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, Awards, Business & Enterprise, Core News & Information, Junior Cycle, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Davitt College Students Honoured for Junior Certificate Business Excellence

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Davitt College, Castlebar, celebrated further academic success as a group of top-performing students were presented with certificates of achievement from NUI Galway, recognizing their exceptional Junior Certificate results. The students recorded a Grade A in their Higher Level Business Studies Examination, placing them among an elite group of just 250 students from throughout Connacht to receive this prestigious regional honor. The presentations, held in association with the Business Studies Teachers Association of Ireland (BSTAI), were made at a special ceremony on the university campus, which was proudly attended by invited parents and school faculty. The entire school community extends its warmest congratulations to these young women on their outstanding academic diligence and business acumen! 📸 Presentation Showcase Pictured at the NUI Galway ceremony are:

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Senior Cycle

Davitt College Launches Career Options 2014 Exhibition

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🎯 Career Guidance • Regional Exhibition Davitt College Launches Career Options 2014 Exhibition 8 January 2014 Davitt College, Castlebar, was proud to serve as the launchpad for Career Options 2014—a premier regional event dedicated to opening doors for Senior Cycle students across the county. The exhibition provided students with comprehensive, firsthand insights into CAO degree pathways, further education courses, specialized apprenticeships, and high-demand vocational training options. 🎓 Higher Education University & IT programme insights 🛠️ Further Education PLC & Post-Leaving Cert pathways 🤝 Regional Partnership Backed by MSLETB & local educators The launch highlighted the vital collaboration between post-primary leadership, Castlebar College of Further Education, and the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), guaranteeing students leave school fully empowered with clear, actionable direction for the future. Back Row (L–R): Ms. Áine Coyne, Ms. Bernie Lennon, Ms. Tara O’Brien, Mr. Fiachra MacGabhann (Castlebar College of Further Education), Ms. Emma Nestor, and Mr. Ger King (Deputy Principal, Davitt College). Front Row (L–R): Ms. Ruth Carney, Mr. Seosamh Mac Donncha (Chief Executive Officer, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board), and Ms. Bernie Rowland (Principal, Davitt College).

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

Transition Year Student Maria Named All-Ireland Home-Cook Hero Finalist

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🧑‍🍳 Culinary Arts • National Finalist Transition Year Student Maria Named All-Ireland Home-Cook Hero Finalist 20 November 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, extends its massive congratulations to Transition Year student Maria, who achieved national recognition by becoming a finalist in the prestigious Easy Food Home-Cook Hero Awards 2013. Run by Ireland’s number-one food magazine, Easy Food, this national cookery competition is open to all ages. The 2013 event was the most highly contested and popular year to date, drawing thousands of entries from across the country. Only three finalists were selected for each of the ten categories based on their unique, tasty, and creative recipes. Maria was chosen to compete in the highly competitive La Scala category, where she was the only student matching skills against two seasoned adult cooks—a previous category winner and a professional food blogger. 🍳 The Dublin Cook-Off Final On Saturday, 9th November 2013, Maria travelled to Dublin to take part in a high-pressure live cook-off final at the Cooks Academy Cookery School. She prepared her signature dish under the watchful eyes of a distinguished panel of celebrity judges: Kevin Dundon Dunbrody House Catherine Fulvio Ballyknocken House Gina Miltiadou Zahra Media Group The high-octane environment was captured by TV3 cameras, recording the skills of the finalists for a special television broadcast hosted by Martin King at the Shelbourne Hotel, which aired nationally on Saturday, 16th November 2013. 🧑‍🍳 Future in the Culinary Arts Maria, a passionate Home Economics student, is keen to pursue a career in the Culinary Arts after finishing her studies at Davitt College. As a testament to her talent, she will complete her Transition Year work experience module under the mentorship of renowned TV Chef Neven Maguire at MacNean House & Restaurant in Co. Cavan. “I was very excited to be chosen to compete in this National Competition. The standard was very high and it was great to see other contestants’ interpretations of their dishes. It was also great to work alongside chefs Kevin Dundon and Catherine Fulvio. The competition gave me great experience and was a fantastic opportunity.” — Maria, Transition Year Student 📈 Continued Excellence in Home Economics This incredible achievement marks the second major success for the Davitt College Home Economics Department in recent months, following past pupil Laura Ivers’ overall victory at the Sligo Connacht Gold Cookery Competition. Academic Milestone: In 2013, 100% of our Junior Certificate Home Economics students took the Higher Level paper, with final examination results far exceeding the national average. Culinary Finalist: Davitt College Transition Year student Maria, recognized nationally at the Easy Food Home-Cook Hero Awards live cook-off in Dublin.

Academic & Curriculum, Awards, Core News & Information, Latest News, School Life, Culture & Achievements, Senior Cycle

Davitt College Graduate Hannah McEllin Awarded Prestigious All-Ireland Scholarship

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🎓 Academic Honour • National Scholarship Davitt College Graduate Hannah McEllin Awarded Prestigious All-Ireland Scholarship 20 November 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, is immensely proud to announce that past pupil Hannah McEllin has been honoured with a highly coveted 2013 All-Ireland Third-Level Scholarship in recognition of her exceptional results in the Leaving Certificate examination. The prestigious awards ceremony took place at the University of Limerick, where the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, T.D., was present alongside the sponsor of the scholarship scheme, Mr. J.P. McManus. The distinguished Guest of Honour for the event was Ryanair Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Michael O’Leary. 125 National Recipients Selected across the 32 counties of Ireland €32M Philanthropic Fund Funded entirely by sponsor J.P. McManus 1,300+ Total Beneficiaries Supporting students throughout third-level 🎓 National Recognition for Academic Excellence Now in its sixth year, the highly competitive scheme provides vital financial assistance to top-tier, high-achieving students who completed their Leaving Certificate or A-Level examinations in 2013. The prestigious awards are strictly administered by the Department of Education and Skills in the Republic of Ireland and the Department of Education in Northern Ireland, ensuring that only the highest academic benchmarks across both jurisdictions are recognized. The entire school community at Davitt College extends its warmest congratulations to Hannah on this landmark milestone and wishes her continued success throughout her third-level studies! Award Presentation: Hannah McEllin receives her All-Ireland Third-Level Scholarship from Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan T.D., alongside sponsor Mr. J.P. McManus and Ms. Bernie Rowland (Principal, Davitt College).

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

Davitt College Alumni Embark on their University Journeys

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🎓 Alumni Updates • Class of 2013 Davitt College Alumni Embark on their University Journeys 27 September 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar A number of our exceptional Leaving Certificate students from the Class of 2013 recently dropped back into Davitt College to catch up, say their final goodbyes, and express their sincere gratitude to management, teachers, and staff for supporting them throughout their six years of post-primary education. These ambitious young men and women are embarking on an exciting new chapter as they begin third-level programmes in prestigious universities and training colleges across Ireland for the 2013/2014 academic year. 💬 Fond Memories of the Davitt College Experience “I will certainly miss Davitt College. We have had some unforgettable times and we have definitely made friends for life. The Transition Year Programme was one of the absolute highlights for me.” — Hazel Lawless “Davitt College is genuinely student-centred and has a very broad range of subjects. There is a wonderful relationship between students and teachers and a great support system for everyone.” — Hannah Mulchrone “The Joe Langan Sports Hall and Gym is a huge asset to Davitt College.” — Diarmuid O’Connor 🔬 Rising Demand for Scientific Disciplines “There is definitely a strong trend towards the sciences this year. We offer all four science subjects at Senior Level: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Agricultural Science. There has been a steady increase in the uptake of these subjects over the past two to three years, and this is highly evident when you consider the competitive degree programmes our students are successfully choosing at third level.” — Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal 📸 Class of 2013 Graduate Destinations & Pathways (Pictured L–R): • Hannah McEllin: B.Sc. General Nursing • Noel Conlon: B.Sc. Mathematical Science (NUI Galway) • Rachel Farragher: B.Sc. Environmental Science (NUI Galway) • Robbie Fadden: B.A. Accounting & Finance (DCU) • Sarah Roache: B.Sc. General Science (Trinity College) • Darren Flannery: B.Sc. Athletic Therapy & Training (DCU) • Hazel Lawless: B.Ed. Home Economics & Biology (St. Angela’s) • Diarmuid O’Connor: B.Sc. Sports Science (DCU) • Hannah Mulchrone: B.Ed. Primary Teaching (St. Patrick’s) • William Conlon: B.Sc. Agricultural Science (UCD) Missing from photograph: Aiman Elhilali (B.Sc. Pharmaceutical Science, DCU) and Eadaoin Donnelly-White (B.A. Human Rights, NUI Galway).

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, Junior Cycle, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Celebrations as Students Receive Outstanding Junior Certificate Results

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🎉 State Examinations • Junior Cert 2013 Celebrations as Students Receive Outstanding Junior Certificate Results 11 September 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar There were screams of excitement and delight at Davitt College today, Wednesday 11th September, as our students received their highly anticipated Junior Certificate results. The results across the board have been truly exceptional, with an impressive number of students achieving top marks and the vast majority of the year group securing honours across all of their subjects. 11 ‘A’s Ellen Murphy Higher Level Subjects 9 ‘A’s Norah Conlon Higher Level Subjects 8 ‘A’s Una Parkinson Higher Level Subjects “I am delighted with all of our students’ excellent results in the Junior Certificate. Our students worked very hard throughout the three years leading up to the Junior Certificate Examination and today they reap the rewards of that hard work. It is a wonderful day and we are very proud of each and every one of them.” Ms. Rowland also noted that this success is a true community effort, adding a special word of thanks to the dedicated teaching faculty and supportive parents who collectively helped make today’s achievements possible. — Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal A massive well done to the entire Junior Certificate Class of 2013! ×

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

Academic Distinction: Top Leaving Certificate Results for Hannah McEllin

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🌟 Leaving Certificate • Academic Distinction Academic Distinction: Top Leaving Certificate Results for Hannah McEllin 10 September 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, is absolutely thrilled to celebrate outstanding academic excellence within our graduating class, as Leaving Certificate student Hannah McEllin achieved a phenomenal 615 points in her final examinations. Reaching the elite 615-point milestone places Hannah in the very highest percentile of candidates nationwide—a remarkable reflection of her relentless dedication, work ethic, and academic talent across her six years of post-primary education at the school. School Principal Ms. Bernie Rowland and Deputy Principal Mr. Ger King met with Hannah on campus to extend their heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the entire school community, board of management, and teaching faculty. 615 Points Leaving Certificate Result Top-tier national standing and academic excellence 🎓 Third-Level Pathway Embarking on the B.Sc. in General Nursing Comhghairdeas, Hannah – wishing you continued brilliance throughout your third-level studies! 📸 Academic Excellence Presentation: Leaving Certificate high achiever Hannah McEllin (centre) pictured on campus with Ms. Bernie Rowland (Principal) and Mr. Ger King (Deputy Principal) following her phenomenal 615-point achievement.

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

Soroptimist International Castlebar Supports Music Programme at Davitt College

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🎵 Creative Arts • Community Partnership Soroptimist International Castlebar Supports Music Programme at Davitt College 9 May 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, was delighted to welcome representatives from Soroptimist International Castlebar alongside the National President of Soroptimist Ireland to celebrate a fantastic community-sponsored music initiative on campus. Soroptimist International Castlebar has generously sponsored a targeted Music Programme at the school, providing vital funds to support specialized tuition over an immersive six-week module. In addition to expert instruction, the club’s generous financial contribution went directly toward purchasing brand-new musical instruments, substantially expanding creative and performance pathways for our student body. 🎼 6-Week Module Targeted, specialized musical tuition 🎸 New Instruments Direct funding for school music equipment 🤝 Local Investment Supported by Soroptimist International During the visit, the National President of Soroptimist Ireland, Ms. Ann O’Driscoll, toured the school facilities and was treated to a wonderful live performance by the talented students currently participating in the programme. The entire school community extends its sincere gratitude to Soroptimist International Castlebar for their generous investment in our students’ creative futures. 📸 Presentation Showcase (Pictured L–R): Back Row: Mr. Ger King (Deputy Principal), Ms. S. Sheridan (School Completion Programme), Mrs. Ann Collins (Soroptimist Club President), Ms. Ann O’Driscoll (National President, Soroptimist Ireland), Ms. Therese O’Grady (Soroptimist PRO), Ms. Kate McKeown (Music Generation Mayo), Jamie Ralph, Mr. Paul Kelly, Mr. Mike Cannon, Mr. Eamonn Mulderrig (Music Teacher), and Ms. Bernie Rowland (Principal). Front Row: Jack McEllin, Niamh Tobin, Neill Tropman, Francis Kelly, Neill Kilkenny, Aoife Halligan, and Ethan Carey.

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

Double Gold and Overall Victory for Davitt College at Connacht Gold Junior Chef Competition

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🧑‍🍳 Culinary Arts • Double Gold Champions Double Gold and Overall Victory for Davitt College at Connacht Gold Junior Chef Competition 9 May 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, is immensely proud to celebrate a phenomenal double-victory on the culinary stage, as our students captured the top honors at the prestigious Connacht Gold Junior Chef Final. The competitive live cook-off took place at St. Angela’s College, Sligo, as a flagship event of the Só Sligo Food and Culture Festival in conjunction with Connacht Gold. Out of hundreds of entries from across the province, just 18 secondary school students were selected to compete in the live final—with Davitt College proudly standing as the only school to secure two finalist places. 🏆 Overall Champion & Gold Medal Laura Ivers (Transition Year) Sautéed her way into first place to be officially named The 2013 Connacht Gold Junior Chef, winning a commissioned trophy, iPad mini, and a masterclass scholarship with TV3 resident chef Joe Shannon. Winning Menu: • Main: Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni with salad and garlic crostini. • Dessert: White chocolate and almond tray bake with homemade vanilla custard and strawberry coulis. 🥇 Senior Category Gold Medal Amy Mulchrone (5th Year) Delivered a masterclass in culinary expertise and exceptional kitchen professionalism, securing a Senior Gold Medal from the panel of professional judges. Gourmet Menu: • Main: Bacon-wrapped chicken stuffed with cream cheese & sun-dried tomatoes, with creamed mash and celeriac. • Dessert: Classic vanilla panna cotta with raspberry compote and almond biscotti. 🔬 State-of-the-Art Practical Education “In Davitt College, Home Economics has become increasingly popular in recent years. We are very fortunate to have two fully equipped, state-of-the-art Home Economics rooms, and the subject has become almost as popular with boys as it is with girls. There has been a notable increase in the number of students taking the subject at Higher Level for both the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate, and our examination results continue to far exceed the national average.” — Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal Ms. Fiona Murtagh (Home Economics Teacher): “The subject aims to equip students with core life skills. The department constantly strives to encourage creativity in the kitchen, and this competition was a fantastic opportunity for our students to display their genuine passion for cooking. We are incredibly proud of both Laura and Amy.” 📸 Culinary Triumph Showcase: Laura Ivers (Overall Junior Chef Champion & Senior Gold Medalist) and Amy Mulchrone (Senior Category Gold Medalist) celebrating their double victory at St. Angela’s College, Sligo.

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

National Business Success: Davitt College Transition Year Student Wins BT Bootcamp

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💡 Enterprise & Science • National Winners National Business Success: Davitt College Transition Year Student Wins BT Bootcamp 20 March 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, is incredibly proud to celebrate national entrepreneurial success, as Transition Year student Sean Murphy was named a member of the winning team at the prestigious 2013 BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp. The intensive commercialisation skills programme, held at NovaUCD, wrapped up on Friday, 8th March 2013. Devised by BT and delivered in partnership with UCD Innovation, the elite bootcamp aims to bridge the gap between business and education by equipping young innovators with the tools to transform scientific concepts into market-ready commercial ventures. 📱 Best Overall Team Award Award-Winning Project: “I.C.E. Scan Me” Sean Murphy, working alongside teammates Anna Fitzpatrick (Scol Chonglais, Wicklow), Sean Reilly (Coláiste na Coiribe, Galway), Emer Hickey (Kinsale Community College, Cork), and Aaron Hoffmann (Luttrellstown Community College, Dublin), captured the coveted Best Overall Team Award. About the Innovation: I.C.E. Scan Me is a groundbreaking medical database designed to be rapidly and securely accessed by first responders during a medical emergency using a personalized QR code. Evaluated by a highly selective judging panel from across corporate business and academia, Sean’s team was chosen for their exceptional progress, viable model, and commercial insight throughout the week. 🎓 Summer Research Placements Winners receive research and innovation scholarships across NUI Galway, UL, UCD, and Ulster University. 🚀 NovaUCD Partnership Delivered in collaboration with UCD Innovation to accelerate commercialization skills. 💡 Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow “A key innovation output of Ireland is a new cohort of creative, innovative, and skilled students, formed in an environment of research, discovery, and entrepreneurship, who will go on to be the leaders of tomorrow. I trust that the week has challenged the participants’ thinking and will assist them in understanding the key steps they must implement in order to transform their innovative ideas into commercially viable products and services.” — Professor Peter Clinch, UCD Vice-President for Innovation 📸 Presentation Showcase: Mr. Jim Higgins MEP presenting Davitt College students Jack McEllin, Sean Murphy, and Conor Reilly with their Young Scientist accolades. Photo Credit: © Ken Wright Photography 2013

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