|
|
The most widely used career guidance programme in the country! |
|
|
What's NEW! Now includes Classsroom Presentations for many of the REACH+ topics! These will be also be available in Irish later this year.
REACH+ is a comprehensive career and college preparation programme from CareersPortal.ie, spanning TY through to 6th year, with some Guidance Counsellors even starting the programme in 3rd year. It also supports the TY, LCA and LCVP programmes and can be customised for each year group.
REACH+ is now the most widely used Career Guidance Programme in the country. It has been devised by and for Guidance Counsellors in Ireland and continues to be developed based on direct feedback and input from the guidance community. |
|
|
|
REACH+ is designed to be engaging – it includes questionnaires, inventories, action plans, assignments and supporting videos. The Programme is divided into five main areas spanning the requirements of most school guidance programmes.
- Career Planning and Research
- Self-Assessment
- Study Performance
- World of Education
- World of Work
Most topics have corresponding lesson plans and exercises developed by Guidance Counsellors, to assist in delivering the programme. There are 67 exercises in the handbook and many additional exercises on-line.
|
|
|
REACH+ is an integrated programme. It uses classroom-based learning through student handbooks, combined with web-based learning through the dedicated REACH+ area within the CareersPortal website. Whether you have access to a computer room or not, the programme works well in all settings.
- In a classroom setting, the REACH+ programme can be run successfully using a whiteboard and the handbook
- Where IT facilities allow it, REACH+ can be run entirely online
- Or, using the handbook in a standard classroom setting, where students complete the online work at home or on their smart phones / tablets.
Optimal use of the programme is realised when both the handbook and online tools are utilised. The programme is activity based – learning by doing. It encourages class interaction, co-operative learning and reactive thinking.
|
|
|
3. Unique On-Line Student Career File
Students are encouraged to record their progress on-line throughout the programme, and information stored online is accessible to their Guidance Counsellors. A students’ progress over a range of topics can be easily monitored and tracked, and reports can be viewed or printed as required.
Below is a screen shot of a standard on-line Student Career File. You can see that it mirrors the handbook and is divided into the same five main areas.
|
|
|
4. LCVP and TY Modules
The LCVP modules have also been incorporated in the World of Work section. The careers investigation and diary of work experience for TY programmes are also integrated.
As a student works through the REACH+ programme they have the opportunity of tagging courses they are interested in both at Higher and Further Education levels and these can then be used to inform their Course Choices in 6th year.
|
|
|
5. Guidance Administration |
|
|
An innovative part of the REACH+ Programme is the Guidance Administration. Guidance Professionals have access to a complete online administration tool from where they can manage their REACH+ programme. Through this area, they are provided with a wide range of resource materials to assist in the delivery of the programme, including Programme Plans for 4th, 5th and 6th year, Lesson Plans, PowerPoint presentations and videos. This private area is only available to Guidance Counsellors and is accessed by a login and password.
Below is an example of the Guidance Administration Screen available in Reach:
|
|
|
6. New Developments
Customised online programme for different student groups
In response to requests from Guidance Counsellors, the online programme has been enhanced by the inclusion of a facility enabling administrators to tailor the Student Career File to include only those Apps appropriate to their particular school programme. So TY students, for example, can access a different set of Apps to LC students, or even LCVP students. This optional facility is now live for those wishing to use it.
New student online Appointments Diary and Calendar
Administrators can now manage their appointments diary and calendar online. If a Guidance Counsellor activates this feature, students can request a meeting through their REACH+ file, without having to visit the Guidance Counsellor's office to make the request.
New CourseFinder
A new CourseFinder was launched in 2017. It is now possible, from one screen, to view and search all course possibilities: CAO; PLC and Further Education & Training courses. All course choices can be tagged and added to the student's career file. A report can be printed to compare courses.
New Guidance Professional Area
This new area provides easy access to useful career resources, information and self-assessment tools for use in guidance practice. Menu items contain specific information for guidance counsellors working in second-level, further and higher education, and in private practice.
Developments for 2017 - 2018
New PowerPoint Whiteboard Presentations for each REACH+ topic are being rolled out. These will be available in both English and Irish to support the delivery of your REACH+ Programme
|
|
|
7. REACH+ Training and User Support
CareersPortal provide training in the use of REACH+ on an annual basis in schools and educational centres around the country, as well as by telephone.
Training dates are posted in the Guidance Professionals area of the CareersPortal.ie website and are also available in the Guidance Counsellors Administration area of REACH+.
***Training sessions are now being planned for the next term. Check the website here for details. E-mail info@careersportal.ie or call us on 01-209 0797 if you would like to host a session at your school.***
Ongoing telephone and e-mail support for REACH+ is available during working hours. The CareersPortal Team are on hand throughout the summer months to provide telephone training sessions and answer any questions you may have. Call us on 01-209 0797 or e-mail info@careersportal.ie.
|
|
|
8. REACH+ Guidance Website
As part of the REACH+ programme we have designed a website template for Guidance Counsellors which can be easily personalised to be used for guidance information with your own school website. This Guidance Website which is readily available to students and parents can be quickly and easily updated from within the administration area. It is now possible to avail of the REACH+ Website facility as a stand-alone facility. Contact us for details.
Below is an example of a live REACH+ website (with thanks to E. Uí Chatháin,
Abbey Community College, Waterford).
|
|
|
9. REACH+ Testimonials
What Guidance Counsellors using REACH+ say about it ...
“I have been using REACH+ for the past 4/5 years with all senior cycle students.
Using REACH+ has transformed the delivery of guidance in the classroom for me. Beginning with Transition Year students, the programme provides a great opportunity to introduce students to Career Interest Assessments, subject choice information, general career information and using the CAO and PLC routes as entry into colleges. The website is very user friendly with information at your fingertips.
Apps like the Guidance Interview, Exam Targets and Self-Assessment are particularly useful when meeting with the students for individual guidance. The ease of access to student information helps to maximize the time spent with them. The guidance noticeboard with daily postings of upcoming events, college notices and career updates keep students abreast with information essential to the career process they are engaged with.
I cannot underestimate the benefits of using REACH+. As I said at the outset, using REACH+ has transformed the delivery of guidance in the classroom for me and I cannot imagine functioning as a guidance counsellor without it. I would highly recommend to anyone who is looking for an all in one guidance resource.
Marjorie Aherne Guidance Counsellor – Scoil Mhuire – Ennistymon – Co Clare
To see what other Guidance Counsellors have to say about the programme check out this link
|
|
|
10. REACH+ Order and Purchase Process
The REACH+ programme comes in the form of a handbook imprinted with a licence code. Students register to careersportal.ie and input their code. Their REACH+ student account is then valid for the duration their senior cycle and can be accessed from any device, anywhere.
A licence only version of REACH+ is available for those schools using iPads/Tablets and do not require the book. Licence-only purchases come in the form of an A4 leaflet imprinted with the access code, for distribution to students. These include full registration instructions and access is valid for the duration of senior cycle.
Ordering
The REACH+ programme, along with our popular WorkXperience Diary and Dialann Taithí Oibre can be ordered directly from CareersPortal. To place your order:
Should you require a quotation to raise a Purchase Order (P.O.) number, this can be supplied in advance on request.
Direct Purchase
When purchased directly from CareersPortal, REACH+ handbooks will be delivered directly to your school, together with a complimentary Teacher Copy for Guidance Counsellors who are new to the programme. Administration access will also be given at this stage and the Guidance Counsellor will be set-up up with a demo student account on REACH+ so that he/she can experience the programme from the student’s perspective.
Bookshops
It is possible to order REACH+ directly from a school bookshop. If you would prefer this option, simply contact the CareersPortal office in advance, with details of your school bookshop and we can discuss the necessary arrangements. You can then put REACH+ on your school booklist in advance of the summer holiday break.
|
|
|
For additional information on the programme please do not hesitate to contact us on 01 - 209 0797 or 01- 440 2314 or you can email the office directly at info@careersportal.ie
Download Programme Brochure here
|
|
|
| |
|
 | | |
|  |
|
|
|
|
