ICT Department activities and achievements in 2014-15 include:
Keeva Madden achieved Second Place (equal) in N Ireland in the CCEA 2015 A Level ICT examination;
Year 13 female ICT students attended ICT Event for girls at the Titanic, Belfast. This provided an understanding of businesses operating in the ICT sector and the career opportunities available for females.
Clíodhna S Ní Mhianáin achieved First Place (equal) in N Ireland in the CCEA 2015 Irish examination;
Gael Linn Quiz - Year 10 Irish students attended the annual Irish quiz in the Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown. Over 250 students participated in the event organised by Gael Linn and they all participated in the céilí event which occurred after the quiz. Molly Ní Néill, Áine Nic Aodha, Cáit Ní Lochlainn & Chloe achieved 1st place in the regional quiz.
Abair Public Speaking – Students form the GCSE and A level classes represented the school in the annual public speaking event, Abair. Caoimhe Ní Néill and Róisáine Ní Mhaoláin were awarded 1st and 2nd place respectively.
Gael Linn Scholarships – Over 60 students applied for Gaeltacht scholarships this year and of those interviewed, approximately 20 achieved either a ½ or ¼ scholarship to assist with the cost of a summer Gaeltacht course.
Fáinne Airgid - Year 10 students were offered the opportunity to complete their fáinne airgid exam. The top 3 boys and girls were then awarded Corn Bhríde, for excellence in spoken Irish. Corn Bhríde was awarded to: Donnabhán Mac Cathmhaoil, Pól Mac Fhirléinn, Seán Ó Coileáin, Clár Ní Chaiside, Mollaí Ní Néill and Siobhán Nig Uidhir.
The range of activities provided by the Irish Department in 2014-15 includes:
A2 students attended Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí, the local Irish Medium primary school, to deliver lessons through the medium of Irish;
All year 10 students participated in a language quiz which marked the European Day of Languages through the use of the 4 languages taught in St. Mary’s.
In recognition of the European Day of Languages, the traditional group Cóiriú played a selection of Irish traditional tunes in Café Bordeaux.
Dr Malachy Ó Néill, Ulster University, spoke with all Year 10 students regarding the importance of language learning and the opportunities which language learning provides for the future.
UU AS Irish Workshop– Members of the AS Irish class participated in a 1 day workshop in preparation for their AS exams in May.
A2 Literature Day – A2 students travelled to the University of Ulster, Magee, to participate in literature workshops based on their chosen topic of study for A2 Irish literature. They met with some of the poets on the syllabus and engaged with a number of prominent lecturers from the University.
Abair All-Ireland Final – Caoimhe Ní Néill and Róisáine Ní Mhaoláin represented Scoil Mhuire in the final of the presitigious public speaking competition, Abair. The final was held in An Carn Cultural Centre, Maghera.
Céilí na Spáinneach – The Irish department welcomed Spanish students from Madrid and provided a taste of Irish dance and culture for them during their stay.
Cúrsa Gaeltachta – Over 30 Year 8 & 9 students attended an intensive language-learning course at Coláiste Gael Linn, Machaire Rabhartaigh
Cúrsa Gaeltachta – Approximately 30 Year 9 -13 students attended an intensive language-learning courses at Coláiste Gael Linn, Machaire Rabhartaigh and Bun an Inbhir.
Cúrsa Gaeltachta –Year 11 students attended an intensive language-learning course at Coláiste Gael Linn, Machaire Rabhartaigh.
