St Oliver’s CC shines in the STEM world

The study of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) are central to the work of St. Oliver’s Community College. The College is one of only four schools in the country that offer all the Science and Technology subjects to all students up to higher level Leaving Certificate. It has a tradition of excellence at a national level with some of the highest scoring students in Ireland among the technical subjects.

Since 1986, students from St. Oliver’s Community College have been recognised in the national awards ceremony organised by the Engineering and Technology Teachers Association (ETTA). This year’s competition was sponsored by computer companies Wriggle and Microsoft and was held in the Park Hotel in Mullingar. Among the award winners were St. Oliver’s Community College students; Sean McEvoy, Amaia McDonnell and Bryce McCormack who were accompanied by their parents, teachers and school Principal.

Sean McEvoy from Termonfeckin followed up first place in Ireland for Junior Certificate Technology project in 2016 with a national finalist placing in The Young Engineer competition this year.

Amaia McDonnell is a role model among girls studying technical subjects as her Leaving Certificate Technology project was regarded as a work of excellence among the judging panel for the subject. Teacher Cathal Giblin commented that the project to design and make an automated drinks dispenser was an innovated and high quality product fully deserving of the award.

After finishing runner-up on four occasions, St. Oliver’s finally scooped the top award as Leaving Certificate student Bryce McCormack claimed first prize in Ireland for his Leaving Certificate Engineering project. Teacher Ciaran Callaghan and Principal John Halpin were delighted to see Bryce’s craftsmanship and design concept rewarded with this prestigious award. Bryce has a particular talent for art and developed his technical skills at St. Oliver’s with the support of his teachers and parents. He is studying Product Design at NCAD.

Charles Smith, Irish Angus Producer Group; Mick Dowd, Kepak and John Kelleher, ABP with students Michael McQuillan, Conor Belton, Alisha Crosbie from St. Ita’s School who visited Tesco Ireland headquarters in Dublin before departing for Amsterdam where they will visit Albert Heijn to learn about the marketing and export of Certified Irish Angus Beef.

Ciaran Callaghan, Sean McEvoy, John Halpin, Bryce Mc Cormack, Amaia McDonnell, Cathal Giblin at St Oliver’s CC