Core News & Information

The central communication hub for Davitt College. This section handles official announcements, administrative notices, enrollment details, and critical scheduling updates for the whole school community.

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

Davitt College Students Selected as Webwise Student Ambassadors

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🛡️ Leadership • Webwise Ambassador Programme Davitt College Students Selected as Webwise Student Ambassadors 1 October 2019 • Transition Year Leadership A massive congratulations to Davitt College Transition Year students Kollete Kucinskas and Damien Lydon, who have been proudly selected as Webwise Student Ambassadors! 💻 Promoting Internet Safety As part of this fantastic national initiative, Webwise Ireland will provide Kollete and Damien with comprehensive online webinars and offline training. This expert guidance is designed to empower our students to step into leadership roles and promote vital safer internet campaigns right here within the Davitt College community. Well done to Kollete and Damien on taking up such an important and positive initiative for the school! 🌐📱🛡️👏✨ ×

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

Davitt College Graduates Celebrate Success As They Begin University

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🎓 Alumni • University Destinations Davitt College Graduates Celebrate Success As They Begin University 2 September 2019 • Class of 2019 Alumni A number of our exceptional Leaving Certificate students from the Class of 2019 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 now embarking on an exciting new chapter as they begin their chosen third-level courses in prestigious universities and training colleges across Ireland for the 2019/2020 academic year. It was wonderful to catch up with our graduates and hear about their diverse paths, spanning fields across science, business, the arts, and practical trades. The entire community at Davitt College is incredibly proud of their achievements and wishes each of them the absolute best in their university studies and future endeavors! 🎓🏛️📚🌟👏 ×

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. 🧪📊🎓✨ ×

Awards, Core News & Information, DC-Awards, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

Inspiring Success: Charlie Lambert and Liam Egan Guest of Honour at Davitt College Awards 2018

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🏆 Annual School Event • Awards Ceremony 2018 Inspiring Success: Charlie Lambert and Liam Egan Guest of Honour at Davitt College Awards 2018 22 May 2018 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, proudly hosted its Annual Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 22nd May 2018, bringing together students, staff, and families to celebrate an extraordinary year of success across academics, sport, music, and extracurricular activities. The school was honoured to welcome esteemed Guests of Honour Mr. Charlie Lambert, Sports Co-ordinator with the Mayo Sports Partnership, and Mr. Liam Egan, Public Speaking and Debating Mentor, who joined in recognising the exceptional talents of the student body. Over 100 students received awards during a ceremony that highlighted a particularly successful year for the school, with many students achieving Local, Regional, and All-Ireland accolades across a wide variety of disciplines through their hard work, creativity, and commitment. “These awards are a mere stepping stone to greater achievements in the future. I sincerely hope that the students will go on to achieve their life’s dreams and ambitions, and I encourage all students to aspire to achieving awards in the future.” — Principal Ms. Bernie Rowland Main Award Winners 2018 Honouring the highest pinnacle achievements in character, leadership, and community dedication across the school year. ⭐ Highest School Honour Davitt College Students of the Year Rachel Kelly & Dara Kelly Davitt College Annual Awards 2018 Recognising exceptional academic application, character, and school leadership throughout the year. 🛡️ Special Tribute Joe Langan Shield Saoirse Walshe Special Community Recognition Presented in recognition of dedicated service, warmth, and contribution shown to the entire Davitt College community. Sportsperson of the Year 2018 Honouring outstanding athletic prowess, dedication, and sportsmanship across school sporting codes. 🏆 Senior Sportsperson of the Year Senior Sportsperson: Noel Geraghty 🏅 Junior Sportsperson of the Year Junior Sportsperson: Maia Ludden Congratulations to everyone in the Davitt College community on a truly memorable and inspiring celebration of student achievement! ×

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! ×

An Gaisce, Core News & Information, Extra-Curricular, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News

The Sligo Wilderness & Campfire Songs

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🌲 Transition Year • Gaisce Expedition 2018 The Sligo Wilderness & Campfire Songs 3 May 2018 • County Sligo Wilderness Our 2018 Transition Year cohort truly embraced the spirit of adventure during their two-day Gaisce expedition in the scenic wilderness of County Sligo. Under shifting Irish skies, the group tackled challenging hillside climbs, navigating rough heather-strewn terrain and narrow wooden footbridges with high spirits and superb teamwork. The rugged landscape provided the perfect backdrop for students to put their navigation and map-reading skills into practice. Once the day’s trekking was complete, camp life began in earnest. To beat the evening chill, our young adventurers took over the camp shelter, firing up a massive indoor barbecue to cook up a well-deserved feast of burgers and sausages. The absolute highlight of the trip, however, came after dark. Gathering in a massive circle around a spectacular, roaring campfire, the students sang the night away, accompanied by live acoustic guitar. It was a classic, tech-free bonding experience that perfectly captured what Gaisce is all about: resilience, community, and friendships that last a lifetime! 🌲🔥🎸⛺🥾🌟

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