Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Youthreach NGGS?

Our centre is like a school in some ways, but very different in others. We believe that school is not for everyone, but everyone deserves the opportunity to gain an education.

 

• In what way is it different?

Youthreach NGGS is a welcoming, informal centre where the pressures of mainstream secondary are absent. There are no uniforms, no homework, no state exams. Students achieve their qualifications by completing modules via assignments, exercises and skills demonstration.

We also focus on practical subjects including Art, Drama, Catering, Digital Photography, Beauty, and Health Related Fitness.

 

• I found school stressful. Will it be like that in Youthreach NGGS?

In a word, no! There’s no point in reinventing the wheel, and Youthreach NGGS employs less formal and more inclusive methods than conventional secondary schools.  Our centre practises a holistic approach to learning where respect, empathy, and patience are core values.  Our highly qualified staff teach in ways that integrates the educational requirements of students with their emotional and social needs.

 

• The COVID lockdowns affected my mental health and made school difficult. Can Youthreach NGGS help?

Absolutely. Our Youthreach witnessed first-hand the problems the lockdowns caused young people. We are acutely aware of the mental health issues our students faced then, and are still facing now. Our staff are always available to support our students and provide them with encouragement, patience and empathy. Also, our small class sizes and diverse curriculum are both intended to help students who found mainstream secondary school overwhelming.

 

• How can Youthreach NGGS help me?

Our Centre’s curriculum is designed to help students who have struggled with mainstream school continue their education and gain worthwhile qualifications. These qualifications provide students with access to PLCs and/or skilled employment, including apprenticeships.

 

• Who can apply to Youthreach NGGS?

Our centre accepts students aged between 16 – 21 years old. Fifteen year olds may attend providing permission has been granted by the Youthreach Regional Coordinator, and the fifteen year old’s parents and school support the application to attend Youthreach NGGS.

 

• What qualifications can I gain by attending Youthreach NGGS?

In our centre, students may follow a QQI Level 3 or QQI Level 4 course in General Learning. Broadly speaking, attaining a full QQI Level 3 Certificate is the equivalent of completing the Junior Certificate, and attaining a full QQI Level 4 Certificate is the equivalent of completing the Leaving Certificate.

A full QQI Level 4 Certificate gives students eligibility to attend a PLC (post-Leaving Certificate) College.

 

• What does QQI mean?

QQI stands for Quality and Qualifications Ireland. This is the state agency responsible for promoting the quality, integrity, and reputation of the further and higher education system in Ireland. QQI is also the awarding body for third-level educational institutions outside the university sector.

 

• Will I be studying for the QQI Level 3 or QQI Level 4 Certificate?

All new students are assessed before being assigned to a group. If the student has previously completed a Junior Certificate or gained their full QQI Level 3 Certificate they will automatically go into a QQI Level 4 group. Students without a Junior Certificate or full QQI Level 3 Certificate will initially be placed in a QQI Level 3 group.

 

• What subjects does Youthreach NGGS offer?

At QQI Level 3 we offer Maths, Communications, IT (Information Technology), Catering, Digital Photography, Health Related Fitness, Art, and PIPS (Personal and Interpersonal Skills).

At QQI Level 4 we offer Maths, Communications, IT, Work Experience, Drama, Interculturalism, Travel & Tourism, Personal Effectiveness, Health Related Fitness, Art, and PIPS.

We also offer two Beauty modules at QQI Level 5 for students who have completed their full QQI Level 4 Certificate and want to experience Level 5 Modules before joining a PLC.

 

• How long would it take to complete a QQI Level 3 or Level 4 course?

In Youthreach NGGS we have continuous enrolment, so a student may start a course at any time between September and July. Students have 2 years to complete either the QQI Level 3 or QQI Level 4 Modules and achieve full certification.

                                                                                       

• Is there a Training Allowance?

Yes, a weekly training allowance is paid to students 16 or older. 16-17 year olds receive €40 per week depending on their attendance. Students aged 18 or over receive €200 per week depending on their attendance.

 

• What about summer holidays?

In Youthreach NGGS Students get 6 weeks summer holidays, from the middle of July until the end of August. Students also get the 2 midterms, Christmas, and Easter holidays. Students receive their regular weekly training allowance when they are on these holidays.

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