Waterford school students graduate from major inclusion programme

It was a day of celebration at Presentation Secondary School recently as Fifth Year students graduated from the STEM Passport for Inclusion Programme.

The programme was established by Dr Katriona O’Sullivan, lecturer and author of the bestselling memoir 'Poor'. 

The Presentation Waterford collaborated with Munster Technological University Kerry (MTU Kerry), Maynooth University, Microsoft Dream Space and Sun Life to deliver the programme to transition year students.

The graduation ceremony, which took place on Friday, January 23, and was hosted by Fifth Year students Emily Sliwa and Emma O’Donnell. 

Special guests included Paula Kelly, Sinead Flynn, Laura Vauls, Laura Norbury, and Phil Healy from Sun Life, who hosted the STEM Passport for Inclusion Programme. 

Students were also supported by their parents, year head, Principal Ms Ronayne and Deputy Principal Ms Gallen.

"The course consisted of three intense days of STEM activity in Sun Life, followed by three university-standard assignments," said a spokesperson for the school.

"During their studies, students learned how to write code using Microbit and Python, exploring algorithms and artificial intelligence," she added.

The spokesperson added: "They used their skills to work collaboratively in groups to design innovative solutions to real-world global problems. Students were privileged to be mentored by staff from Sun Life, including past pupils of the Presentation, Sinead Flynn and Laura Vauls."

Thirty, Fifth Year students graduated with a University Certificate in Digital Skills from Munster Technological University. 

The Level 6 certificate is a higher qualification than the Leaving Certificate and the school spokesperson said it was a great day of celebration for all involved.

"Surrounded by friends, family, and their mentors from Sun Life, the students celebrated securing their first university qualification, marking an exciting step in their educational journeys," she said.