School gives local 5th-year school students flavour of TU Dublin
The School of Mathematics & Statistics was proud to participate in hosting ten secondary schools that visited TU Dublin's Tallaght campus in January 2024. Approximately four hundred and eighty 5th-year students from Killinarden Community School, Killinarden Community School, Mount Seskin Community College, St. Aidan’s Community School, St Kevin’s Community College, Deansrath Community College, St Setons College, Tallaght Community School, Colaiste De hÍde and Kylemore College visited between Tuesday 9 January and Thursday 11 January.
The fifth-year students from the local schools were bused to TU Dublin Tallaght campus for workshops consisting of a one-hour Mathematics activity session followed by a one-hour engineering/business/advertising/science/media production activity session. This allowed participants to get an insight into the range of courses offered by TU Dublin and some of the flavour of the third-level educational environment. Students were provided with refreshments in between the workshops in the main canteen, experiencing that important social aspect of student life.
A wide range of staff from TU Dublin contribute to the success of these on-site visits. Their commitment to widening participation is underscored by their active engagement in this outreach event and their enthusiasm is critical to the success of these on-site visits.
A detailed survey, filled out by the teachers from the schools, provided very positive feedback. Examples of this feedback included the following.
“They enjoyed it, really good exposure to life on campus as well as the introduction to maths topics.”
The variety of activities was also appreciated.
“They really enjoyed the visit. For the majority of students, it was there first time in a college. The two activities digital media and biomed were a huge hit.”
It is clear that the workshops have the desired effect of prompting interest among the students.
“Students were delighted to see the college, realise how near they are to the Campus. They thoroughly enjoyed the workshops in the second session.”