Senior Cycle

Focusing on the academic pathways, career guidance, and dedicated examination preparation for our 5th and 6th-year students as they transition toward higher education and future careers.

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

/

🔬 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, Core News & Information, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Senior Cycle

Fantastic Turnout for the Davitt College Career Options Event 2017

/

🎓 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, Awards, Core News & Information, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Senior Cycle

University College Dublin Academic & Irish Language Scholarships

/

🎓 Third Level Achievement • UCD Honours University College Dublin Academic & Irish Language Scholarships 12 December 2016 • UCD Scholarship Awards Ceremony Davitt College, Castlebar, extends its warmest congratulations to our past pupils, Seamus Tiernan and Ruth Tobin, who were recently honored with prestigious academic accolades at University College Dublin (UCD). Seamus Tiernan was awarded the highly sought-after Bord na Gaeilge Scholarship, which recognizes students who demonstrate a passionate commitment to promoting the Irish language and culture within the university community. Additionally, congratulations are in order for Ruth Tobin, who received a UCD High Achiever Award in recognition of her exceptional academic performance. We are incredibly proud to see our graduates thriving and maintaining a high standard of excellence at third level. Well done to both Ruth and Seamus! 🎓☘️🌟👏 Pictured at the official Scholarship Awards ceremony at University College Dublin are Professor Michael L. Doherty (Bord na Gaeilge UCD Chairman), Seamus Tiernan (Scholarship Recipient), Ms. Bernie Rowland (Principal, Davitt College), and Clár Ní Bhuachalla (Scholarship Scheme Coordinator). ×

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

Davitt College Past Pupils Progress to Third-Level Education

/

🎓 Class of 2016 • Third-Level Progression Davitt College Past Pupils Progress to Third-Level Education 11 October 2016 • Davitt College Castlebar A number of our exceptional Leaving Certificate students from the Class of 2016 recently dropped back into Davitt College to say their final goodbyes and express their 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 courses in prestigious universities and training colleges for the 2016/2017 academic year. Our graduates are spreading their wings to all four provinces of Ireland and beyond—with destinations ranging from Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork to NUI Galway and Aberystwyth University in Wales. 🔬 Strong Trend Towards STEM Disciplines Reflecting on the class profile, Davitt College Principal Ms. Bernie Rowland highlighted a significant shift in student academic focuses: “There is definitely a trend towards the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) 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 diverse degree programmes our students are choosing at third level.” — Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal 📚 Class of 2016 Graduate Destinations Pictured at the school presentation (from left to right) are our past pupils alongside faculty: Liam Laffey – B.Sc. in Animal Science, Aberystwyth University, Wales Molly Rowland – B.Sc. in Science, UCD Nasmul Uddin – B.Eng. in Biomedical Engineering, DCU Hannah Duffy – B.A. in Applied Languages, University of Limerick Claire McDonagh – B.A. in Product Design, I.T. Carlow Laura O’Donnell – Disability Studies in Early Childcare and Education, Castlebar College of Further Education Allanah Morris – Bachelor of Music, NUI Maynooth Ms. Bernie Rowland – Principal, Davitt College Norah Conlon – Bachelor of Commerce, UCD Aoife Brody – B.A. in Early Childhood Care, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick Amy Gibbons – Bachelor of Business, GMIT Jade Murphy – B.Sc. in Biomedical Science, NUI Galway Laura Brody – B.Sc. in Genetics & Cell Biology, DCU Ellen Murphy – Bachelor of Science, Trinity College Dublin Ms. Bernie Lennon – Career Guidance Teacher Davitt College Class of 2016 graduates pictured with Principal Ms. Bernie Rowland and Career Guidance Teacher Ms. Bernie Lennon ahead of starting their third-level courses. ×

Academic & Curriculum, Core News & Information, Humanities & Language, Politics & Society, School News, Senior Cycle

Davitt College Selected to Pioneer New ‘Politics and Society’ Subject

/

🏛️ Curriculum Innovation • Leaving Certificate 2016 Davitt College Selected to Pioneer New ‘Politics and Society’ Subject 8 March 2016 • National Curriculum Launch A brand new subject has been developed for the Leaving Certificate programme called Politics and Society, and we are incredibly proud to announce that Davitt College has been selected as one of a small number of schools nationally to introduce it on a phased basis! Starting this coming September 2016, this optional subject will be available to our senior students, with the very first Leaving Certificate Politics and Society examinations set to take place in June 2018. “We are delighted that our school has been selected to introduce Leaving Certificate Politics and Society from this coming September. Politics and Society is a very exciting and rewarding subject that will suit any student who is interested in human rights, equality, diversity, sustainable development, power, and democratic decision-making.” — Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal Studying this subject will give students a real, practical insight into people, power, and how society functions. It will be assessed at both Ordinary and Higher Levels, featuring two core components: a written examination accounting for 80% of the final grade, and a hands-on citizenship project accounting for 20%. This project will allow students to research a topic they are passionate about and apply their learning in action. “The introduction of Politics and Society in Davitt College complements the already very wide range of subjects we offer to students in the Leaving Certificate Programme. There has been considerable interest in the uptake of this subject already from students, and a number of teachers have expressed a wish to teach Politics and Society here in Davitt College.” — Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal This is a fantastic addition to our curriculum and a wonderful opportunity for our future Senior Cycle students! 🏛️📚✨ Pictured at the launch of the new subject in Limerick: Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal Davitt College Castlebar; Minister for Education, Jan O’Sullivan, T.D.; and Mr. Frank Kelleher, Teacher of Politics and Society, Davitt College. ×

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

Davitt College School Awards 2015: Students of the Year

/

🎓 Annual Awards • Student of the Year 2015 Davitt College School Awards 2015: Students of the Year 3 June 2015 • Davitt College, Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, is proud to announce that the overall Leaving Certificate Students of the Year 2015 are Sean Murphy and Sarah Murray. Throughout their six years of post-primary education, both Sean and Sarah consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to their academic studies. They were highly commended by school management and faculty for their outstanding commitment, active participation, and invaluable overall contribution to everyday school life. Winning this award represents the highest non-academic accolade a student can achieve before graduating from Davitt College. 🌟🎖️👏 Pictured at the official awards ceremony (from left to right): Ms. Bernie Rowland (Principal), Sarah Murray (Student of the Year), Sean Murphy (Student of the Year), and Mr. Ger King (Deputy Principal). ×

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

Huge Success for Davitt College Career Options Event 2015

/

🎓 Career Guidance • Options Event 2015 Huge Success for Davitt College Career Options Event 2015 18 January 2015 • Joe Langan Sports Hall It is that time of year again! With Leaving Certificate students busy preparing their CAO applications, young people across the county are actively exploring the many opportunities available at Third Level Universities, Institutes of Technology, and Colleges of Further Education. 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, hosted our second annual Career Options Event on Saturday, 17th January 2015. There was certainly something for everyone on the day. Held in the Davitt College Joe Langan Sports Hall, the free exhibition provided a vital opportunity for second-level students and their parents to access invaluable information regarding the wide range of education and training courses available. We were absolutely thrilled to welcome close to 1,600 people to the event! Career Options 2015 was a shining example of partnership and collaboration in action. Almost 40 Universities and Colleges from across the island of Ireland were represented, alongside several Universities from England. Attendees also benefited from expert presentations on CAO, SUSI Grants, UCAS, HEAR, and DARE, as well as essential information on Third Level Scholarships, Bursaries, and Grants. “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 sincere word of thanks to our dedicated organising committee: Ruth Carney, Ger King, Áine Ní Cadhain, Emma Nestor, Tara O’Brien, Bernie Lennon, and Padraic Moran for making this event such a success! 🤝🚀🎓 The Joe Langan Sports Hall hosted a massive turnout of nearly 1,600 students and parents exploring Third Level opportunities at the 2015 Career Options Event. ×

Academic & Curriculum, Awards, Core News & Information, English, Humanities & Language, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Senior Cycle

Davitt College Celebrates All-Ireland Literary Winner Emily Nolan

/

🏆 Literary Achievement • National Winner Davitt College Celebrates All-Ireland Literary Winner Emily Nolan 13 August 2014 • Davitt College, Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, is absolutely thrilled to celebrate a landmark national achievement in creative writing. Emily Nolan, an exceptionally talented Fifth Year student, has been officially announced as the All-Ireland Winner of the Senior Category in the prestigious John West Fantasy Writing Competition 2014. Emily’s creative flair and narrative mastery outshone entries from across the country to secure the top spot in this highly competitive national tournament. To mark the momentous occasion, An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, TD, visited Davitt College recently. During his visit, the Taoiseach was delighted to meet with the young author and was presented with a personal copy of Emily’s winning short story, titled “Run for your Money”. The entire school community extends its warmest congratulations to Emily on this remarkable national literary success! 📖✨🏆 All-Ireland writing winner Emily Nolan presents her winning story to An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, TD, during his celebratory visit to Davitt College. ×

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

Award-Winning Irish Poet Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin Visits Davitt College

/

✍️ Literary Event • Guest Speaker 2014 Award-Winning Irish Poet Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin Visits Davitt College 26 February 2014 In January 2014, Fifth Year English students at Davitt College were honoured with a deeply memorable visit from one of Ireland’s most significant and celebrated contemporary poets, Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin. It is broadly acknowledged that her poems open many doors to multiple worlds, utilizing dense, captivating soundscapes and a distinctive magic that proves to be essential to our understanding of the world around us. Having studied her prescribed poetry in depth earlier in the academic year, the students found this firsthand encounter to be an incredibly educational and rewarding milestone. 📝 Demystifying the Leaving Certificate Syllabus Acknowledging that Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin’s work is best known for its mysterious imagery and enigmatic layers of interpretation, the Davitt College English Department sought to demystify her work by arranging the personal visit. When the students initially encountered her prescribed text, they were captivated by the thematic insights she provided on issues of a personal, mythical, and universal nature. Having the poet herself walk through the school doors to provide direct context will benefit these students immensely as they prepare for their Leaving Certificate Examination in 2015. ✨ An Inspiring Literary Exchange Upon her arrival, Eiléan highlighted the vital importance of the arts within society, speaking passionately about the power and influence that literature in all its forms can have on individual lives. She generously welcomed questions and open discussion from the students regarding her life, her creative process, and how her experiences relate to the various themes within her writing. By providing profound, unique insights into each poem on the Leaving Certificate course, she offered a deeply personal and relatable approach to the syllabus. The students found the experience both invigorating and inspirational—an extraordinary opportunity that they thoroughly enjoyed and one that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

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

Davitt College Launches Career Options 2014 Exhibition

/

🎯 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).

Scroll to Top