Mary Immaculate’s first FETAC graduates pass the finishing post

MARY Immaculate Secondary School, Lisdoonvarna held its FETAC awards presentation recently. While it has offered adult education awards for over a decade, this year the school’s first FETAC Level 6 graduates were conferred with their awards in business and in supervision in childcare.
In response to what it says is “a huge demand in the greater North Clare area” the school has been offering adult education courses for the past 14 years. Beginning with FETAC Level 5 awards in tourism and business, the range of courses has been extended and now includes business studies, childcare, community and health services and art, craft and design.
In the interim, hundreds of adult learners have received FETAC Level 5 awards and many have progressed to third-level education and employment.
Following their success at Level 5, many students expressed an interest in being able to undertake a Level 6 course locally. With this in mind, the school added on the two Level 6 courses. A further Level 6 course, professional arts practice has been added this year.
Welcoming the award recipients and their families and guests to the presentation ceremony, school principal John O’Loughlin said the school is delighted to offer such courses, which enables adult learners to study locally in their own communities.
Paying tribute to the staff for their dedication, interest and support for further education in the school, he acknowledged the significant work and support of Marian O’Callaghan, FETAC co-ordinator and Teresa Conneely, administrator. He encouraged the graduates to spread the word among their friends and neighbours about the learning and training opportunities on offer.
A number of graduates spoke at the presentation and outlined their experience of being adult learners at the school. Among them were Marie O’Donoghue, Aileen Delaney and Enda Lehane.
The FETAC Level 6 awards were presented by Anne Kelleher, CEO, CEIST and the FETAC Level 5 awards by Sr Maura Crowe, chairperson of the school’s board of management. A number of students were also presented with their ECDL certificates at the ceremony.