Foundation Leaving Certificate Mathematics and NCI

Jonathan Lambert, Mathematics Support Tutor

Widening participation has been advanced a step further, here at the National College of Ireland (NCI). Foundation Leaving Certificate Mathematics is now accepted as an entry requirement for NCI. This raises a number of challenges in the way mathematics is taught, both for the student as well as the teacher.

The challenges faced by the removal of this barrier should be considered in perspective. We should differentiate between the entry-level mathematics standard required to pursue a pure mathematics programme, and the mathematics required by those that need an acquaintance with general mathematical techniques. In particular, the mathematics required for students pursuing: business or computing programmes.

Thank you from the Disability Office at NCI!

Hi everyone

Geraldine Feeney, Disability Officer at NCI

As the Disability Officer with NCI I am delighted to update you on the success to date of our Affinity Scheme with O2. We had 704 people signing up to the scheme during this sign-up period, which has just ended. Over the next 2 years, 5% of those customers monthly spend will be donated directly to support students with disabilities at NCI.

The second sign up period is from 31^st January to 1^st April next year and we’re busy planning now, so that we’re ready to make the most of this time when it arrives.

We were really delighted with all the support for the scheme from staff members, students, parents and friends of the college. Kanchi Ireland and Lisa Dominican, founder of Grace App for children with autism, were fantastic and so supportive, as was everyone who came along to our Information Evening on November 9th.

This was such a success that we will be hosting another event in February and I am looking forward to meeting more of you then.

The funds raised will support NCI as we keep working towards our goal, which is to to increase access to education for students from under-represented groups,  and to provide an innovative and supportive learning environment in which all students can realise their true potential. 

Information Evening – O2 Affinity Scheme

Tonight we are holding a special information evening at National College of Ireland to discuss the NCI Affinity scheme with O2 Ireland. The event will take place from 6:30 – 8:00pm, here at National College of Ireland in the IFSC. Over a glass of wine, we’d like to tell you more about the scheme and the ways you can help us to spread the word.

Annual Graduation and Conferring of Honorary Fellowship on Danuta Gray

L-R Danuta Gray with Caroline Casey and Phillip Matthews

For many of us here at NCI, Graduation is our favourite time of year; a time to celebrate the achievement and hard work of our students over the time they’ve spent with us. This year’s ceremonies were no exception. They took place last Thursday and Friday at the RDS and more than 1000 students graduated with a certificate, degree or diploma during the course of the two days.

NCI Affinity Scheme with O2 Ireland



Back left, NCI President Phillip Matthews with student Girvan Dempsey
Front, from left, Stephen with Danuta Gray, CEO O2 Ireland, and NCI student Robert Brady

    Friday, 7^th October, was a very exciting day for everyone at NCI, and particularly for our students with disabilities. We officially launched the NCI Affinity Scheme with O2 Ireland and, through the scheme, O2 will donate up to 5% of an eligible customer’s monthly spend to our Disability Support Service.
 

Student Interview: Brian McGillivary

Brian McGillivary is a second year computing student at National College of Ireland. He has won an NCI Sports Scholarship two years running and recently represented Ireland in Soccer at the Special Olympics. We caught up with him to chat about how he's finding life at NCI.

How are you enjoying college life?

I really enjoy college life! The social life is great but as I’m big into sports I don’t go out a lot during the week due to training. In terms of my course, it doesn’t matter how big the classes are, if you have a problem you can talk to the lecturers about anything. They are very friendly and approachable.  NCI was my first choice and I’m glad I made it.

In which Stephen gets a new title



L-R: Stephen with NCI's immediate past President, Dr. Paul Mooney,
and Jude Lynch, COO with O2 Ireland

Good news...I recently got a new title. I will henceforth be known as the O2 Student Support Officer at NCI. I'm delighted that O2 Ireland have announced sponsorship of disability support services here at the college. This will be a great support to NCI as we continue to strive for an environment that encourages excellence, celebrates differences, supports success and fosters involvement.