With all this #LeavingCert drama going on and seeing people upset about possibly not getting into their “dream” course, I wanna talk about PLCs for a minute:

I applied for a PLC as a backup. Even when I had applied *certain members of management* in my school told me “I was too good for a PLC.” So I won’t lie, even though I had my place in the course, I had the attitude that I was “too good” for one (whatever that means)

Anyways, the leaving cert came around and quite simply - things didn’t go my way. I didn’t do anywhere near as well as I had thought. By the time results day came, I had just given up on the idea of furthering my education altogether. And as you’d expect, I felt like shit.

With advice from a friend who had done the same course( @emgossguildea is a gem), I decided to go ahead with doing a PLC in @DFEI_Ireland. I went in thinking I was going to get nowhere, but I couldn’t have been more wrong

I took this past year getting my level 5 in classes like journalism skills, legal studies (something I never thought I’d be interested in), politics etc. I even got work experience in a field of media I never thought I’d be keen on.

PLCs are more practical than exam based, as a journalism student I’ve learned how to conduct research and interviews by ACTUALLY doing it - instead of just being told how and that information going unused. I’ve gained more confidence by doing presentations/vox pops

I made friends with people I never expected to make friends with. The smaller class sizes made the transition out of second level much easier. Even our coursework is continuous assessment as opposed to one terminal exam.

As I finish up my level 5, I’ve learned so much about myself and what I’m actually interested in. Would I have thought I’d end this year with the confidence and interests in areas like law / radio presenting. Not a chance. But here I am, probably better off having done my PLC

And now that I (fingers crossed!) get the grades I need - I will get into my “dream” course next year. Which has turned out to be course more suited to my interests - which I would’ve never realised if I hadn’t have taken this year to do so.

What I’m trying to say is, DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE PLCS! What I thought was going to be a waste of time turned out to be the best year of education I could have asked for. I’ve learned so much about myself and my field of interest that I will always value from this course.

My point here is don’t give up. There is always another route to get where you want to go. And your hard work ALWAYS pays off in the end. Even if things don’t go your way in the LC, please look into a level 5 choice that can help you progress!

I hope this helped even one person in any way. I didn’t receive enough information on the value of PLCs when I was in 6th year, and I really wish I had. If anyone has any questions/wants more information on PLCs (esp. journalism) my DMs are always open

This was so long winded I’m sorry but yeah just don’t knock it till you try it, and don’t look down anyone trying to get a further education and better themselves