Davitt College

‘Science Magic’ in Davitt College 2010

To mark Science Week, Davitt College Castlebar, held a three-day science event for hundreds of sixth class students from primary schools in Castlebar and surrounding districts. The three day event was organised and hosted by science teachers Mark Jordan (Physics, Biology & ICT), Caitriona O’Donnell (Chemistry, Biology & Maths), Martina Kelly (Chemistry & Maths), Elaine Mortimer (Biology, Physics & Maths), and Andrea Silke (Biology, Physics & Agricultural Science).
The students experienced the wonders of science through ‘hands on’, fun experiments in Physics, Biology and Chemistry. There visit included a 45 minute presentation on the amazing discoveries in science that impact our everyday lives; from hip replacements to space exploration and included a reminder of everyone’s responsibly to keep our local environment in pristine condition for future generations.

It is ironic that in this technological age fewer students are opting for careers in science, engineering and technology. Ireland is already facing a major shortage of graduates in these scientific areas. The European Commission has also highlighted an alarming decline in young people’s interest for key science studies. As a consequence the Commission has been making enormous efforts to convince young people to pursue careers in science. Davitt College supports these efforts and believes that one of the best ways to achieve this goal is by tapping into young students’ natural curiosity”.

Science impacts all our lives. Science is the study of everything from the structure of the atom to the structure of the universe. Science has taken our world from the horse and buggy to the supersonic jet, from the candle to the laser from the pony express to text messaging, from the beads of the abacus to the chips of a computer. Science is a field of study full of excitement where future discoveries will continue to change the world in ways beyond our wildest imagination. Davitt College actively promotes student interest in Science & Technology and encourages students to opt for at least one science subject at Leaving Cert.

With the growing importance of finding alternative sources of energy there is renewed interest in Agriculture, and in particular the production of biofuels and biomass. Conscious of these developments our Principal, Bernie Rowland, has added Agricultural Science as a fourth option on the Leaving Cert. Science Curriculum, in addition to Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
The first cohort of students taking this subject is now in its second year of study and will sit the leaving Cert in Agricultural Science in 2011.