Century-old Mayo school at centre of national education shift

A century-old west Mayo secondary school has welcomed 28 school leaders from across Ireland for a field trip organised by Wriggle Learning, digital learning specialists, offering a first-hand look at how digital learning is reshaping classrooms ahead of Senior Cycle Reform.

The visit to Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh, comes as schools work to adapt to the new Senior Cycle reformed subjects, where continuous assessment and project-based work will play a much greater role in how students are assessed.

Serving students from across West Mayo, Connemara and the islands of Clare Island and Inishturk, Sancta Maria College embedded a one-to-one device programme across all year groups, ensuring students stay connected to their teachers, their subjects and the wider world, regardless of weather conditions, rural location or travel challenges.

School leaders heard from principal Dr. Áine Moran on the school’s journey before students demonstrated how they use devices to build digital portfolios, engage, collaborate, create and showcase their learning.

Visitors then saw digital learning in action across multiple classrooms, from research and collaboration to assessment and feedback.

Dr. Áine Moran, principal of Sancta Maria College, said: “We are delighted to share and showcase our one-to-one technology journey here in Sancta Maria College, as we continue to learn alongside others and contribute to the evolving landscape of teaching and learning in Ireland as we embrace senior cycle reform.

“As a school in a rural and coastal area, we’ve always understood the importance of ensuring our learners aren’t limited by geography.

"Technology gives every student equal access to learning, opportunities and the wider world. Our device programme has transformed how students engage, collaborate and create, preparing them for a digital future that is already here.”

Senior Cycle Reform represents one of the most significant changes to Irish education in decades, with up to 40% of marks set to come from in-school assessment components by 2029, placing greater emphasis on digital learning and student-led work.

Sean Glynn, Chief Learning Officer at Wriggle Learning, said: “What stands out at Sancta Maria is how well planned and embedded digital learning is across the school.

"This isn’t about technology for its own sake. It’s about improving how students learn, collaborate and demonstrate their understanding.

"For school leaders, seeing that in action, and hearing directly from students, is incredibly powerful as they plan for the changes coming under Senior Cycle Reform.”

The visit highlights how schools in Mayo are working together to ensure students are equipped with the skills needed for further education, careers and a rapidly evolving digital world.