West Mayo school leads the way in digital learning ahead of Senior Cycle reform

A secondary school in Louisburgh, Co Mayo is being recognised as a national leader in digital education after welcoming school leaders from across the country to see its approach in action.

Sancta Maria College recently hosted 28 principals and education leaders who travelled to West Mayo to observe how the school is preparing students for the upcoming Senior Cycle reforms.

The visit, organised by Wriggle Learning, comes at a time of significant change in Irish education, with up to 40 percent of marks set to be based on in-school assessment in the coming years. 

This shift places greater emphasis on project work, collaboration and digital skills.

Serving a wide rural and coastal community across Mayo, Connemara and the islands of Clare Island and Inishturk, the school has implemented a one-to-one device programme for all students, ensuring access to learning regardless of geography or weather conditions.

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During the visit, school leaders heard from Principal Dr Áine Moran about the school’s digital journey before seeing students demonstrate how they use devices to build portfolios, collaborate and present their work.

Visitors were also given the opportunity to observe digital learning across classrooms, including real-time assessment, research and interactive feedback.

Dr Moran said the school is proud to contribute to the evolving education landscape.

“As a school in a rural and coastal area, we’ve always understood the importance of ensuring our learners aren’t limited by geography,” she said. “Technology gives every student equal access to opportunities and prepares them for a digital future that is already here.”

Seán Glynn of Wriggle Learning said the school’s approach offers a strong example for others preparing for reform.

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

The visit highlights how schools in Mayo are positioning themselves at the forefront of educational change, with Sancta Maria College emerging as a model for digital learning in both rural and national contexts.