Coláiste Gleann Lí leads the way with cutting-edge STEAM facilities and curricular initiatives

Maryanne Lowney

The recent opening of two state-of-the-art science laboratories and a wood technology classroom at the cost of over half a million Euros. The refurbishment has ensured that Coláiste Gleann Lí boasts cutting-edge facilities to support innovative teaching and learning methodologies in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).

A Suite of Specialist Classrooms

The addition of the newly refurbished science laboratories complements an extensive suite of specialist classrooms in the areas of design and communications graphics, robotics, engineering, computer science, wood technology, applied technology, art and multimedia. These facilities ensure that Coláiste Gleann Lí students engage in a multi-disciplinary curriculum which promotes creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

New Senior Management Team

The developments coincide with the appointment of a new senior management team consisting of Mr Liam McGill as Principal and Mr Paudie Fleming as Deputy Principal; both hail from STEAM backgrounds and have a passion for leading and driving curricular development. Mr McGill detailed the school’s curricular and extra-curricular expansion: “As a school, we constantly strive to adapt to our changing world and are innovating to ensure we are offering subjects which meet the needs of the modern era.

“This year our 6th-year students will sit their Computer Science exams for the first time, having introduced the Leaving Certificate subject last year. Co-curricular opportunities in music, drama, podcasting and coding are also crucial in unleashing the potential of our students. This year also saw multiple new opportunities, such as entries to the national Junk Kouture competition and our focus on female participation in STEAM through our programme with the STEAM RDI Hub.”

Community and Industry Partnerships

The importance of community and industry partnership was illustrated by Mr Fleming, who outlined future projects planned for Junior and Senior Cycle students, “We have students innovating in the areas of robotics and creative multimedia as well as availing of opportunities in the wider community. We are also establishing our own inter-school Robotics Competition in association with industry and continuing our sustained high-quality participation in external national opportunities such as the annual EA Games Competition.”

The latest STEAM developments signal a promising chapter for Coláiste Gleann Lí and its school community.