Academic & Curriculum

A comprehensive window into the classroom frameworks at Davitt College. This category spans our Junior, Senior, and Transition Year programmes, highlighting academic excellence, departmental clusters, and student subject showcases.

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, German, Humanities & Language, Official Visits, Politics & Society, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Davitt College Welcomes German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill

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🇩🇪 German • Language • International Friendship Davitt College Welcomes German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill 22 September 2026 • Davitt College Castlebar A very special morning at Davitt College saw our school community welcome the German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill, for a memorable celebration of language, culture and international friendship. The German flag flew proudly at the front of the school as students and staff prepared to welcome Ambassador Gill to Davitt College, marking an important occasion for our German Department and particularly for the students who have chosen to study the language. Hosting the German Ambassador offered our students a unique opportunity to take their learning beyond the classroom and experience first-hand the connections that language can create between people, cultures and countries. German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill Official visit to Davitt College • September 2026 A Special Visit Bringing Language Learning to Life For our German language learners, welcoming a guest of Ambassador Gill’s stature was a tremendous privilege. His visit highlighted the vibrant role that German language and culture play within Davitt College and gave students a genuine real-world connection to the language they encounter every day in their studies. Rather than simply being spectators, our students were at the heart of the occasion, taking an active role in welcoming the Ambassador and sharing their own experiences of learning German at Davitt College. Deutsch am Davitt College From First Words to Leaving Certificate Students from across the school shared their language-learning journeys, giving Ambassador Gill an opportunity to see the progression of German at Davitt College. 1 First Year Beginning the Journey Building confidence with the foundations of a new language and discovering German culture. 2 Junior Cycle Growing in Confidence Developing vocabulary, communication skills and an increasing ability to use German independently. 3 Senior Cycle Language in Action Building fluency, cultural understanding and the confidence to communicate for real purposes. 4 Leaving Certificate Leading the Occasion Our Leaving Certificate students stepped forward as the main speakers, helping to lead this special event. Student Voice Students at the Heart of the Welcome Our Leaving Certificate German students took a leading role in the ceremony, acting as the main speakers and demonstrating the confidence and advanced language skills they have developed during their years at Davitt College. They were joined by students from across the year groups, who shared their own experiences of learning German. Together, they allowed Ambassador Gill to witness the progression of language learning in our school — from the first steps taken by our youngest learners through to the accomplished communication of our Sixth Year students. More Than a Language Language. Culture. Connection. DE Language Communication Learning German gives students the confidence to communicate beyond their own language and engage with a wider world. 🇩🇪 Culture Understanding Language learning opens a window into another culture, its people, traditions and perspectives. 🤝 Connection Friendship Experiences such as this remind students that languages create genuine connections between people and countries. Ambassador Gill’s visit was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the enthusiasm, confidence and commitment of our German students while recognising the importance of language learning in an increasingly connected world. We were incredibly proud to showcase the talent, warmth and hospitality of the students and staff of Davitt College, and we sincerely thank Ambassador Gill for taking the time to visit our school and engage so warmly with our students. 📸 Visit Highlights A Special Day at Davitt College Moments from Ambassador David Gill’s visit and the special programme prepared by students and staff to mark the occasion. Principal Conor O’Reilly addresses the gathering Traditional Irish musicians welcome our special guest Special Irish dancing performance Students address Ambassador Gill in German Sharing their German language-learning journey German Ambassador to Ireland, Mr David Gill Cathaoirleach Ger Deere, Ambassador David Gill and Councillor Blackie Gavin Ambassador Gill with German teachers Maria Carey, Kayleigh Walsh and Geraldine Clinton Ambassador Gill with Principal Conor O’Reilly and Deputy Principals William Rowan and John Bones Ambassador David Gill with German teacher Maria Carey Ambassador David Gill with German teachers Kayleigh Walsh and Maria Carey Ambassador David Gill with Principal Conor O’Reilly and Deputy Principals William Rowan and John Bones Ambassador David Gill with Carmel Flynn, who baked a special cake to mark the occasion 🇩🇪 Ein besonderer Tag für Davitt College Vielen Dank, Herr Botschafter! A memorable celebration of language, culture and international friendship at Davitt College. × ‹ ›

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, School News, Transition Year

Adventure, Challenge and Teamwork for TY at Shannon River

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🌊 Transition Year • Learning Beyond the Classroom Adventure, Challenge and Teamwork for TY at Shannon River 15 September 2026 Transition Year is about discovering what happens when students step beyond the familiar — and our TY students did exactly that during an action-packed day at Shannon River Adventure Centre. From kayaking and water-based activities to challenges requiring teamwork, communication and a willingness to give something new a try, the day provided an ideal opportunity for students to learn in a completely different environment. There was plenty of fun along the way, but experiences like this are also an important part of the Transition Year journey: encouraging students to become more confident, independent and comfortable taking on new challenges. The TY Experience Confidence Grows Outside the Comfort Zone 💪 Challenge Trying unfamiliar activities encourages students to take positive risks and discover what they are capable of achieving. 🤝 Teamwork Shared challenges strengthen communication, cooperation and the relationships students build throughout Transition Year. 🌱 Confidence Meeting a challenge, giving something a go and succeeding together helps students grow in confidence and independence. Just as importantly, days like this give students time to enjoy one another’s company, strengthen friendships and create the shared memories that make Transition Year such a distinctive part of school life. It was a brilliant day of activity, laughter and learning — and a fantastic start to the many experiences still ahead for this year’s TY group. New challenges, new experiences and plenty of memories made — exactly what Transition Year is all about.

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, Leaving Cert, Past Pupils, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Senior Cycle

Celebrating the Class of 2026

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🎓 Class of 2026 • Life After Davitt Celebrating the Class of 2026: New Beginnings and Bright Futures September 2026 There was a very special welcome at Davitt College as members of the Class of 2026 returned to the school — this time with their Leaving Certificate journey behind them and an exciting new chapter about to begin. Our Guidance Team were delighted to welcome the students back and have the opportunity to celebrate their excellent Leaving Certificate results. More importantly, it was a chance to catch up, hear about their plans and discover where life after Davitt is taking them. For a year group that shared so much of their secondary school journey together, the next stage will take them along many different paths — each shaped by their own interests, talents and ambitions. The Next Chapter Different Pathways. Shared Ambition. 🎓 Higher Education Beginning degree programmes and pursuing new academic opportunities. 📚 Further Education Developing specialist knowledge and practical skills for future study and careers. 🛠️ Apprenticeships Combining workplace experience with professional training and recognised qualifications. 🚀 Tertiary Education Taking advantage of new pathways connecting further and higher education. What makes the Class of 2026 particularly worth celebrating is not simply a set of examination results, but the range of futures now opening before them. Success after secondary school does not follow one route, and we are proud to see our graduates progressing through Higher Education, Further Education, Apprenticeships and Tertiary Education. Each destination represents years of work, personal growth and perseverance. As our students move into new colleges, training environments and workplaces, they carry with them the friendships, experiences and memories built during their years at Davitt College. While their time as Davitt College students has come to an end, they will always remain an important part of our school community. We look forward to hearing where their journeys take them in the years ahead. To every member of the Class of 2026: be ambitious, embrace the opportunities ahead and never underestimate what you are capable of achieving. Go n-éirí an t-ádh libh go léir! ☘️

Academic & Curriculum, Business & Enterprise, Core News & Information, School News, Senior Cycle

Davitt College Students Inspired by Business Leaders at Accelerate

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💼 Business • Enterprise • Career Learning Davitt College Students Inspired by Business Leaders at Accelerate 11 September 2026 Davitt College students had the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and into the world of business, enterprise and innovation at Accelerate, an inspiring event organised by Castlebar Chamber at Breaffy House Resort. The event brought students face-to-face with some of Ireland’s most experienced and influential business figures, offering a valuable insight into entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation and the journeys behind successful organisations. Opportunities such as this play an important role in helping students connect their classroom learning with the wider world of work. Hearing directly from business leaders allows young people to see the variety of pathways available to them and to understand the ambition, resilience and creativity that underpin successful careers. Learning from Leaders in Business Entrepreneurship & Digital Media Niall McGarry Founder of Joe.ie and Fabric Social. Aviation & Regional Development Joe Gilmore Ireland West Airport. Technology & Leadership Cathriona Hallahan Former Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland. Enterprise & E-Commerce Ciaran Crean Co-founder of Mick’s Garage. For our students, the evening provided much more than an introduction to successful companies and careers. It offered an opportunity to hear the stories behind those successes — the ideas that sparked new ventures, the challenges encountered along the way and the determination required to turn ambition into achievement. We are delighted that our students were able to take part in such a valuable local event and engage with people operating at the highest levels of Irish business. Experiences like Accelerate encourage students to think confidently about their own futures and to recognise that innovation, enterprise and opportunity can begin with a single idea. An inspiring evening of ideas, ambition and opportunity — and a valuable glimpse into the possibilities that lie ahead for our students.

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, Leaving Cert, Past Pupils, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Senior Cycle

From LCA to Electrical Apprentice: Megan Rumley Begins Her Next Chapter

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⚡ LCA • Career Pathways From LCA to Electrical Apprentice: Megan Rumley Begins Her Next Chapter 2 September 2026 A huge congratulations to Megan Rumley, LCA Class of 2026, who has taken the next exciting step in her career by beginning an Electrical Apprenticeship. Having completed her Leaving Certificate Applied programme at Davitt College, Megan is now putting her skills into practice while continuing to learn, develop and build a career in the electrical trade. Apprenticeships offer young people the opportunity to combine practical workplace experience with structured learning and recognised qualifications. For Megan, this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter and the opportunity to develop her skills in a highly valued and rewarding profession. 🛠️ Learning in Practice Building Skills for the Workplace Megan will develop practical expertise on the job while continuing her education and professional training as an electrical apprentice. 🚀 Life After Davitt A Pathway Beyond School Megan’s progression highlights the wide range of opportunities available to LCA students as they move into employment, further training and apprenticeships. We are incredibly proud to see our LCA graduates progressing confidently into the world of work and further training. Megan is a fantastic example of how the Leaving Certificate Applied programme can open doors to meaningful and exciting career pathways beyond school. Everyone at Davitt College wishes Megan every success as she begins this new chapter. We have no doubt that she will bring the same commitment and determination to her apprenticeship that she demonstrated throughout her time at Davitt College. Best of luck, Megan — an exciting career lies ahead! ⚡

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, Leaving Cert, Past Pupils, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Senior Cycle

Davitt College Celebrates Outstanding Leaving Certificate Results for the Class of 2026

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🌟 Leaving Certificate • Academic Excellence Davitt College Celebrates Outstanding Leaving Certificate Results for the Class of 2026 August 2026 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College is delighted to celebrate an exceptional set of Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied results achieved by the Class of 2026. The results reflect the hard work, commitment and determination of students throughout their time at Davitt College, supported by the dedication of their teachers, SNAs, staff and families. A particular highlight of this year’s results was the achievement of one exceptional student, Cian Nolan, who attained the maximum possible score of 625 points, an outstanding accomplishment and a source of great pride for the entire school community. >15% 500+ Points Achieved 500 points or more >50% 400+ Points Achieved 400 points or more 80% of students achieved over 300 points. 45% of Leaving Certificate Applied students achieved the highest grade of Distinction. The excellent Leaving Certificate Applied results are a particular source of pride for the school, with almost half of LCA students achieving a Distinction, the highest possible grade. This outstanding achievement reflects the dedication and commitment of the students and the staff who supported them throughout the programme. These results represent a significant achievement for the students and are a testament to the strong culture of learning, ambition and support within the school community. “We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied students this year. These results reflect the dedication, resilience and determination shown by our students, as well as the commitment of our teachers, support staff and the families who have encouraged them throughout their journey. We congratulate every student and wish them every success as they embark on their chosen pathway. Comhghairdeas do chách.” — Conor O’Reilly, Principal 🌟 Academic Milestone: Davitt College student Cian Nolan who achieved the maximum 625 points, pictured with Principal Conor O’Reilly and Deputy Principals Anita Gallagher, John Bones, and William Rowan.

Academic & Curriculum, Awards, Core News & Information, Music, Practical & Creative Arts, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Traditional Talent Shines at the Belfast Fleadh 2026

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🏆 Traditional Arts Success Medal Success for Davitt College at the Belfast Fleadh 13 August 2026 The summer has been wonderfully musical for our students, who recently showcased exceptional talent and brought home a fantastic haul of medals from the Belfast Fleadh. We are immensely proud of everyone who took to the stage to represent our school community. Roll of Honour Roisín Moran: 🥇 1st Place – Trios (12–15) Niamh Rodgers, Eva Hynes, Roisín Moran, Aoife Mongey, Luke Nolan, Alannah McDonagh, Noah Kilkenny: 🥈 2nd Place – Grúpaí Ceoil (12–15). Led brilliantly by past pupil and student teacher Cian Kilkenny. Noah Kilkenny: 🥉 3rd Place – Bodhrán (12–15) Grace Holmes: 🥉 3rd Place – Full Set Ladies (15–18) We would also like to extend a special congratulations to the Rolling Waves Over-18 Grúpa Ceoil, who placed 3rd overall—a wonderful achievement showcasing the enduring talent of some of our past pupils. Well done to all involved! Comhghairdeas to all our talented musicians and competitors representing Davitt College with distinction.

Academic & Curriculum, Awards, Core News & Information, Music, Practical & Creative Arts, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Grace Holmes Strikes Gold at Connacht Fleadh

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🏆 Traditional Arts Excellence Gold for Grace: A Champion at the Connacht Fleadh 13 August 2026 The stage was set, the music was fierce, and Grace Holmes delivered a performance that simply couldn’t be beaten. We are thrilled to announce that our very own Grace has struck gold, taking home the top prize in the U18 Full Set Ladies category at the recent Connacht Fleadh. It takes immense discipline to master the traditional arts, and Grace has shown exactly what that looks like. Her gold medal is the result of countless hours of practice and a genuine passion for the craft. Now, the focus shifts to the national stage. As Grace and her team head to Belfast for the upcoming All-Ireland Fleadh, they carry the full support of our school behind them. We know they will represent us with everything they have. Comhghairdeas, Grace – go make us proud in Belfast.

Core News & Information, Gallery, Media, PE, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Sports, Sports Day, Sports Gallery, Wellbeing

Davitt College Annual Sports Day 2026

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⚡ Action, Energy & School Spirit • Sports Day 2026 Unstoppable Energy: Epic Showdowns and Unforgettable Craic at Davitt College Sports Day 2026! 25 May 2026 • Davitt College, Castlebar From the first whistle to the final cheer, Davitt College’s Annual Sports Day 2026 exploded with electricity, laughter, and fierce yet friendly competition! Expertly orchestrated by our phenomenal PE Department, this year’s installment raised the bar completely—transforming the grounds into a high-octane arena of athletic triumph, tactical brilliance, and unforgettable school spirit. 🔥 Unmissable Highlights of the Arena: ⚽⚡ 3v3 Soccer Clashes Frenzied footwork, surgical passing, and dramatic last-minute goals lighting up the pitches. 🌊💦 Water Races High-speed panic, tactical spills, and absolute saturation guaranteed for racers and spectators alike! 🏃💨 Obstacle Courses 🪢🏆 The Main Event: Tug O’ War The legendary Teachers vs. Class of 2026 rumble. Spoiler: The teachers remain undefeated! 💪🔥 “A massive, heartfelt well done to every student and staff member who brought their A-game. The teamwork, camaraderie, and unmatched craic made this an unforgettable masterpiece of a day!” ×

Academic & Curriculum, Awards, Core News & Information, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Transition Year, TY-Awards

Celebrating Success: Davitt College Honours 2026 Transition Year Graduates

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🎓 Transition Year Graduation 2026 Celebrating Success: Davitt College Honours 2026 Transition Year Graduates 25 May 2026 Huge congratulations to our TY Students of the Year 2026, Kacper Milewski and Grace Needham! The awards ceremony was made extra special with guest speaker Ms. Cora Staunton, whose inspiring words and achievements motivated all in attendance. We also proudly celebrated outstanding talent from our school production, with Oisín Toland receiving the award for Musical Best Performance and Jennis Ann Sarish recognised for Outstanding Contribution to the Stage for 2025–2026. “Well done to all our Transition Year students for their hard work, commitment, and enthusiasm throughout the year. We are incredibly proud of you all!” Main Award Winners 2026 ⭐ Highest TY Honour Overall Students of the Year Kacper Milewski & Grace Needham Transition Year Graduation 2026 Recognised for exceptional academic application, positive leadership, and outstanding all-round contribution throughout the year. 🎭✨ Performing Arts School Production Honours Musical Best Performance: Oisín Toland Outstanding Contribution to the Stage: Jennis Ann Sarish Honouring standout stage presence, dedication, and artistic commitment to the 2025–2026 school production. ×

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