In a destination survey of the 2015 cohort of Scoil Mhuire Leaving Certificate students, it has been found that in excess of 95% of students have continued in further education. The recent ‘Irish Times’ survey of school leavers revealed that 86% of the group have entered third level institutions within the state.
University College Cork was the most popular choice this year among students, with areas of study undertaken including Engineering, Nursing and Arts. The Institutes of Technology in Tralee and Cork also proved popular, with students gaining access to courses in the areas of Fine Art, Early Childhood Studies, Business and Wildlife Biology. A number of students have chosen to study in Limerick, in Mary Immaculate College, in Limerick Institute of Technology and in University of Limerick, where students have opted for Primary School Teaching, Sports Science, Chemical Engineering and Computer Engineering. Some students have travelled further afield to colleges such as Athlone Institute of Technology to study Dental Nursing and Sports therapy, as well as to NUI Galway to study Marine Biology. Studies undertaken in Dublin City University and University College Dublin include Law and Society, Dairy Science and Business and Law. Scoil Mhuire students have also settled in Shannon College of Hotel Management, Waterford Institute of Technology and St. Angela’s College, Sligo.
The ‘Irish Times’ survey does not take into account the number of students who study at third level outside the state, in universities in the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. A number of students have opted for courses in the UK this year in the areas of Chemical Engineering, Occupational Therapy and Commercial Aviation Management. This year for the first time, a Scoil Mhuire student has progressed to the University of Vienna and is enjoying the study of Transcultural Communication.
A further group from the class of 2015 have chosen to study in colleges of Further Education, both in Cork City and Mallow. This group of students would not be accounted for in the national survey of school leavers. Students have chosen to study Accounting, Art Preparation, Make-Up Artistry and Pre Nursing. Following successful completion of FETAC courses, such students may have the opportunity to take their studies to degree level and beyond.
Overall it has been another successful year for the school leavers of Scoil Mhuire, with in excess of 95% of students continuing in education in various institutions, due to their hard work and self motivation. Great credit is also due in no small part to the dedicated teaching staff of the school and of course to parents, who have supported and guided the students throughout their second level education.
