It's as if somebody is taking away your blinkers . . . this is how 43-year-old Edward Phipps describes his experiences on the Trinity Access Programme. "I came in with reservations," he recalls. "Could I survive in college competing against people with straight As?
"But as a mature student you can underestimate your own abilities - you take your life-skills for granted. You'd be surprised how far up the ladder you are compared with 18-year-olds with 6 As."
Phipps, who lives with his wife and five children in Irishtown, Dublin, left school at 15 and trained as an electrician. Two years ago he was made redundant from the Ballyfermot factory where he worked. Hoping to improve his job opportunities by going to third level, Phipps embarked on TCD's first higher education access programme last September.
The Trinity Access Programme is a preuniversity programme for mature students who, because of socio-economic circumstances, have been unable to avail of third-level education. Participation in the programme does not give automatic access to TCD's undergraduate courses, but an interview is guaranteed, says Maureen Dunne, co-ordinator of the programme.
The year-long programme is designed to show students how to work effectively at third level. Personal development, study skills, accessing information and time management are important elements of the course. Students enjoy extensive supports and benefit from much one-to-one contact with college staff.
The programme runs throughout the academic year and classes are time-tabled between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day. On top of that, though, students need to put in up to four hours study daily.
Teaching styles vary. There's a combination of lectures and active participation - depending on the subject. "You have to have a mix," Dunne explains, "since 90 per cent of academic life involves lectures. You have to be able to listen to lectures and take notes."
Course participants are regarded as full-time TCD students with full privileges and benefits. "It's important that we replicate what's happening in TCD as much as possible, so that they are fully with third level." A total of 16 students are currently taking the course - 20 places are available. A number are hoping to go directly to third level, some wish to pursue Leaving Cert programmes, while others are opting for PLCs. "PLCs are a serious option," notes Dunne. "They provide a good route into third level."
Most of the people on the course are women. "It's difficult to get men to apply," she notes. "Of the 150 applications we got last year, only 25 came from men." Most of students get the back-to-education allowance paid by the Department of Social Welfare. Most of them have families.
Danny McCluskey, 36, a former motor mechanic, is hoping to pursue an engineering degree. "The course is incredible," he says. "It's extremely fulfilling. You're treated like and adult and the responsibility to learn is on you. If you want to do the course, you have to be hungry - you have to want to learn and you have to be self-motivated."
Closing date for applications is this Thursday. Contact: Trinity Access Programme - Higher Education Goldsmith Hall, TCD Phone (01) 608 2751.
