TJ Hegarty is on a mission to revolutionise how Maths is taught particularly if you are struggling with Maths.

TJ is founder and CEO of Breakthrough Maths and he joins Donnchadh to discuss Maths, how students can get better and key tip for the LC and mock (pre) exams.

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Ray Lanigan is a high impact study skills coach and a school motivational speaker.  he joins Donnchadh to discuss his study skills strategies such as the 30 minute study sprint and the whiz grid.  What advice does Ray have for students doing their mocks and advice for parents on this journey also?

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Substance misuse expert, Sinead Carey, joins the Leaving Cert Guidance podcast to help students stay safe this Christmas.  What do students who are going out this Christmas need to know so they can keep themselves safe, the 5 As that parents should do when their child is out, the best website for information and how schools can assist students also.

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Over the next few weeks there are important upcoming deadline dates.  Many students will take the opportunity over the Christmas break to prepare for these deadlines.

Donnchadh explains to us what deadlines are fast approaching and what students need to do to get ready for these.

From applying to the CAO, UK, Europe, HPAT and even a course in America, Donnchadh has you covered.

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Roisin O'Donohoe is back with Donnchadh this week, this time to discuss the HEAR and DARE application processes and what students need to know and some tips and advice for the application.

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Donnchadh is joined by Ava Rose Gallagher, a 4th year Commerce International student in UCC who talks about her Erasmus experience.  Ava Rose talks about:

• The process of applying to Erasmus
• Applying for the Erasmus grant
• How the Erasmus process works
• Her experience in Germany
• How she settled in
• What her Erasmus has taught her
• And what she intends to do once she completes her degree

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This is one of our biggest podcast episodes of the year.  Eileen Keleghan from the CAO joins Donnchadh to give advice for 2025 CAO applicants.

They talk about:

• What applicants can expect from the CAO application
• Key deadline dates
• Genuine order of preference
• Change of mind facility
• Level 6/7 and Level 8 list
• Restricted courses
• Last minute advice

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Language teacher Katie Lenehan (@mslenslanguages) join Donnchadh on the pod this week to talk about preparing for languages exams for the LC.

Katie and Donnchadh discuss:

• Key challenges for students
• improving oral and listening skills
• practising languages outside of the classroom
• Improving vocab
• Managing your time during exams
• Tips for the oral exam
• And lots more

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Donnchadh is joined by Guidance Counsellor Roisin O'Donohoe to talk effective study methods and how students can get the most from themselves while studying. Donnchadh and Roisin discuss:

• Most common study mistakes
• the importance of active studying
• creating an effective study schedule
• avoiding procrastination or burnout
• the importance of sleep and nutrition for study 
• and tips for handling stress and anxiety leading up to the LC

Don't forget to follow @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok

There are a number of exemptions that CAO applicants can apply for.  Universities might have matriculation requirements that outline an applicant must have Irish and/or another language.

In this episode, Donnchadh is joined by guidance counsellor from the Institute of Education, Aoife McArdle, to discuss exemptions for NUI universities, Trinity College, UL and Mary Immaculate College.

It is important to note that if you think you are eligible to apply for an exemption that you talk to your guidance counsellor.

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