BY MARK McKELVEY
m.mckelvey@ulsterherald.com
AS A-level results come through the letter box this morning (Thursday) students have been urged to remain calm and to consider all the options available to them.
This advice has come for local Sinn Féin Cllr Declan McAleer, who is a teacher at the Dean Maguirc College in Carrickmore, and understands fully the stresses and pressures that modern day school leavers endure and the dangers this causes.
He said "At this time of year, thousands of local pupils are awaiting results. In the case of A-levels, the grades achieved will determine whether or not the student will be awarded a place at university.
"This, in turn, can lead to huge anxiety and worry.
"Many pupils have plans made for life at university, many even have accommodation arranged and these plans can be cruelly undone if the pupil gets lower results than expected.
"My advice to young people at this stressful time is to remember that there are many options, even if the desired results are not obtained.
"I would urge young people who find themselves in this situation to speak to their careers teacher or ring the university and see what they can do to help.
"Occasionally, if a student is not offered a place in the first round, places can subsequently become available through clearing."
Cllr McAleer stressed the mental health dangers that can be caused when students do not meet their required grade level and called on friends and family to be vigilant of any symptoms of depression in the aftermath of receiving results.
"The sad fact is that students often struggle to cope with the pressure they are under," said Cllr McAleer. "This can lead to self harm and depression.
"In the coming days I would urge young people to remain calm and vigilant and remember that even if their results are not what they hoped for, there are many alternative options and career paths in life.
"Given the mental stress that this can cause, I would particularly urge parents and peers to watch out for the tell tale signs of mental health problems and help the young person address these before they become acute and even life threatening."
