Full steam ahead for primary pupils following UCC graduation

STUDENTS from St Marys on the Hill primary school recently attended a graduation event at UCC on completion of the STEAM programme run in conjunction with the University.

The STEAM programme provides fund engaging, ready-to-teach programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths in primary schools.

Over the past 25 weeks, the 6th Class students from St Marys on the Hill Primary School, along with other schools around the country were wowed by Post Graduate students covering everything from the Big Bang to human biology.

The programme on the northside of Cork was funded by Gurranabraher Credit Unions Freedom Student Account.

It is part of UCC's Learning Neighbourhood scheme to attract more students from areas that have traditionally had low levels of young people attending college. 

New UCC President Pat O'Shea said it was a priority, during his term of office, to ensure that the number of students from Cork’s under-represented communities continued to grow.

“We have two learning communities, one in Knocknaheeny and one in Ballyphehane. I’ve visited Ballyphehane. That was the very first thing I did when I came on board," he told the Evening Echo recently. 

“Neither of my parents had gone to university or even finished secondary school, so I’m very familiar with all these issues and how help is required. We have a very strong retention rate for students who come from disadvantaged areas. We’re the best in the country because we’re very proactive,” he added.