School News

Stay up to date with the latest official announcements, weekly updates, and stories from the Davitt College community.

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

Science and Technology Week at Davitt College

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🔬 STEM Event • Science & Technology Week 2014 Science and Technology Week at Davitt College 26 February 2014 • Davitt College Castlebar The world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and here at Davitt College, we are passionate about inspiring the next generation of innovators. To celebrate Science and Technology Week, our Science and ICT Departments recently invited 6th-class students from our surrounding local National Schools to join us for an immersive, hands-on workshop. The visiting students had the opportunity to engage directly with our facilities, taking part in exciting practical activities and witnessing some spectacular scientific demonstrations led by our dedicated teaching staff. It was a fantastic event designed to spark curiosity and encourage a lifelong love of STEM subjects. “A huge thank you to all the primary schools who joined us for such an inspiring week!” ×

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

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

National Recognition: Davitt College Students Honoured by NUI Galway for Elite Business Marks

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🎓 Academic Excellence • NUI Galway Awards National Recognition: Davitt College Students Honoured by NUI Galway for Elite Business Marks 26 February 2014 Davitt College, Castlebar, proudly celebrated further academic excellence as a group of top-performing young women were officially recognized by NUI Galway for their outstanding performance in the Junior Certificate state examinations. The students received prestigious certificates of achievement from the university’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, an accolade reserved only for candidates who secured top-tier elite marks in higher level Business Studies across the country. This national recognition highlights the high caliber of academic dedication at the school, as well as the strength of our Business Studies department in fostering financial literacy, enterprise skills, and analytical thinking. The entire school community extends its warmest congratulations to the recipients on their wonderful success! Comhghairdeas to all the award recipients on their remarkable national achievement. Back Row (L–R): Ms. Bernie Rowland (Principal, Davitt College), Dr. Kieran Conboy (NUI Galway), Ms. Michelle Britton, and Ms. Joan Walsh (Davitt College Business Studies Teachers). Front Row (L–R): Norah Conlon, Shannon Mangan, Niamh O’Reilly, and Amy Vahey. (Missing from photograph: Helen Murphy)

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, 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! ×

Core News & Information, School Life, School Life, Culture & Achievements, School News, Sports

All-Ireland Hurling Success for Davitt College Student Shane Nugent

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🏆 GAA All-Ireland Champions • Hurling All-Ireland Hurling Success for Davitt College Student Shane Nugent 10 September 2013 • Davitt College Castlebar Davitt College, Castlebar, extends its proudest congratulations to student Shane Nugent, who achieved ultimate national success on the hurling pitch as part of the victorious Mayo Minor Hurling squad. Shane and his Mayo teammates put on a spectacular performance to defeat Monaghan in the All-Ireland Minor ‘C’ Hurling Final on Saturday, 7th September. This national title is a tremendous reward for the immense dedication, training, and sportsmanship shown by the entire panel throughout the campaign. The entire school community is immensely proud of Shane’s achievement, and we extend our warmest well done to all the players, management, and coaches involved in bringing an All-Ireland title back to Mayo! 🥇 All-Ireland Minor ‘C’ Champions Mayo Minor Hurling Panel victorious over Monaghan 🟢🔴 County Pride Celebrating grassroots hurling and athletic dedication at Davitt College Maith thú, Shane – a fantastic sporting milestone for school and county! 📸 Presentation Showcase (Pictured L–R): Mr. Danny Buckley (Teacher & Hurling Coach), Fintan Murphy (Student), Ms. Bernie Rowland (Principal), Shane Nugent (All-Ireland Hurling Champion), Keith Mulchrone (Student), and Ms. Sinéad Flynn (PE Teacher).

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.

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