David McMahon, a student in Gaelcholáiste Choilm, Baile an Chollaigh, was awarded a bronze medal in December at the Award Ceremony of the 11th International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) in Argentina. David was selected to represent Ireland following his participation in the Irish Junior Science Olympiad, which was held in Dublin City University in November. The Irish team of six students travelled to Mendoza with the delegation leaders Dr. Michael A. Cotter and Dr. Paraic James. Ireland was among the 38 countries participating in IJSO 2014. The students had three days of integrated science tests, which included a Theory Paper, a Multi Choice Questionnaire and a Practical Examination. In addition, they followed a full programme of social, cultural, educational and sporting events over the ten-day period in Argentina. They also travelled outside the city of Mendoza to historic sites and into the Andes. Congratulations to David on his wonderful achievement. Anna Ní Raghallaigh and Anna O’Sullivan from the Leaving Cert class of 2014who were awarded an entrance scholarship to UCC pictured with Jennifer Murphy Admissions Officer and Michelle Sliney. Coláiste/Gaelcholáiste Choilm is once again ranked as the top feeder school to UCC (104 students) and to CIT (63 students). The statistics speak volumes – of the 201 students in the leaving cert class of 2014, 95% progressed to third level in a University or an Institute of Technology. The league tables obviously do not reflect the immense pastoral care input, the extra-curricular opportunities; the additional needs support and the many other dimensions that make the culture of this school so much more than academic. Forty one 2014 Leaving Cert and Leaving Cert Applied students were honoured at the recent ETB Academic Awards night. Leah Cooke has been selected as the Coláiste Choilm Student of the Year in recognition of her huge contributions to drama in the school. Mairín Rua Ní hAodha has been selected as the Gaelcholáiste Student of the Year in acknowledgement of her involvement in the Arts and also in promoting Irish culture in the school.
Congratulations to our Young Scientists and their mentors on their great achievements at YSE. We won 7 awards in total, 2 thirds and 3 highly commended plus 1 Special Award and 1 display award. The students were marvellous ambassadors for the school throughout the exhibition. Great credit is due to the teachers who supervised the projects, provided superb support, coached the students for the judging and cared for them over the four days. Third (Senior); Seán Cahill & Tim O Niaha Third (Senior). Roisín Mac Manamon, Roisín Mac Artain & Shauna Breathnach Highly Commended;Aileen Carroll & Kaitlyn Bradfield; Siúin Ní Mhuineacháin & Aela Uí Thuathail; Siobhán O’Regan, Chelsea Love & Emma Sullivan Special Award (Eily Lilly); Aileen Carroll & Kaitlyn Bradfield Display Award; Alison, Caitríona & Julia Koster Celebrations and a deep sense of collegiality and collaboration were continued into Saturday as 120 first year supporters from Coláiste Choilm travelled to the RDS with their Science teachers to congratulate their victorious peers. Hence the seeds of interest for a new generation of Young Scientists are sown.