School Prospectus Réamheolaire na Scoile
Davitt College Coláiste Dhaibhéid A dynamic and vibrant centre of teaching and learning Is lárionad é ina bhfuil múineadh agus foghlaim beomhar agus fuinniúil Principal’s Welcome
I am very pleased to introduce you to the Davitt College Prospectus. We are a co-educational, non-denominational and multicultural school. Our school is a dynamic and innovative centre of teaching and learning. In Davitt College our talented and dedicated staff has created an Mission Statement environment where our holistic approach to Davitt College aims to provide a caring education provides all our students with community which, in partnership with a wide range of academic and practical subjects, together with an extensive range parents/guardians, caters for the of extracurricular activities as well as educational, emotional, physical and spiritual programmes in health and physical education. development of its students and facilitates There is something for every student at them in reaching their full potential. Davitt College. We have a school community where all students are cared for and are Vision helped reach their full potential. We prepare Davitt College will provide a comprehensive our students for third-level education and education, which will promote the personal, for future life by preparing them to make the best of their talents and skills. Students social, academic, spiritual and vocational consistently achieve distinction in examination development of its students so as to prepare results, sports, debating and public speaking, them for their roles as responsible members music, art, projects and competitions. We of society. This will take place in the context have in place comprehensive policies and of an ethos based on mutual respect procedures to deal with discipline, bullying and other issues affecting the welfare of between staff and students. students. An education at Davitt College combines Aims the best teaching, learning and caring To maintain high standards in all areas environment for all students. of school life. To uphold high educational attainment and good relationships. Bernadette Rowland To maintain a positive climate where mutual Principal respect and co-operation are fostered throughout the school community. To ensure that the educational needs of all students, including those with a disability or other special educational needs, are identified and provided for. To ensure that students have access to appropriate guidance to assist them in their Bernie Rowland William Rowan Anita Gallagher educational choices. To promote the moral, Principal Deputy Principal Deputy Principal spiritual, social and personal development of students.
02 Junior Cycle
Davitt College offers an extensive range of academic and practical subjects at all Levels
Science
Maths History
English
Geography
Gaeilge
French or German Religion SUBJECTS
available in C.S.P.E S.P.H.E JUNIOR CYCLE PROGRAMME Home Economics
Computer Studies
Business Studies
P.E Woodwork
Wellbeing
Music Metalwork Technical Art Graphics
Core Subjects Optional Subjects Non-Exam Subjects Taken by All Students
Students may sample a broad range of subjects before making their final choice before the Junior Certificate course.
Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP)
This programme is an intervention within the Junior Certificate Programme and provides a curriculum frame-work with an emphasis on active learning and on the development of basic skills. Students are encouraged to enjoy the experience of improvement and success.
03 Transition Year Programme
Transition Year is available to students who wish to take time before moving into fifth year to build self-confidence, to gain competence in the core academic subjects and to develop personal skills. This one-year optional programme offers the potential for the holistic development of young people as flexible learners, active citizens and workers in the future. It is an interdisciplinary programme with an emphasis on self-regulated learning, personal development, social awareness and entrepreneurial skills. The Transition Year subjects and modules encourage the need for independent analysis and critical thinking.
Subjects and Modules include:
Debating / Gaeilge Public Speaking English School Tour Maths
Training French / German Peer4Peer Programme Geography BT Young Scientist Project Religion Scifest Project
Computer Programming Social Studies Road Safety Home Economics History TRANSITION YEAR Computers Art (MOS) PROGRAMME Build-a-Bank Business Project / Economics /
Career Music / Guidance School Musical Science P.E. / Coaching Course Politics & Society Woodwork
Volunteerism Engineering
Outdoor Gaisce Pursuits Mentoring Mini Programme Company
Work Experience
“Excellence in teaching and learning” 04 Leaving Certificate Programmes
Davitt College offers three Leaving Certificate Programmes: 1. (LCE) Leaving Certificate (Established) 2. (LCVP) Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme 3. (LCA) Leaving Certificate Applied Leaving Certificate Established
Applied Maths French
Maths German
English Business
Gaeilge
Economics Physics SUBJECTS available in LEAVING Accounting Chemistry CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME History
Biology
Geography
Agricultural Construction Science Studies
Politics & Society L.C.V.P
Engineering
Home Economics Technical Music Graphics Art
Non-Exam Subjects: Career Guidance, Physical Education, Religion & S.P.H.E.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)
The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme involves taking the traditional / established Leaving Certificate Examination with additional link modules of Enterprise Education, Preparation for the World of Work and Information Technology. Students wishing to take the L.C.V.P. must include specific subject combinations in their choice of subjects for the Leaving Certificate Examination. 05 Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA)
The Leaving Certificate Applied is a two-year Leaving Certificate, available to students who wish to follow a practical orientated programme. It makes use of active and student-centred learning methodologies.
English and Communications German / French Irish
Religion Maths Applications
Information Hotel, Catering Technology and Tourism
LEAVING Social Graphic & Education Construction Studies CERTIFICATE APPLIED Vocational Preparation PROGRAMME and Guidance
Engineering Hair & Beauty
P.E. Career Guidance
Arts Technology Education
Work Experience
“The best is demanded of and expected for each student” 06 State-of-the-art Facilities
State-of-the-art Facilities
■ State of the art Sports Hall & Gym ■ Two fully equipped Engineering Rooms. ■ Top of the range data projector in ■ Two Music Rooms every classroom. ■ Fully stocked library catering for study, ■ All classrooms networked for internet access. leisure reading and research. ■ Bright, well equipped Art Room with electrically ■ Books are categorized to suit all ages operated kilns. and tastes. ■ Three modern, fully equipped Science Labs. ■ Assembly hall with canteen facilities. ■ Three computer rooms each with a Network ■ Two State of the art DCG/Graphics Rooms. of 26 computers. ■ Career Counselling Rooms. ■ All computers have the most up-todate ■ Special Needs Room. software and internet access. ■ Parents Room. ■ Three fully equipped Woodwork and Building ■ Two fully equipped Home Constuction rooms. Economics Rooms. ■ Students have the use of the most up-to-date ■ On-Campus: Gaelic and Soccer Pitches, power tools. Basketball Court & Running Track. ■ Four New classrooms opened in September 2016
Davitt College Transition Year Awards, Ms. Angela Faull The annual Davitt College Gaeltacht trip took place in May this congratulates the Transition Year Students of the Year 2019. Also year when First Year students attended the Gaeltacht for a three pictured from left: Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal, Davitt College; Ms. day programme. This year, the students from Davitt College, Angela Faull; Ms. Tracy Britton, TY Co-ordinator. Castlebar, attended Coláiste Acla in the Achill Mayo Gaeltacht.
Students from Ballyheane Primary School are intrigued as they are shown Davitt College, Castlebar 2018 Production of Power of Love – Static Electricity by Transition Year Students, during The Science & Technology Cast members Mark Galvin and Caoimhe Halligan Fair at Davitt College, a four-day Science and Technology event for sixth class students from Primary Schools in Castlebar and surrounding districts.
07 Support For Students
• Tutor and Year Head System • Home School Community Liaison Co-Ordinator • Care Team which meets once a week • School Completion Programme • Guidance Counsellors • Big Brother/Big Sister Mentoring Programme • Learning Support and Resource Teachers for Students with Special Educational Needs Pastoral Care Guidance and Counselling Students are encouraged to develop self-confidence, take Guidance Counsellors work with all year groups. personal responsibility and show respect for self and others. A Guidance Programme is followed by Senior Cycle We provide Social, Personal and Health Education (S.P.H.E.) students. Each student is monitored and advised as part of the formal timetable at Junior Cycle. Davitt College throughout fifth and sixth year on an individual basis. also provides a Pastoral Care System which aims to meet the Students are helped with study plans, exam targets, college physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being of the applications, career options, and when required, personal student as well as providing pastoral support for parents and counselling. guardians. Counselling is part of the Pastoral Care Programme and a counselling service is available to all our students. Physical Education and Sport A student may approach the counsellor or may be referred to Students have the opportunity to participate in a wide the counsellor by a concerned member of the pastoral care range of sporting activities and students learn to lead team or a concerned parent. healthy and active lifestyles which will benefit them as they The Care Team meets once a week to discuss and address move through life. We encourage students to take part in a students needs and requirements. variety of activities both during their PE classes and during extra-curricular activities. Opportunities exist for students Mentoring Programme to enjoy a wide and varying range of sporting activities A Mentoring Programme runs very successfully in the school, throughout the curriculum. There are also regular training in conjunction with Foróige, where First Year students are sessions for both boys and girls run by the staff during matched with Senior Students in the school, with a view to lunchtimes and after school, where everyone is welcome. making the transition from Primary School to Secondary There is a strong fixture-list for Gaelic Football, Basketball, School as easy as possible. Soccer, Badminton, Rugby, Swimming, Hurling and Athletic teams throughout the school year. We have a state-of-the- art Sports Hall and Gym on campus as well as Gaelic and Soccer pitches, a Running Track and Basketball Court.
Pictured (from Left) Aiva Blowick, Martina O’Connor, Caption: Pictured (from Left) Kira Bright and Aisling Walsh Leanne Nally, Maria Quinn and Amy Flynn of Davitt of Davitt College, Castlebar congratulate each other after College, Castlebar are ecstatic after receiving their receiving their Junior Cycle results 2019. . Junior Cycle results 2019.
“Promoting a caring community” 08 Information Technology
Information & Communications Technology (ICT)
Davitt College has experienced a revolution in innovation in the classroom in recent years. Modern information technology has transformed teaching and learning with the use of projectors, whiteboards and visualisers. ICT is firmly integrated into teaching and learning with two ICT rooms, hosting multi-media computers, complete with e-mail and internet access. Classrooms have internet access and are equipped with additional computers, data projectors and interactive whiteboards. Davitt College is a recognised test centre for Microsoft Office (MOS). All students get the opportunity to take MOS. All Transition Year students get the opportunity to take ECDL. Davitt College has introduced a new Computer Programming Module for First year and Transition Year students. Students will be equipped with a range of skills from using mathematics to fostering critical thinking and will become “digital creators” rather than just “digital users”. The new Junior Cycle, aims to ensure that our students develop key skills Mr. Niall O’Connor, Davitt College Maths, Applied that are necessary for lifelong learning. It will give our students Maths and ICT teacher supports Transition Year more opportunities to engage actively in their own learning and students with their coding projects. to use their clever and creative energies. The new Junior Cycle Programme will include modules such as Coding and Digital Media.
Extra-Curricular Activities ■ BT Young Scientist Competition ■ Outdoor Pursuits ■ Scifest Project ■ Chess ■ Gaisce Awards ■ Horse Riding and Equestrian Events ■ Peer4Peer Programme ■ Choir and Carol Recital ■ Build-a-Bank Challenge ■ Literary and Poetry Competitions ■ Junk Kouture Project ■ Defibrillator Training ■ Debating and Public Speaking ■ Golf ■ Annual School Musical ■ Swimming ■ European School Tours ■ Volunteerism ■ Green Schools Programme ■ First Aid Training
Davitt College students were part of the organising committee for the second Annual Soroptimist Girls Conference “Inspire to Empower” which was held in St. Mary’s Lecture Hall in GMIT, Castlebar in April 2019. The aim of the conference was to empower, enable and educate women and girls from the local area. It was a most enjoyable day and plans are already being put in place for next year. 09 Prestigious Joe McDonagh Inaugural Award for Davitt College Castlebar
The Education Training Board of Ireland has announced that Davitt College Castlebar is this year’s joint winner of the ETBI National Joe McDonagh Award 2019. The award celebrates Irish culture, Irish heritage and the Irish language. The late Joe McDonagh was a former Chief Executive Officer of Galway VEC and more recently the Chief Executive of Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board. He was an enthusiastic gaelgeoir and champion of education, the GAA and also the Irish language, culture and heritage.
The Awards Ceremony was held in the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone on September 25th 2019. Students from Davitt College, with their teacher Mrs. Fiona O’Connor, received the Joe McDonagh Trophy together with €1,000 scholarship for the promotion of Irish culture, language and heritage in their school.
The school’s winning entry comprised of a short film, a re-enactment of Irish folklore legend Cu Chulainn. This was voiced over through Irish, subtitled in English and signed through Irish Sign Language. With inclusivity being such a paramount part of ETBI’s ethos, Davitt College students focused their film on the inclusivity of the three recognised languages of Ireland as well as incorporating Irish heritage.
Pictured Front Row (Left to right) Caoimhe Halligan; Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal, Davitt College; Clodagh Cahill-Gilligan; Ms. Fiona O’Connor, Teacher, Davitt College; Fiona Minish, Emer Minish; Ms. Mary Madden, Director of Schools, MSLETB Back Row (Left to Right) Kolette Kucinskas; Ryan Mulligan; Dylan Loftus; Mr. Tom Grady, Chief Executive, MSLETB
10 Davitt College
Spreading Their Wings Davitt College Graduates Celebrate Success As They Begin University
A number of Leaving Certificate students of Biology and Agricultural Science.” “There 2019 at Davitt College, Castlebar dropped in has been a steady increase in the uptake of to their school recently to say goodbye and these subjects over the past two/three years thank teachers and staff for their six years of and this is evident when you consider the post-primary education. These young men and degree programmes students are choosing at women are embarking on Third Level courses Third Level,” she said. Another popular choice in universities and training colleges throughout has been in the Business Courses. “Davitt Ireland for the academic year 2019/2020. They College offers Business, Economics and are spreading their wings to all four provinces of Accounting to Leaving Certificate level which Ireland – from Trinity College Dublin to University definitely gives our students a broad business of Limerick to N.U.I. Galway. knowledge”. “There is definitely a trend towards the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) this year,” said Bernie Rowland, Davitt College principal. “We offer all four science subjects at Senior Level, Physics, Chemistry,
11 Student Awards Night
Davitt College, Castlebar hosted its Annual Awards Ceremony on were a mere stepping stone to greater achievements in the future and Thursday 16th May 2019. Guests of Honour were Mr. Diarmuid sincerely hoped that the students would go on to achieve their life’s O’Connor, Captain, Mayo GAA Team, Mr. Liam Egan, Public Speaking dreams and ambitions. This year was a particularly successful year for and Debating Mentor and Mr. Ger King, Former Deputy Principal, Davitt so many students who have achieved Local, Regional and All-Ireland College. Over 100 students received awards ranging from academic, Awards in many disciplines. This was due to students hard work, sport, music and extra-curricular activities. Wishing the students creativity and commitment. In conclusion, she encouraged all students continued success, Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal, said the awards to aspire to achieving awards in the future.
Overall Leaving Certificate Students of the Year 2019 were Caitriona Mallon and Congratulations to Sara McFadden who was presented with the Joe Robert Senzel. They were commended for their commitment, participation and Langan Perpetual Shield for her commitment to sport in Davitt College and overall contribution to School Life. Pictured l-r; Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal, in Castlebar. Pictured l-r; Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal, Davitt College; Davitt College; Ms. Agnes Nyland (Year Head); Robert Senzel; Caitriona Mallon; Ms. Agnes Nyland (Year Head); Sara McFadden; Mr. Diarmuid O’Connor, Ms. Anita Gallagher, Deputy Principal, Davitt College; Mr. William Rowan, Captain, Mayo GAA Team; Ms. Anita Gallagher, Deputy Principal, Davitt Deputy Principal, Davitt College College; Mr. William Rowan, Deputy Principal, Davitt College
Fifth Year Students of the Year 2019 were Ethan McHale and Tara Walkin. Mr. Colm Garvey and Mr. Diarmuid O’Connor congratulate Ciaran Gavin on They were commended by their Year Head Ms. Maria Carey and Mr. Diarmuid his Outstanding Achievements in Gaelic Football as he was selected as Senior O’Connor for their Effort, Commitment and Dedication throughout the year. Gaelic Player of the Year at the Annual Davitt College Awards 2019
Mr. Liam Egan and Mr. Diarmuid O’Connor congratulate John Feeney and Congratulations to Kathryn Tiernan who was commended for her Music Claire McHale on receiving Debating & Public Speaking Students of the Year at Excellence and Commitment throughout her time at Davitt College. Pictured the Annual Davitt College Awards 2019. l-r; Mr. Ger King, Former Deputy Principal; Kathryn Tiernan; Mr. Diarmuid O’Connor; Ms. Bernie Rowland, Principal, Davitt College
12 Davitt College School Bank
• • Ruk • • DFuMkABS PHYSICAL • M • ,u COGNITIVE • ,ukk • Du’u • SOCIAL • R-uu u • I-,-- • u The Davitt College, Castlebar Transition Year Bank team were • Ru,x congratulated and commended for their work by Former Mayo AFFECTIVE • Mu Senior GAA Player Mr. Alan Dillon, at the official launch of their Source: www.peai.org School Bank in association with Bank of Ireland. Ms. Stephanie Kelly, their Business Teacher, was delighted with the students’ success. “The students have put in a huge amount of work and are • • • • • • a credit to their school. They gave up so much of their free time to • • showcase their work and are a privilege to work with. Best wishes • • • to the Davitt Bank! • • • • • • • •
Davitt College Transition Year girls enjoying the Spikeball Transition Year students of Davitt College participated Coaching Course in October 2019. The girls will coach in the fifth annual Forensic Science Workshop at Davitt Spikeball in local Primary Schools throughout the coming College. The aim of these workshops is to bring classroom months. Well done girls. The girls are pictured with Science into real-life situations and get more students Spikeball coach Mr. Conor Flood. interested in continuing to study Science for Third Level education. The activities provided the students with an exciting opportunity to experience an everyday use of Science in a real world situation. It proved to be an exciting and interactive educational experience, where observation and deductive reasoning combined with the Science that students are learning in Davitt College, and are used to solve crimes in the real world.
13 Davitt College Green Schools
Board of Management
Davitt College is a Second Level School under the auspices of Mayo, Sligo & Leitrim Education and Training Board and has a Board of Management comprising of representitives from Mayo, Sligo & Leitrim ETB, Parents’ Council and staff.
Parents Council
Congratulations to the Davitt College Table Quiz teams who had The Parents’ Council is an active and supportive very successful evening at the Annual Mayo Macra na Feirme Table feature of the school community. Membership of the Quiz in Castlebar. The school team won First Prize and best overall council is open to parents/guardians of all students school. Well done to all. attending Davitt College. The Parents’ Council is elected annually at the A.G.M. in September/ October and meets once a month throughout the school year.
Student Council
The Student Council consists of a representative body elected from and by the general cohort of students in the school. The Student Council gives students the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns and also to play an active role in decision Congratulations to Davitt College Third Year student Cleo Barnacle making in the school. who won the National Healthy Home Chef cookery competition today! She was the overall winner and won a trip for her Home Economics class to go to Nevin Maguires cookery school as well as a lots of other prizes! Well done to Cleo and her Home Economics teacher Ms Fiona Murtagh.
Congratulations to Davitt College Castlebar Leaving Certificate student Michael Fleming who was one of six young people throughout Ireland selected to represent Ireland at the 91st International Session of the European Youth Parliament in Hamburg, Germany. The International Session took place between 20th to 29th September 2019. Michael was the Irish delegate representing the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee where the collection of consumer data within the EU was discussed.
14 Davitt College
Eleven students, together with Mr. Kevin Donlon and students and a teacher from Foxford spent the two weeks of the Easter Holidays working in Zambia. The students worked in a town called Mazabuka and spent time on the Community Farm, in the Ark House Orphanage, in (Louyobolola) a Primary School and in the Flamboyant School for Children with Special Needs. The Volunteers experienced first hand some extreme poverty in the compound of Ndeke on the outskirts of the town and they took part in a $2 dollar a day challenge to walk in the shoes of a local. The Volunteer Group and Mr. Donlon would like to express a most heartfelt and sincere thank you to everyone who helped out in any way, who sent good wishes and who donated money to the School Immersion Programme over the last two years. The Davitt College students involved were: Emma Mullahy, Emily Clarke, Sinead Coll, Ella Mongey, Ruairi Boyle, Olivia Fahey, Saoirse Hoban, Emma Barrett, Jason High, Natasha Kelly and Ciaran Gavin.
Congratulations to Davitt College Transition Year students Kollete Congratulations to Davitt College Students Niamh Cawley, Caoimhe Murphy, Aine Kucinskas and Damien Lydon who were selected as Webwise Mallon and Kayla Browne who were successful at the 2019 Scifest Competition Student Ambassadors 2018. Webwise Ireland provided Kollete held in Sligo Institute of Technology on Wednesday 8th May 2019. and Damien with online (webinars) and offline training to empower them to lead safer internet campaigns in Davitt College. Damien and Kollete attended Google in Dublin as part of their training and found the experience very educational.
Davitt College Girls U14 Gaelic Team Davitt College Boys Junior Gaelic Team
15 Davitt College, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. T (094) 9023060 F (094) 9025174 W www.davittcollege.com E [email protected]
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