The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Community College officially opens new Science laboratory
FRIDAY night, October 5 marked a special night in the history of Castleisland Community College. Past and current pupils, retired science teachers and local public representatives joined the management and staff of the school in officially opening the school’s new science lab.
Dermot Lynch a retired science teacher from the school was on hand to cut the ribbon and officially open the lab which had once been his classroom –a tiered demonstration room.
“Work on the conversion of the demonstration room to the new lab commenced in January 2018 and involved an extension to the room before completion of works in April of this year,” explained teacher, Maireád Corridan.
“The new lab is equipped with six ‘pods’ each of which seats four students and is designed specifically to allow for group-work and active learning methodologies which are key to the delivery of all science subjects.
“The lab also has six student computers which will greatly assist in preparing for their classroom based assessments as part of Junior Cycle Science. It will also aid students completing their Leaving Cert. Agri Science projects.
“The school has a proud history of science education which was evident by the number of students who have pursued science related courses at third level for example : Shane Lynch doing Medicine in UCC; William O’Connor and Alex Fleming took up Physiotherapy at UL; Ryan Maguire and Máire O’Connell are doing Pharmacy at UCC; Patrick Horan doing Nursing at ITT; Brian Lonergan doing Sports Science at UL; Niall Kerins, Teagasc Advisor; Anita McCarthy, Medical and Health Sciences at UCC; Erin O’Connor, Structural Engineering at CIT; Meghan Brennan doing Food Sciences at UCC; Rachel McDonnell, Science teaching at UL and James O Sullivan, Qualified Chartered Engineer - to mention some of the past pupils who attended on the night.
Almost all senior cycle students in the school study one science subject for Leaving Cert. with approximately 60% of senior cycle students studying two science subjects.
“Retired teachers and past pupils alike commented on the school’s ability to now provide all four senior cycle science subjects. It shows ongoing commitment to the preparation of students for third level science courses and giving students every possible advantage when pursuing science beyond second level.
“The school expressed its gratitude to its patrons Kerry ETB and the school’s own board of management members for their assistance in the completion of the project.
“Castleisland Community College has a commitment to quality learning and teaching. This latest development is further proof of this. Student wellbeing is also central to the school’s ethos and, in a few weeks, the new astro-turf pitch, in conjunction with Castleisland AFC will be completed,” Ms. Corridan concluded.
The school’s annual Open Night for 4th,5th and 6th class students and their parents/guardians is taking place Thursday October 11th and the new lab along with all of the schools facilities will be available for viewing on the night.