A Laois school has won the Schools of Distinction Award, presented by Trinity College Dublin.
Mountmellick Community School has been recognised by Trinity Access Programmes (TAP) for their ongoing work in creating a college-going culture in the school.
This year marks 30 years of Trinity College working with schools and organisations to increase participation from under-represented groups at third-level.
Established in 2017, Schools of Distinction recognizes and celebrates the efforts of schools nationwide to transform their school culture and to develop innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
The Schools of Distinction programme works with DEIS schools, encouraging participants to draw on their own school and community resources and the resources of TAP in Trinity College Dublin.
In 2022 an impressive 60% of students from Schools of Distinction progressed to Higher Education.
This School of Distinction Innovation Award recognises the creative and innovative ways that schools are embedding a college-going culture.
They have active, student-centred programmes that support the three core practices of Pathways to College, Mentoring and Leadership in Learning in their school.
Innovation Award winners support and encourage their teachers to explore innovative teaching methodologies, engage with other excellent teachers through the Trinity Access Community of Practice and establish Community of Practices within their own schools.
Mountmellick CS was particularly successful in facilitating a range of experiences which afforded students the opportunity to explore the many career and learning options available to them.
Whole School Guidance is alive and well in Mountmellick, where teachers, SNAs, senior management, year heads, programme coordinator and the guidance department contribute towards nurturing students’ aspirations for their future careers.
Activities ranged from attending Higher Options, open days, campus tours, workplace visit, subject exhibition day, celebrating College Awareness Week, tuning into various guest speakers, practicing their study skills, work experience, attending a Jobs Fair, workshops and many other initiatives to promote further and higher education.
Joanne Teehan, school Guidance Counsellor said: “We are delighted to be part of a nationwide movement to promote the importance of post-secondary education.
“Winning the School of Distinction Innovation Award recognises the ongoing work of our staff in inspiring our students to pursue their dreams and explore all the opportunities available to them”
The new director of TAP, Wendy Crampton said: “It is wonderful to begin a new role with an organisation who carries a rich history of working with schools.
“I want to congratulate all the Schools of Distinction Awardees on their achievements. These schools work tirelessly to embed a college-going culture inspiring their young people to recognise their full potential.”
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