The NPC Podcast

• The Leaving Cert Journey – Stress & Wellbeing

  The Leaving Cert Journey – Stress & Wellbeing 📌 Focus: Recognising pressure, spotting hidden stress, and simple supports for students and parents👥 Guests:Owen Houlihan – Guidance Counsellor & Leaving Cert Helpline volunteerDr Kim Lombard – Mental-Health Clinician, JigsawAlisha – First-year student (sat LC 2024)Tríona – Parent of a recent LC student (Donegal)💡 Key Points:Why the Leaving Cert is more than “just an exam” – existential pressure & identity worriesHidden stress signals parents often miss (sleep, appetite, shoulder tension)Sleep, nutrition & Pomodoro study hacks that actually workBalancing praise: effort vs. points – shifting to an internal locus of controlRe-framing mocks panic and “points-chat” peer pressurePractical routines—from box-breathing to tech wind-downsCAO myths busted: Level 6/7 backdoors & dropping out without shameHelpline inside view: top 3 questions in the first 24 hours of results📞 Support Mentioned:NPC Helpline (year-round): 01 887 4477National Leaving Cert Helpline (results week only): 1800 265 165Jigsaw parent webinars: https://jigsaw.ie/neart/🔗 Useful Links:NPC: https://www.npc.ieSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KNpFWDHrjyZ5JqxaI4G6lApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-npc-podcast/id1772055386Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ad65671c-9106-469e-b374-2f37c3043328/the-npc-podcast🎧 Listen now: Stream on your favourite app, share with a mate, and hit Follow so you don’t miss the next instalment – “From Exams to Campus” (Episode 2).📢 Hashtags: #NPC #LeavingCert #StressSupport #Wellbeing #ParentingTeens

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• Understanding the Redevelopment of Senior Cycle Education: Insights from the NCCA

  Understanding the Redevelopment of Senior Cycle Education: Insights from the NCCA In this episode of the NPC Podcast We’re joined by Arlene Forster, CEO of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). Arlene shares insights into the redevelopment of the Senior Cycle and how these changes aim to create a more inclusive, student-centred education system. We explore: The NCCA’s role in shaping Senior Cycle reforms. The introduction of new subjects, including Climate Action & Sustainable Development and Drama, Film & Theatre Studies. How updated assessment methods, including ongoing coursework, will impact students. The importance of key competencies and flexibility in the curriculum. This episode is essential listening for parents, educators, and students who want to understand the future of post-primary education in Ireland. 🎧 Listen now on: 🎧 Spotify 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Amazon Music 💬 Join the conversation: Take part in our poll and share your thoughts on the most important aspect of the Senior Cycle reforms. ✨ #NPCPodcast | #SeniorCycleReform | #EducationMatters | #NCCA

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• Understanding the Redevelopment of Senior Cycle Education: Insights from the ISSU

  NPC Podcast - ISSU Episode In this episode of the NPC Podcast We’re joined by Jack McGinn, President of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU). Jack shares insights into how students feel about the Senior Cycle changes and what these reforms mean for their education and wellbeing. We explore: The ISSU’s views on the proposed Senior Cycle reforms. The shift from single-terminal exams to ongoing assessment components. The importance of breaking down barriers to ensure inclusivity for all students. How the Senior Cycle can better prepare students for life after school, whether through college, apprenticeships, or the workforce. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding how these reforms impact students directly and the role the ISSU plays in advocating for their voices. 🎧 Listen now on: 🎧 Spotify 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Amazon Music 💬 Join the conversation: Take part in our poll and share your thoughts on what you think is the most important factor in ensuring the success of the Senior Cycle reforms. ✨ #NPCPodcast | #StudentVoice | #SeniorCycleReform | #ISSU

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• Building Resilience: Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health and Wellbeing with Shane Martin

  Episode Description Episode Description In this episode of the NPC Podcast, we’re joined by Shane Martin, Chartered Psychologist and keynote speaker at the upcoming NPC Education Conference 2024 – Building Futures Together. Shane shares valuable insights into how parents can support their children’s mental health and build resilience in an increasingly challenging world. We explore: Practical strategies for parents to help children manage their emotions and navigate stress Recognising the signs of stress in children and how to respond supportively The importance of resilience and tips for fostering it at home How schools can work alongside parents to create a supportive environment for mental health This episode also provides a sneak peek into Shane’s conference keynote, where he’ll delve deeper into these topics. Don’t miss out on this enlightening discussion! 🎧 Listen now on: Spotify Apple Podcasts Amazon Music For more information about the NPC Education Conference 2024, visit npc.ie.

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• Understanding the Redevelopment of Senior Cycle Education: Insights from Dr Colman Noctor on Senior Cycle Pressures

  Understanding the Redevelopment of Senior Cycle Education: Insights from Dr Colman Noctor on Senior Cycle Pressures In this episode of the NPC Podcast series on Senior Cycle Redevelopment, we speak with Dr Colman Noctor, a child and adolescent psychotherapist. Dr Noctor shares his expert insights on the impact of the Senior Cycle on students' mental health and wellbeing, as well as the pressures they face during exam years. We explore: How exam stress and academic pressures affect students' mental health and wellbeing. Practical advice for parents on supporting their children during high-stress periods. The importance of balancing academic achievement with personal development. Dr Noctor offers valuable advice for parents and educators looking to create a supportive environment for students during their Senior Cycle years. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding how to help students manage the emotional and psychological challenges of secondary school. Follow Dr Colman Noctor: X: @colnoc77 Instagram: @noctorcolman For more information on Senior Cycle Redevelopment: Visit the Senior Cycle Redevelopment website for detailed information, updates, and resources. Contact the Department of Education directly at [email protected] for any questions. Find us online: Website: National Parents Council Ireland Facebook: National Parents Council Ireland on Facebook Instagram: @npcireland Department of Education Links: Website: Department of Education Twitter: @Education_Ire

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