Graduation Awards 2017

We had a busy week in the DCU Institute of Education with the class of 2017 graduating and a number of awards to acknowledge the excellence of our students. Pictured above are Fiona Downes, Clara Keane, John Murtagh and Celine Kissane receiving their awards.

Celine Kissane - John Smith Award

For the student who obtained the highest mark in the Research Dissertation on the PME(P).
Presented by Dr Margaret Leahy and Majella O’Dowd

Born and raised in Tralee, Co. Kerry, Celine graduated from Mary Immaculate College in 2015 with a BA in Gaeilge and History. As part of her PMEP studies Celine took part in the action research process and focused on the area of history education. Her project was about the impact of using an enquiry based approach in the teaching of historical empathy and involved reflecting on herown planning and practice of teaching history. Celine is currently teaching in Sacred Heart B.N.S in Ballygall, Co. Dublin.

Clara Keane - Vere Foster Award

PME (Primary) who obtained the highest marks in Teaching Practice and Curriculum Areas of Education over the two-year PME programme.
Presented by Dr Margaret Leahy and Joe Killeen (INTO)

Clara is from Marino, Dublin and currently teaching in the Virgin Mary BNS in Ballymun. I studied Social Science in UCD prior to undertaking the PMEP.

Clara Keane - Catherine Mahon Award

The student who obtained the highest place on the PME (Primary).
Presented by Dr Margaret Leahy and Prof Pádraig Ó Duibhir

John Murtagh - Mark Morgan Award

For the student who received the highest overall Grade in the MEd programme.
Presented by Prof Pádraig Ó Duibhir, Prof Mark Morgan and Prof Catherine Furlong

John Murtagh is a primary teacher in St. Pius X Boys National School in Terenure. He completed his BEd degree in St. Patrick's College in 2012 and returned to the College in 2015 to pursue a Master of Education with a specialism in Educational Leadership. His thesis explored the experiences of primary school principal of enacting mandated policy in Ireland.

Fiona Downes - IATSE Award

The student who achieved the highest overall marks on the Graduate Diploma in Inclusive Education, Learning Support and Special Education.
Presented by Dr David McKeon, Muriel Weekes (IATSE) and Dr Joe Travers

Niall Gillic - Vere Foster Award / INTO

The winner of the Vere Foster Medal, presented by the INTO to the student obtaining highest marks in School Placement over years 2-4.
Presented by Dr John White, Prof Pádraig Ó Duibhir, Joe Killeen (INTO), Prof Catherine Furlong and Dr Alan Gorman

Conor Allen - Carlisle & Blake award / Dept of Education and Skills

The winner of the Carlisle & Blake Award, a Department of Education and Skills award to the student achieving the highest marks in taught Education modules over years 2-4.
Presented by Dr John White, Prof Pádraig Ó Duibhir, Diarmuid Dullighan (DES), Prof Catherine Furlong and Dr Alan Gorman

Grainne Power – St. Vincent de Paul Award

The winner of the St. Vincent de Paul award for the top student in the Certificate in Religious Studies associated with the BEd.
Presented by Prof Pádraig Ó Duibhir, Dr Gareth Byrne and Dr Cora O’Farrell

Ciara Norris - ASTI Excellence in Teaching Award

Ciara was presented with the award by Dr. Shivaun O'Brien at a small ceremony, attended by family friends and some DCU academic staff in advance of her graduation ceremony. The award was presented jointly by the IoE and the ASTI. Ciara received a Dublin Crystal Award from IoE and a cheque for €250 each from the ASTI. Ciara achieved the top grade in Science Education for her final year extended school placement.
Presented by Assoc. Prof Brien Nolan, Dr Shivaun O'Brien and Dr Eilish McLoughlin

Jenny Sykes - ASTI Excellence in Teaching Award

Jenny was presented with the award by Dr. Shivaun O'Brien at a small ceremony, attended by family friends and some DCU academic staff in advance of her graduation ceremony. The award was presented jointly by the IoE and the ASTI. Jenny received a Dublin Crystal Award from IoE and a cheque for €250 each from the ASTI. Jenny achieved the top grade in Physical Education with Biology/Maths for her final year extended school placement.
Presented by Dr Shivaun O'Brien

Aoife Bagnall – Joe Dunne Medal

Joe Dunne medal for the BA in Humanities student with the highest marks in the subject of Human Development.
Presented by Dr Andrew O'Shea

Mary Doyle – TUI Award

The TUI Award is presented to the PME student who obtained the highest overall grade. Mary is from County Wicklow and currently teachers English and History in St Mary’s Holy Faith Glasnevin.
Award presented by Claire Markey (TUI Executive Member) and Prof Pádraig Ó Duibhir