This article is from page 64 of the 2008-08-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 64 JPG
CLARE V.E.C. students had plenty to smile about after the announce- ment of last week’s Leaving Cert results.
Overall eight students taking part in the Back to Education Initiative sat the leaving cert maths and their results were of the highest standard, with six Als an A2 and a B2.
The group studied part-time for the Leaving Cert since last September with the Back To Education Initia- tive (BTEI). The Back To Initiative provides part-time further education
programmes for young people and adults, with the aim of giving people the opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities.
The BTEI is operated by County Clare VEC as part of the National Development Plan and is funded by the Department of Education and Sci- ence and the European Social Fund. It operates throughout the county and has over 900 adults studying various subjects ranging from FETAC Lev- els 3,4 and 5, up to Leaving Cert.
The BTEI, through a preparatory course, also introduces prospective
students to the requirements of stud- ying for the Leaving Certificate
Mike Ryan BTEI co-ordinator, congratulated the students and their tutor Vinnie Normoyle.
“We are delighted with the results, they were excellent. It was down to the hard done by the students them- selves and also the work done with them by Vinnie. I know the students appreciate everything that Vinnie SERCO ComoUNe Mm Nelss 00 Me
Mr Ryan added that further support and guidance would be offered to students on an ongoing basis
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learners availing of adult basic edu- cation and a further 700 engaging in community education.
The recent re-development of the Adult Education Centre in Ennis has led to the provision of more services through the BTEI.
The centre provides learning op- portunities in reading and writing, language support, youthreach pro- gression, the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) and family learning.
Services include a créche, night classes, e-learning and adult learners guidance.