News & Notifications

Discovering The Secrets of Blackrock Castle Observatory

Transition Year Students visit Blackrock Castle Observatory

image of Blackrock Castle in CorkOn Friday 26th of February the Transition year students accompanied by their teachers Mrs Barry and Mrs Gillies went to the Observatory at Blackrock Castle for their stellar show tour.

On arrival at the castle students were met by their guide Caoimhin. The tour began by climbing up 86 steps to reach the top of the castle. Students were given a fascinating account of the history of the castle from its origins to the present day. The top of the castle is also home to the observatory telescope as well as weather measuring instruments which ‘tell’ the telescope when conditions are suitable for making observations.

Students next proceeded to the bottom of the castle where the original gunnery has been preserved. Again an interesting account of the soldier’s day in the gunnery was relayed to us by Caoimhin.

The next part of the tour involved the students working at consoles and being guided by researchers trying to save the earth from being hit by a meteorite.

Having saved the earth from impending disaster students entered a dome where recent night time images from the observatory were displayed and explained.

The tour finished with time for self guided exploration of the exhibition area.

This tour was very interesting and educational as it gave students hands on experience of astronomy which they have studied as part of our physics course. The historical aspect of the tour was very informative also.

Positive Mental Health Week

health in mind logo

Next week will see range of activities taking place as part of Positive Mental Health Week in Scoil Mhuire. Events for the week include:-

Monday 7th March –          A talk given by AWARE to 5th year students.

Tuesday 8th March –        Susan Fitzgerald will hold workshops with 2nd and 3rd year students in relation to coping with exam stress.

Wednesday 9th March –   All students will partake in a 5K run and Sponsored Walk(weather permitting).

Thursday 10th March –    A presentation to 6th year students from Cuan Mhuire Addiction Services.

Friday 11th March –         Workshops with Aidan Walsh in Nutrition and Mental Health.

Destination Survey

downloadIn a destination survey of the 2015 cohort of Scoil Mhuire Leaving Certificate students, it has been found that in excess of 95% of students have continued in further education. The recent ‘Irish Times’ survey of school leavers revealed that 86% of the group have entered third level institutions within the state.

University College Cork was the most popular choice this year among students, with areas of study undertaken including Engineering, Nursing and Arts. The Institutes of Technology in Tralee and Cork also proved popular, with students gaining access to courses in the areas of Fine Art, Early Childhood Studies, Business and Wildlife Biology. A number of students have chosen to study in Limerick, in Mary Immaculate College, in Limerick Institute of Technology and in University of Limerick, where students have opted for Primary School Teaching, Sports Science, Chemical Engineering and Computer Engineering. Some students have travelled further afield to colleges such as Athlone Institute of Technology to study Dental Nursing and Sports therapy, as well as to NUI Galway to study Marine Biology. Studies undertaken in Dublin City University and University College Dublin include Law and Society, Dairy Science and Business and Law. Scoil Mhuire students have also settled in Shannon College of Hotel Management, Waterford Institute of Technology and St. Angela’s College, Sligo.

The ‘Irish Times’ survey does not take into account the number of students who study at third level outside the state, in universities in the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. A number of students have opted for courses in the UK this year in the areas of Chemical Engineering, Occupational Therapy and Commercial Aviation Management. This year for the first time, a Scoil Mhuire student has progressed to the University of Vienna and is enjoying the study of Transcultural Communication.

A further group from the class of 2015 have chosen to study in colleges of Further Education, both in Cork City and Mallow. This group of students would not be accounted for in the national survey of school leavers. Students have chosen to study Accounting, Art Preparation, Make-Up Artistry and Pre Nursing. Following successful completion of FETAC courses, such students may have the opportunity to take their studies to degree level and beyond.

Overall it has been another successful year for the school leavers of Scoil Mhuire, with in excess of 95% of students continuing in education in various institutions, due to their hard work and self motivation. Great credit is also due in no small part to the dedicated teaching staff of the school and of course to parents, who have supported and guided the students throughout their second level education.

Scoil Mhuire put on the Glitz

039Students, staff and parents of Scoil Mhuire put on glitz, glamour and style from a variety of shops in the North Cork area and strutted their stuff on the catwalk on Thursday 3rd December. Clothing from shops in Kanturk, Newmarket, Mallow, Millstreet, Macroom and Cork were on display.

The evening soirée was a hugely successful event and included some fabulous 1940’s themed musical entertainment from both students and staff. Not only were students strutting their stuff on the catwalk, many more were involved behind the scenes in areas such as hair and makeup, sound and lighting as well as front of house candy vendors and our very own naval crew ushered guests to their seats.
Well done to all involved!

Scoil Mhuire students qualify for finals.

Five Scoil Mhuire students have qualified for the final of Teen Idol Cork, hosted by the Pav and 96fm. The school community wishes Shauna O’Connor, Darragh Healy-Fitzgerald, Éadaoin O’Keeffe, Jack Forde and Ronan Buckley every best wish in the final which takes place on Sunday 6th December.

Darragh (267x200)

Students Emer Boyce, Muireann Vaughan and Rachel O’Riordan won their semi-final of the Cork Mental Health Public Speaking Competition last week. Good luck to the girls in the final which will take place in January.