Happy winners of Mr O’Connor’s Kahoot Challenge at St mary’s during History Week.
St. Mary’s Secondary School, Mallow, celebrated History Week from Monday, 18th January. The theme of the week was ‘Women of 1916.’ Activities included quizzes, guest speakers, displays, scavenger hunts and competitions. The week was a huge success!
On Monday, first year girls brought history cakes into school. The cakes were put on display and then judged by Home Economics teacher, Ms. Buckley. The lovely cakes featured flags, the 1916 Rising and burial tombs from Ancient Ireland. The joint winners were Emer O’Grady and Roisin O’Hanlon. They made a cake of the Irish Republic flag that flew over the GPO in 1916.
A number of quizzes took place throughout the week. Mr. O’Connor challenged transition years to complete his ‘Women of 1916’ Kahoot quiz in the Computer Room on Thursday. Kahoot is an interactive quiz tool which uses images, text and sound. First, second and third year quizzes were held in the Sports Hall, Theatre and in-class. These were organised by Ms. Foley and Ms. Hickey. Each team of four was named after a man or woman associated with the 1916 Rising. Spot prizes, treats and ‘I Love History’ stickers were given out. Some first years even dressed-up as people from history. Prizes included calendars, mugs, chocolates, CDs and DVDs. Not to be excluded, teachers participated in a picture quiz at snack time on Friday.
A history model competition was held for second years on Friday. Entries included models of Newgrange, Pompeii, the Book of Kells and the American War of Independence. The winner was Gabriela Kosowska who made a model of a medieval castle. She received perfume and chocolates donated by generous staff members. First years also made models. These were put on display in the upstairs corridor along with a transition year ‘Women of 1916’ display.
On Thursday during snack, Mr. Rafferty organised a ‘Buildings of 1916’ scavenger hunt for first years. Students reported that this was hugely enjoyable. It really helped make history fun!
The highlight of History Week was a ‘Women of 1916’ talk for seniors in the Aemilian Theatre on Friday. Dr. Margaret Kelleher, UCD English Department and Dr. Mary McAuliffe, UCD Women’s Studies, spoke passionately about the extraordinary role played by women in the 1916 Rising. It was a particularly enjoyable experience for Margaret as she is a past pupil of St. Mary’s. She invited members of her family to the talk. Also in attendance was Mayor of County Cork, Cllr. John Paul O’Shea. The talk was organised by Ms. O’Leary and her fifth year history class.