Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí students’ accomplishment in Leaving Certificate 2013 is recognised at the Cork Education and Training Board Awards evening.
The accomplishment of educational excellence in Leaving and Junior Certificate exams continues to be at the core of the aims of Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí. The presentation of Cork Education and Training Board awards to CPB five students from the Leaving Certificate class of 2013 is an indication of the calibre of teaching and of learning outcomes related to State Examinations in Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí.
As part of the ceremony which took place in the Rochestown Park Hotel on the 7th of February, the Chairman’s Medal was awarded to Conor Galvin, son of Gerard and Anne, Glengarriff, who achieved 615 points in his Leaving Certificate 2013. While attending Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí, Conor combined academic success while being involved in all aspects of school life. His love of science subjects is shown in the excellent results he obtained in all four science subjects in his Leaving Certificate. Conor has secured a place in Medicine at Trinity College which he has deferred for a year.
Niamh Manning, the daughter of Pat and Anne, Kealkil, Bantry and is a past pupil of Cappabue National school, was awarded the Roibeard Ó Buachalla Medal. Niamh served on school committees, participated fully in all class activities and her passion for science was always evident, taking three science subjects for her Leaving Certificate. Niamh consistently excelled in academic pursuits during her time in Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí and attained 600 CAO points based on her results in her Leaving Certificate examinations. Niamh is currently studying Pharmacy in UCC.
Lisa-Marie Daly, the daughter of Denis and Noreen, Kilcrohane and a past-pupil of Kilcrohane N. S. Lisa-Marie achieved 555 CAO points. Lisa-Marie was presented with a Special Commendation Certificate.
Jack McKay Birth was presented with the Student of the Year Award. Jack is the son of Morag and Adrian of Baltimore, Skibbereen. Jack’s visual impairment presented him with unique challenges throughout his time in Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí but especially as he prepared for his Leaving Certificate examinations. Due to his resilient nature, his enthusiasm for learning and his positive attitude he integrated excellently into the school community making many friends and gaining the admiration of everyone he encountered. Jack’s approach to school life was remarkable and led to RTÉ’s Paschal Sheehy producing a special report on Jack, his guide dog Joss and his progress toward his exams. Jack’s hard work was justly rewarded with an excellent Junior Cert and an outstanding Leaving Cert. Jack is continuing his education at the National Learning Network and, as proof of the power of having determination and an optimistic approach to life, Jack is continuing to excel in his beloved sport of archery.Jack has shown all of the qualities of a true friend, a wonderful ambassador for the school and a remarkable character and deserves every success in the future.
Speaking of the awards and recipients; Dr Kevin Healy, principal of Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí said: ‘On behalf of the entire staff, I would like to offer my sincerest congratulations to each of the students who were recognised this evening. These awards are not only a testament to the vision, determination and commitment of the young people who received them; but also reflect the invaluable support of parents, family members, friends and teachers.
The CETB Awards are hugely significant as they provide a true indication of educational success, focusing on the attainment of academic excellence but also reflecting the fact that examinations present unique challenges to every individual. I feel that those who attempt to rank schools by quantifying success in education using narrow-minded and ill-informed criteria do a great disservice to the endeavour and courage of all of the young people who sit these examinations. Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí provides an environment where each individual student can succeed in second level education and where each of those successes is celebrated equally.
