Millstreet Community School Update Pt. 2

Think Languages 2024

December 5th saw Transition Year students participate in the Think Languages Event (rescheduled from the 21st November). A Champion Team led by seven Transition Year Students- Meabh, Connor, Ryan, Luke, Frankie, Joy, and Sara- organised a range of activities for the day. These included Bingo, A Polish and Volleyball Workshop, A Spanish Murder Mystery, and a Scavenger Hunt. Thanks to Ms Radon and Ms Byrnes for facilitating workshops and well done to all the prize winners.

Ideas Made Real During Advanced Manufacturing Experience

T.Y. Engineers of the future were treated to a fantastic experience when Michelle Lambert from FIT (Fast-track Information Technology) joined us for a workshop as part of the new ‘Ideas Made Real’ Module.

Our students got a fantastic insight into Engineering Technology throughout this workshop. They completed online cyber security courses, experienced virtual reality through specialised headsets, operated an Electro Pneumatic robot and programmed their own robotic cars to perform various functions.

The feedback from students on this module, as a whole, has been extremely positive. The ‘Ideas Made Real’ module has been be designed by ‘Irish Manufacturing Research’ in conjunction with TUS Athlone. M.C.S have adapted and tailored this programme and further advanced the opportunities available to students. This Project as a whole is supported by the Factory X-Change programme based in the U.K. and MCS is lucky enough to have been sponsored by ALPS ALPINE here in Millstreet. ALPS have been very supportive of this initiative and their support has led to the acquisition of advanced educational resources such as computer programming kits and equipment as well as a top of the range 3D Printer. Students in M.C.S are extremely grateful for this support and the opportunity to work with a Global Tech Company like ALPS. A huge thanks to Michelle and of course to the students for their active engagement with this initiative.

ALPS Supporting Technology Education in M.C.S

ALPS Representatives John Foley (Managing Director) and Noreen Dineen (HR / H&S Manager) visited our school on Friday December 6th to witness the manufacturing facilities in our Engineering Department. ALPS recently sponsored our schools new Transition Year initiative ‘Ideas Made Real’ which is being run by Irish Manufacturing Research based in Mullingar. The primary focus of this initiative is to develop and advance the Design, Research and Manufacturing experiences of second level students who may wish to work with advanced technology in the future. Students doing this program are given an insight into various different opportunities that this whole area offers in them going forward. Through ALPS support, the school received a top of the range 3D Printer and advanced coding and electronic equipment to support students learning. John and Noreen had a great interaction with students, and they got to see first hand the progress they are making in technology education as a direct result of their much appreciated investment. A huge thank you to ALPS and in particular to John and Noreen for taking the time to visit facilities and engage with our students.