 going back to sit my leaving just to join the gaurds and have no interest in anything else.

Thanks.

Hi Marshall987, like yourself i had no interest in anything else... I joined with just the leaving cert behind me like many others, applied when i was 18,got in when i turned 19, i am 21 now and havent looked back.

Alot of people will give the advice of '' go to college or travel '' but to be honest if you do really want it then just go for it. I did and havent looked back... If i can be of any more assistance send me a PM

Saxobank

longhalloween wrote: »

Id say joining the guards is just like every other job, in that the more education ya have the better the chances of getting in.

It says on the website that the LC is good enough, but if theres a load of college graduates applying it might not be enough to distinguish yourself from the pack.

SO study hard and get good grades, especially in english and irish, as they're the required subjects.

Thats not true in the slightest...

tots78

Why is the leaving cert so important.

I am 32 and would love to join the force, i have 2 kids and can not afford to do night courses and i work during the day so my only time with the kids is the evening...I think life skills are more important than the leaving cert...

I am tall,fit and well built, and very street smart surely that is more important than a few passes in the leaving...

longhalloween

Saxobank wrote: »

Thats not true in the slightest...

Im just sayin that since there hasnt been a recruitment in a while, id imagine there will be more applicants than usual and many of the candidates who would have applied after the LC in the past years might have gone onto further education until the moratorium was lifted and I would think that recruiters would be looking for the most ideal candidates. Thats why people who hold a degree get paid more per year when they finish the garda training

That said, since nothing has been decided on requirement and recommendations it's anyones guess to what will happen and i wish the best of luck to all of us who are applying.

Marshall987

Saxobank wrote: »

Hi Marshall987, like yourself i had no interest in anything else... I joined with just the leaving cert behind me like many others, applied when i was 18,got in when i turned 19, i am 21 now and havent looked back.

Alot of people will give the advice of '' go to college or travel '' but to be honest if you do really want it then just go for it. I did and havent looked back... If i can be of any more assistance send me a PM

Thanks Saxobank

For the reassurance thats exactly how i feel i have no interest in going to college doing a degree ill have no interest in or travelling around the world spending every single day wanting to be a guard.

Im 21 since march and can't wait to get started and finish the leaving cert so i can actually get the whole process started of becoming a Garda.

Thanks

da__flash

tots78 wrote: »

Why is the leaving cert so important.

I am 32 and would love to join the force, i have 2 kids and can not afford to do night courses and i work during the day so my only time with the kids is the evening...I think life skills are more important than the leaving cert...

I am tall,fit and well built, and very street smart surely that is more important than a few passes in the leaving...

From garda.ie (http://www.garda.ie/FAQ/Default.aspx?FAQCategory=13#FAQ332)

What are the educational requirements?
Candidates must have obtained in the Leaving Certificate:

• A grade not lower than B3 at Foundation Level or D3 at another level in Mathematics, and
• A qualifying grade in 2 languages, 1 of which must be English or Irish, as follows:
  English: a grade not lower that D3 at Ordinary Level
  Irish: a grade not lower than C3 at Foundation Level or D3 at another level
  Other language: a grade not lower than D3 at Ordinary Level, and
• A grade not lower than D3 at Ordinary Level, in not less than 2 other subjects

Or
The Merit Grade in the Applied Leaving Certificate
Or
Like Grades in another examination, which, in the opinion of the Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform, is not of a lower standard than the above

tots78

da__flash wrote: »

From garda.ie (http://www.garda.ie/FAQ/Default.aspx?FAQCategory=13#FAQ332)

What are the educational requirements?
Candidates must have obtained in the Leaving Certificate:

• A grade not lower than B3 at Foundation Level or D3 at another level in Mathematics, and
• A qualifying grade in 2 languages, 1 of which must be English or Irish, as follows:
  English: a grade not lower that D3 at Ordinary Level
  Irish: a grade not lower than C3 at Foundation Level or D3 at another level
  Other language: a grade not lower than D3 at Ordinary Level, and
• A grade not lower than D3 at Ordinary Level, in not less than 2 other subjects

Or
The Merit Grade in the Applied Leaving Certificate
Or
Like Grades in another examination, which, in the opinion of the Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform, is not of a lower standard than the above

Im just stating that i dont understand how a 19yr old skinny wet behind the ears kid out of school could be more use to the AGS than me 32, 6'4", well built, fit and having a head on my shoulders...

I dont understand why you need the leaving cert.

da__flash

tots78 wrote: »

Im just stating that i dont understand how a 19yr old skinny wet behind the ears kid out of school could be more use to the AGS than me 32, 6'4", well built, fit and having a head on my shoulders...

I dont understand why you need the leaving cert.

Is that not just the same as asking why do you need your leaving cert for anything?!?

Saxobank

longhalloween wrote: »

Im just sayin that since there hasnt been a recruitment in a while, id imagine there will be more applicants than usual and many of the candidates who would have applied after the LC in the past years might have gone onto further education until the moratorium was lifted and I would think that recruiters would be looking for the most ideal candidates. Thats why people who hold a degree get paid more per year when they finish the garda training

That said, since nothing has been decided on requirement and recommendations it's anyones guess to what will happen and i wish the best of luck to all of us who are applying.

That isnt the case, your as equal as the guy sitting next to you at all stages of the recruitment process,

when i went through the process some of the lads who were sitting around me had done done degrees galore and never made it to templemore.

The interviews are not based on your education status, However you can sway your answers toward your education... none the less once you meet the minumum requirement your game ball and in with the exact same chance as the lad with 5 degrees

Shield

tots78 wrote: »

Im just stating that i dont understand how a 19yr old skinny wet behind the ears kid out of school could be more use to the AGS than me

Probably because he didn't stereotype?

This comment was uncalled for, unprovoked, and unfair to members of An Garda Síochána who happen to be young in years, but mature and intelligent enough to have been welcomed into the force despite their age.

Consider this a warning: This forum does not tolerate ageist remarks, so please refrain from posting such comments in the future. I would strongly advise that you read the charter before posting in this forum again.

Back on topic please...

I agree that the Leaving Cert shouldn't be necessary for AGS, as it's a prerequisite that you won't really need.

How many mathematical equations do AGS members try to work out daily? PSNI, NGA... When was the last time you guys had to do algebra or trigonometry as part of your job?


That said, I do believe that there should be other requirements. You should have a clean driving license, have some background in self-defence, be a competent (of not certified) swimmer, have some kind of certificate in Law/Poilicing studies, etc. etc.


Personally, I'm also heading back to the Leaving Cert this year, with the intention of sitting it next year. I'm useless academically, so I'm gonna really have to try my hardest at it. I'm also not in good shape at all, so I'll spend time trying to get fitter, learning to swim, drive (pretty much everything i mentioned I feel should be prerequisites is what I'll work on).


I reckon they should encourage people to have some kind of interest/experience with Irish Law. Maybe FETAC could bring in a Cert that people could study towards in their on time (via evening courses or the likes).


EDIT: Is there any kind of education sysytem within AGS? or is there any point wher you can get time off to study something you're interested in?

amen

I agree that the Leaving Cert shouldn't be necessary for AGS, as it's a prerequisite that you won't really need

why not? the Leaving Cert or equivalent states the you have obtained a basic standard of education (140 points is not exactly high). After 14 years of education you should be able to pass english, maths, irish etc.

Why would you want someone who has not completed their leaving cert?

When was the last time you guys had to do algebra or trigonometry as part of your job?

I accept that but again its the ability to pass basic education.

have some background in self-defence

I actually think thats a bad idea. Better to have a blank slate an train correctly.

competent (of not certified) swimme

how often does a Garda have to swim in the course of his duties? About as much as using trig.

have some kind of certificate in Law/Poilicing studies

but doesn't need to Leaving Cert?

I'm also not in good shape at all

bet that applies to a proportion of the force

longhalloween

True enough that the leaving cert wont help you when you're walking the streets or responding to calls.

But for report writing, all the administrative work and for career advancement further education will stand to benefit you.

The leaving cert is a state exam and AGS are state controlled, so ya gotta play by their rules.

You might not need any particular aspect of education (like algebra) but the purpose of education is to broaden your horizons, make you think critically and outside the box and enable you to take different approaches to a problem.

(BTW totally agree with the above post!)

Saxobank

Deleted User wrote: »

I agree that the Leaving Cert shouldn't be necessary for AGS, as it's a prerequisite that you won't really need.

How many mathematical equations do AGS members try to work out daily? PSNI, NGA... When was the last time you guys had to do algebra or trigonometry as part of your job?


That said, I do believe that there should be other requirements. You should have a clean driving license, have some background in self-defence, be a competent (of not certified) swimmer, have some kind of certificate in Law/Poilicing studies, etc. etc.


Personally, I'm also heading back to the Leaving Cert this year, with the intention of sitting it next year. I'm useless academically, so I'm gonna really have to try my hardest at it. I'm also not in good shape at all, so I'll spend time trying to get fitter, learning to swim, drive (pretty much everything i mentioned I feel should be prerequisites is what I'll work on).


I reckon they should encourage people to have some kind of interest/experience with Irish Law. Maybe FETAC could bring in a Cert that people could study towards in their on time (via evening courses or the likes).


EDIT: Is there any kind of education sysytem within AGS? or is there any point wher you can get time off to study something you're interested in?

In relation to the bold type in the quote, you have to use maths for Forensic collision investigation and other areas of AGS.. Maybe not for regular policing but in order to go into a specialist area all of the leaving cert subjects are handy!

Marshall987

Deleted User wrote: »

I agree that the Leaving Cert shouldn't be necessary for AGS, as it's a prerequisite that you won't really need.

How many mathematical equations do AGS members try to work out daily? PSNI, NGA... When was the last time you guys had to do algebra or trigonometry as part of your job?


That said, I do believe that there should be other requirements. You should have a clean driving license, have some background in self-defence, be a competent (of not certified) swimmer, have some kind of certificate in Law/Poilicing studies, etc. etc.


Personally, I'm also heading back to the Leaving Cert this year, with the intention of sitting it next year. I'm useless academically, so I'm gonna really have to try my hardest at it. I'm also not in good shape at all, so I'll spend time trying to get fitter, learning to swim, drive (pretty much everything i mentioned I feel should be prerequisites is what I'll work on).


I reckon they should encourage people to have some kind of interest/experience with Irish Law. Maybe FETAC could bring in a Cert that people could study towards in their on time (via evening courses or the likes).


EDIT: Is there any kind of education sysytem within AGS? or is there any point wher you can get time off to study something you're interested in?

Are you doing only 1 year in school then sitting your exam that summer.
Id like to spend only one year doing it but am doing it with Vtos and feel like id need to do the second year before id be ready to sit the exams.

amen

amen wrote: »

why not? the Leaving Cert or equivalent states the you have obtained a basic standard of education (140 points is not exactly high). After 14 years of education you should be able to pass english, maths, irish etc.

By the same token, shouldn't the Junior Cert suffice then?

Why would you want someone who has not completed their leaving cert?

Well I'm not saying they'd 'want' people who haven't completed it. I'm saying it shouldn't be a mandatory prerequisite.

I accept that but again its the ability to pass basic education.

Again, the Junior cert should surely be enough?

I actually think thats a bad idea. Better to have a blank slate an train correctly.

Whilst I do see where you're coming from, I think it'd be good to have people who, once they become Gardaì, will have enough of an interest in other (relevant) activities, that they will continue to learn in their own time. Id imagine that if there were a two week class in templemore based on self defence, then it'd be likely that two weeks of self-defence is all 90% of AGS members would ever do.

Whereas if you have someone with a background/interest in it, then they'll be likely to continue learning as they go along. Admittedly, if there is an AGS standard for this kind of thing, it would be more difficult to break someone's bad habits than just teach them from scratch, but I think on the long run it'd be a better option.

how often does a Garda have to swim in the course of his duties? About as much as using trig.

Admittedly it's not very common, but they do tend to go into rivers after people who are drowning every now and again.

but doesn't need to Leaving Cert?

Well I know a woman who has no leaving, but still went off to college as a mature student and got her degree or diploma or whatever it is she has. I'd say she's very well educated, but she has no Leaving cert.

bet that applies to a proportion of the force

Do you reckon that helps my chances? :pac:

Seriously though; there are a lot of unfit Gardaì, but most are usually those who look like they have been in the force for a while in my experience (just generally seeing them about). I think this further backs up my earlier point; if a potential Garda has a strong interest or background in self defence/swimming/health & fitness in general, then that Garda is likely to be more useful down the line in such situations than a Garda who doesn't particularly care about it and only has a few weeks training he did with AGS under his belt.


That said, I don't mind the current system. I like that they ask only for two languages and maths. At least they can be counted as somewhat relevant to Policing. I suppose I should be happy they don't want an A in history or something completely absurd.

Marshall987 wrote: »

Are you doing only 1 year in school then sitting your exam that summer.
Id like to spend only one year doing it but am doing it with Vtos and feel like id need to do the second year before id be ready to sit the exams.

I'm doing it with the Louth VEC. They only do it for one year. On one hand, I'm glad, as it means that I'll be able to have it over and done in one year (even if I don't do very well in it, I imagine I'd still at least be able to reach the Garda requirements).

On the other hand, rote learning and general school work isn't my strong point and never has been. I'm genuinely really going to struggle through it, which isn't a good thing, obviously.


The other day I was in Eason's and out of curiousity, I picked up a "Less Stress, More Success" history book for the leaving cert. I flicked through it and I know for a fact that I'm well and truly fcuked. All I can do is hope for the best and keep the head down.

longhalloween

KKV, you can argue with the educational requirements until the cows come home, but the reality is they were set by AGS and unless they choose to change it theres nothing you can do but strive to fulfill them.

Penisland

I am not trying to be snobby (I am from a working class background with barely enough money to pay for my internet) but I am shocked the requirement for the guards is 140 points.

Explains a lot IMO.

longhalloween

Penisland wrote: »

I am not trying to be snobby (I am from a working class background with barely enough money to pay for my internet) but I am shocked the requirement for the guards is 140 points.

Explains a lot IMO.

Basically a D in ordinary leaving cert. I wonder if it will increase like other college courses if theres a big demand?

3fullback

Last time I checked when a guard is faced with a gangland druggy the last thing he’s going to do is start quoting Shakespeare.

longhalloween

3fullback wrote: »

Last time I checked when a guard is faced with a gangland druggy the last thing he’s going to do is start quoting Shakespeare.

Hey, that druggy was successful convicted in the courts since the arresting garda expressed the arrest scenario with clarity, a range of vocabulary and perfect syntax he acquired from an extra 2 years in education.

longhalloween

longhalloween wrote: »

KKV, you can argue with the educational requirements until the cows come home, but the reality is they were set by AGS and unless they choose to change it theres nothing you can do but strive to fulfill them.

I wasn't really arguing them. I think they're grand. I was suggesting that if they ever did get changed, or if I were the one making the requirements, then I'd drop the current ones in favour of other accomplishments (ie; clean driving license, swimming, self defence as I was waffling on about before).


I think the current system is grand as it is.

echo.lima

Ladies and Gents

It is possible to join without a leaving cert. I was speaking to a Garda Sergeant and I mentioned it too him. He told me that as long as you have a FETAC Level 5 or higher that it would be acceptable.

_TheLegend_

Thats news to me, I have completed a FETAC L5 Security Studies course in <mod snip> Templemore in the hope of it being a back door around my dreadfull leaving cert where I didnt recieve the required maths, I have emailed the Garda College dozens of times and they have been a very disapointing let down, they didnt even reply..

echo.lima

_TheLegend_ wrote: »

Thats news to me, I have completed a FETAC L5 Security Studies course in <mod snip> Templemore in the hope of it being a back door around my dreadfull leaving cert where I didnt recieve the required maths, I have emailed the Garda College dozens of times and they have been a very disapointing let down, they didnt even reply..

I am in the same boat myself. Did crap in the leaving due to a combination of things but did a course in security studies and a level 6 in security operations and administration, Was pretty happy when I found out that the courses I did weren`t in vain.

klong

_TheLegend_ wrote: »

Thats news to me, I have completed a FETAC L5 Security Studies course in <mod snip> Templemore in the hope of it being a back door around my dreadfull leaving cert where I didnt recieve the required maths, I have emailed the Garda College dozens of times and they have been a very disapointing let down, they didnt even reply..

Then email Garda HR in Phoenix Park, or phone them