Mayo college steps ahead as reform changes how students earn their marks

St. Gerald’s DLS College in Castlebar is expanding its digital learning programme to prepare students for major changes to the Leaving Certificate, as new assessment requirements place greater emphasis on research, project work and independent learning.

The school is extending its personal Chromebook programme across more year groups in partnership with Irish education technology provider Wriggle Learning, giving more students access to digital resources, assignments and teacher feedback both in school and at home.

The move comes as the government’s Senior Cycle Redevelopment programme changes how Leaving Certificate students are assessed.

New and revised subjects are being introduced in phases, with additional assessment components accounting for at least 40% of available marks.

These changes mean students will be assessed on a wider range of skills beyond the traditional final written examination, placing increasing importance on independent learning, research, and the effective use of technology.

At St Gerald’s, students use personal Chromebooks alongside traditional textbooks across a range of subjects, with Google Classroom providing a central platform for accessing resources, completing assignments and collaborating with classmates.

The school is continuing to expand the programme during the 2026/27 academic year, while encouraging greater use of digital learning resources at Senior Cycle as the new curriculum takes effect.

Shaun Burke of St Gerald’s DLS College said: “At St Gerald’s, our guiding principle is that every student deserves the opportunity to be his individual best.

"Technology has an important role to play in achieving that ambition, but it must always serve teaching and learning, rather than the other way around.

“Our partnership with Wriggle has helped us develop a more consistent and inclusive approach to digital learning, ensuring that students have access to the tools and resources they need, both inside and outside the classroom.

"We are particularly proud of how our teachers have embraced these opportunities to make learning more engaging, accessible and meaningful.”

For Castlebar students and families, the programme is making learning more accessible and flexible.

Students can revisit lesson materials, access revision resources, and receive teacher feedback outside school hours, while teachers can adapt lessons to suit different abilities and provide additional support for students with educational needs.

Importantly, St Gerald’s is maintaining a balance between traditional classroom teaching and technology, with digital resources designed to support rather than replace teachers.

The approach is helping students build confidence in managing their own learning, alongside the digital skills they will need in further education and future careers.

Sean Glynn, Chief Learning Officer at Wriggle Learning, said: “Senior Cycle Reform is changing how students learn and demonstrate what they know, and digital skills are becoming increasingly important.

"St Gerald’s is taking a really positive approach by building technology into everyday teaching while keeping students’ individual needs at the centre.

"Our role is to make that transition straightforward for the school, with the right devices, training and ongoing support so teachers can concentrate on teaching.”

Looking ahead, St Gerald’s is also investing in professional development for teachers, including training in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The school wants students to move beyond simply using technology for assignments, developing the confidence, judgement and responsibility to use digital tools effectively and safely.

With further changes to Senior Cycle continuing nationally, St Gerald’s DLS College plans to keep expanding its digital learning programme, ensuring students in Castlebar have the skills, resources and support to succeed both in their examinations and in life beyond school.