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, Core News & Information, Extra-Curricular, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, STEM, Transition Year

Davitt College Chosen for International GLOBE Science Programme

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🌍 International Science • GLOBE Programme Davitt College Chosen for International GLOBE Science Programme 1 September 2019 • Science Department Davitt College was incredibly proud to be one of only 13 schools in the country chosen to run the prestigious International GLOBE Programme during the 2018/2019 academic year. 🌍 A Global Scientific Initiative The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Programme is an international science and education initiative. It provides students and the public worldwide with the unique opportunity to participate directly in data collection and the scientific process, contributing meaningfully to our understanding of the Earth system and global environment. Originally announced on Earth Day in 1994, GLOBE brings together students, teachers, scientists, and community members to collaborate on inquiry-based investigations. The ultimate goal is to better understand, sustain, and improve the Earth’s environment at local, regional, and global scales. 🔬 Real-World Data Collection As part of this fantastic initiative, Transition Year students at Davitt College took on the responsibility of recording specific weather conditions—including air pressure, rainfall, cloud cover, and temperature—over a three-month period, subsequently uploading their accurate results to the international GLOBE database. This highly sought-after opportunity allowed our students to deeply understand local weather conditions and their wider impact on climate change, all while directly informing scientists around the world of the exact weather patterns right here in Castlebar! 🌍🌡️📊🔬✨ ×

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

IT Sligo Delivers Hands-On Chemistry Workshop at Davitt College

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🔬 STEM Education • Advanced Chemistry Workshop IT Sligo Delivers Hands-On Chemistry Workshop at Davitt College 21 January 2019 • Science Department Dr. Fiona McArdle, Senior Lecturer, and Ms. Mary Connolly, Technical Officer, from the School of Science at IT Sligo recently visited Davitt College to deliver the highly engaging ‘Spectroscopy in a Suitcase’ (SIAS) workshop. 🔬 Advanced Analytical Science The aim of this workshop is to give students a practical introduction to advanced analytical chemistry equipment, namely FTIR and UV/Vis spectrometry. Spectroscopy in a Suitcase gives secondary school students the rare chance to learn about spectroscopy through hands-on experience. As well as covering the core principles of spectroscopic techniques, the activities use real-life contexts to demonstrate exactly how these methods are applied in the professional world. 💼 Industry-Standard Equipment This type of advanced equipment is widely used in local chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and environmental laboratories. Valued at approximately €30,000, these machines are typically beyond the reach of secondary schools. Thankfully, the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) generously funded the equipment, with IT Sligo acting as one of six host Third Level colleges contracted to deliver this fantastic service to schools in the North West of Ireland. 🕵️‍♂️ Real-World Forensics The workshop was expertly tailored for both Fifth and Sixth Year students currently taking Leaving Certificate Chemistry, as spectroscopy is a key topic on the syllabus. It was also delivered to Transition Year students who are currently considering their Senior Cycle subject options. Using exciting forensic science scenarios, the workshop placed a strong emphasis on encouraging pupils to consider studying chemistry at Third Level, successfully highlighting the fantastic local and national career opportunities available with STEM qualifications. 🧪📊🎓✨ ×

Academic & Curriculum, Awards, Core News & Information, Engineering, Extra-Curricular, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, STEM, Transition Year

Davitt College Selected for EA Robot Games Competition 2018

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🤖 STEM & Robotics • EA Robot Games Davitt College Selected for EA Robot Games Competition 2018 16 May 2018 • Transition Year Technology Davitt College first introduced Sumo Robots to the Transition Year Programme back in 2013, and the initiative has grown from strength to strength ever since! 🤖 Building the Future Sumo Robots is an exciting Engineering and Technology module designed to introduce students to the rapidly emerging fields of robotics and electronics. The students learn an incredible amount during the hands-on process of building their projects—from studying the history of robotics right through to the intricate 3D printing of their very own custom-designed robots. 🏆 The EA Robot Games Following months of preparation, Davitt College was incredibly proud to have seven teams selected to enter the highly competitive EA Robot Games, which were held in Galway on Wednesday, 9th May 2018. “The competition at the end of all this hard work is a great reward for them. They have so much fun on the day of the finals that it feels more like a celebration of their effort than a competition. It’s also satisfying as their teacher to see students having so much fun learning. This competition really shows the students the real-life applications of STEM subjects and how they might enjoy studying them in their future.” — Mr. Padraic McTaibheis, Engineering Teacher ×

Academic & Curriculum, Awards, Core News & Information, Engineering, Extra-Curricular, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, STEM

Davitt College Students Find Success at National SciFest Competition 2018

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🔬 STEM • National SciFest Awards 2018 Davitt College Students Find Success at National SciFest Competition 2018 15 May 2018 • Science Department It was an outstanding day for the students of Davitt College at this year’s SciFest Competition, held at the Sligo Institute of Technology on Wednesday, 9th May 2018. The school had six brilliant projects entered into the competition and took home three Major Awards on the day, including a Special Award. The aim of SciFest is to encourage a love of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths through active, collaborative, and inquiry-based learning. The event is generously funded by the Science Foundation Ireland Discover Programme, Intel Ireland, and Boston Scientific. 🏆 Award-Winning Innovations Our students performed exceptionally well, showcasing their creativity and scientific knowledge under the expert mentorship of Davitt College Science Teacher, Ms. Fiona O’Connor. Transition Year student Michael Fleming attracted much attention from the judges, successfully winning the Intermediate Technology Category with his highly innovative project, “Talking Robots”. Fellow Transition Year students Keith Mulchrone, Shane Dyra, and Olivia Fahey won the coveted SciFest BioPharmaChem Ireland Chemistry Award for their collaborative project, “Water, A Fuel of the Future”. To top it off, the talented trio also took First Place in the Intermediate Physical Science Category. 👩‍🏫 Teacher Recognition The success did not stop with the students. Mrs. O’Connor was officially recognised by the judging panel for her absolute excellence in science education and was proudly awarded the RSC School Chemistry Award by the Royal Society of Chemistry Education Division. Congratulations to all the students and teachers involved! 🧪🤖💡🌟👏 ×

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, Engineering, Extra-Curricular, Gallery, Media, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, STEM

EA Robot Games Selection

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🤖 Engineering • EA Robot Games Selection Davitt College Selected for EA Robot Games Competition 14 May 2018 • Engineering & Technology Department Davitt College, Castlebar first introduced Sumo Robots to the Transition Year Programme in 2013, and the initiative has grown from strength to strength since. Sumo Robots is an Engineering and Technology module designed to introduce students to the emerging field of robotics and electronics. During the process of building their machines, students cover everything from the history of automation to the 3D printing of their very own custom-designed components. Following months of design fabrication, Davitt College achieved a major milestone with seven independent student teams selected to compete at the national EA Robot Games held in Galway. “The competition at the end of all this hard work is a great reward for them. They have so much fun on the day of the finals that it feels more like a celebration of their effort than a competition. It’s also deeply satisfying as their teacher to see students having so much fun learning. This competition really shows the students the real-life applications of STEM subjects and how they might enjoy studying them in their future.” — Mr. Padraic McTaibheis, Engineering Teacher ×

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

Sporting Legend Cora Staunton Guests of Honour at Davitt College Transition Year Awards 2018

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🏆 Transition Year • Annual Awards 2018 Sporting Legend Cora Staunton Guest of Honour at Davitt College TY Awards 2018 11 May 2018 Davitt College, Castlebar, proudly hosted its annual Transition Year Awards Event on Friday 11th May 2018, celebrating a fantastic year of holistic development, academic progress, and active participation in school life. The school was deeply honoured to welcome eleven-time Ladies Football All-Star winner and professional AFL player Ms. Cora Staunton as Guest of Honour. Ms. Staunton warmly congratulated each of the student recipients, noting that the sheer breadth of successes and awards achieved by Davitt College students continues to astound her and fills her with a great sense of encouragement for the future. Students were commended across various categories, highlighting the unique value of the Transition Year programme in building self-confidence, fostering independent analysis, and encouraging personal growth before entering Senior Cycle. Main Transition Year Honours ⭐ Highest TY Honour TY Outstanding Young Person Ruairi O’Boyle & Sadhbh Reddington Presented by Guest of Honour Ms. Cora Staunton, alongside Ms. Tracy Britton (TY Co-Ordinator) and Ms. Bernie Rowland (Principal). 🎭 Creative Arts Transition Year Musical Awards Ethan Barrett, Enda Harrigan, Annabelle Riona Comer-Halliwell & Shauna Jordan Presented by Musical Producer Mr. Dave MacDon-nacha and Ms. Cora Duffy (DanceWorld). Congratulations to the Transition Year Class of 2018 on a wonderfully inspiring and memorable celebration! ×

Academic & Curriculum, Awards, Core News & Information, Extra-Curricular, Media, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, STEM, Transition Year, Video Hub

Davitt College Crowned All-Ireland Winners in SFI ReelLIFE SCIENCE Competition 2017

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🏆 All-Ireland Winners • ReelLIFE SCIENCE Davitt College Crowned All-Ireland Winners in SFI ReelLIFE SCIENCE Competition 2017 13 November 2017 • Science Week National Awards At the beginning of Science Week 2017, the winners of the ReelLIFE SCIENCE Secondary School category were officially announced, and we are incredibly proud to share that Davitt College took home the top prize! The brilliant short science video, produced by our 4C Transition Year class, was selected from almost 200 entries created by over 1,500 participants across 83 schools and community groups nationwide. A Prestigious National Initiative Based in NUI Galway and supported by SFI, the CKI, CÚRAM, and Cell EXPLORERS, ReelLIFE SCIENCE challenges participants to engage with STEM by producing fun and educational short videos. The Winning Production: ‘The Death of Paul Donovan’ Produced under the expert guidance of Ms. Fiona O’Connor, our winning entry secured the CÚRAM-sponsored first prize. High-profile judges, including Prof. Luke O’Neill and Shane Curran, praised the originality and investigative depth of our students’ work. “Very funny and original.” — Prof. Luke O’Neill A massive congratulations to our 4C Transition Year students and Ms. O’Connor on this phenomenal national achievement!

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

Fantastic Turnout for the Davitt College Career Options Event 2017

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🎓 Guidance & Careers • Annual Exhibition 2017 Fantastic Turnout for the Davitt College Career Options Event 2017 14 October 2017 • Davitt College Joe Langan Sports Hall To meet the specific needs of post-primary students in Co. Mayo, Davitt College, in partnership with the Education Working Group of Mayo County Council and the Mayo LEADER Partnership Company, held its fifth very successful Career Options Event on Saturday, 14th October 2017. There was certainly something for everyone on the day in the Davitt College Joe Langan Sports Hall. The exhibition provided a fantastic opportunity for second-level students and their parents to access vital information regarding the wide range of education and training courses available at Third Level. Over 1,600 people were present at this free-admission event. 🤝 A Collaborative Success Career Options 2017 was a prime example of partnership and collaboration in action. Over thirty universities and colleges from throughout Ireland, the UK, and Europe were represented. Attendees benefited from highly informative presentations on the day covering the CAO, SUSI Grants, UCAS, HEAR, and DARE. There was also extensive information available regarding Third Level scholarships, bursaries, and grants, as well as new developments in apprenticeship and training programmes. 🎤 Expert Guidance Davitt College was absolutely delighted to welcome guest speaker Mr. Brian Mooney, a renowned Guidance Counsellor and educational expert. Well-known as an educational analyst with a weekly column in The Irish Times, he delivered a highly comprehensive presentation packed with the most relevant, current, and strategic information to help students research and prepare for their future career pathways. “There was a wealth of information available on the day to accommodate every interest – academic, creative, and technical. I feel students’ experience has been enriched and I hope parents and their sons and daughters are now better able to make informed decisions about future careers.” — Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal A bustling exhibition hall in the Joe Langan Sports Hall Students exploring third-level opportunities Educational analyst Mr. Brian Mooney addressing attendees Organising committee, school management, and guest speakers at Career Options 2017

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, Extra-Curricular, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Transition Year

Davitt College Students Reach Public Speaking All-Ireland Quarter Finals

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🎙️ Public Speaking • All-Ireland Series 2017 Davitt College Students Reach Public Speaking All-Ireland Quarter Finals 21 March 2017 • Concern Debating & Public Speaking Congratulations to Davitt College Transition Year students Emma Barrett, Chloe Bright, John Feeney, and Claire McHale, who have successfully reached the All-Ireland Quarter Finals of the prestigious Concern Public Speaking and Debating Competition 2017! 🎙️ A Tradition of Excellence These talented and dedicated students are expertly tutored by Mr. Liam Egan, who has guided Transition Year, Fifth Year, and Leaving Certificate students for over 25 years in the fine art of public speaking and debating. The participating Transition Year students highlighted the incredible confidence and character-building value of the pursuit, urging younger pupils to get involved and become part of the vibrant debating fraternity here at Davitt College. 🌟 Skills for Life Principal Ms. Bernie Rowland warmly congratulated both the students and Mr. Egan, wishing them the very best of luck in the next round of the competition. Emphasising the lifelong value of the initiative, she noted: “Public Speaking provides our students with not just debating skills but also a capacity to cope under pressure and present themselves in a confident manner while under public scrutiny.” — Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal Best of luck to the team in the Quarter Finals! We are incredibly proud of your hard work. 🎤🏆💬🌟👏 Davitt College Transition Year students Chloe Bright, Emma Barrett, Claire McHale, and John Feeney with mentor Mr. Liam Egan ahead of the All-Ireland Quarter Finals 2017. ×

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

All-Ireland STEM Award Success for Davitt College Students

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🧪 SciFest 2016 • All-Ireland STEM Excellence All-Ireland STEM Award Success for Davitt College Students 12 December 2016 • SciFest National Final Davitt College students Clodagh Hegarty and Aoife Parsons were recently awarded a prestigious Excellence in STEM award for their innovative project, “The Education and Promotion of Breastfeeding to Children, Adolescents, and Adults”, at SciFest 2016. Their exceptional research and creative approach to health education caught the judges’ attention on the national stage, demonstrating the high caliber of scientific inquiry and civic awareness fostered among students here at Davitt College. A massive congratulations to Clodagh and Aoife on this fantastic All-Ireland achievement! 🧪🏆🌟👏✨ Davitt College students Clodagh Hegarty and Aoife Parsons receiving their Excellence in STEM award at SciFest 2016. ×

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