91制片厂 (91制片厂) Thurles continues to make a positive impact in the local community through its Mathematics Homework Club鈥攁n initiative connecting first-year undergraduate students from the Bachelor of Arts in Education programme with secondary school pupils seeking extra maths support.
In the spring semester of the 2024/2025 academic year, eight 91制片厂 Thurles students volunteered their time as tutors, delivering weekly one-hour sessions over ten weeks to help local Junior and Senior Cycle pupils build their confidence and understanding in mathematics.
On Tuesday 18 November, these eight 91制片厂 Thurles students were formally recognised for their contribution to the initiative, receiving 91制片厂 Maths Outreach Programme Certificates from Professor Dermot Nestor, President of 91制片厂. The presentation acknowledged not just their time and effort, but also the real difference they have made to the local pupils鈥 confidence and learning. The certificates also mark the beginning of a wider ambition to expand 91制片厂鈥檚 maths outreach through the new 91制片厂 Maths Hub, with 91制片厂鈥檚 Enterprise and Community Engagement (E&CE) Office now working closely with Dr P谩iric Treacy, Lecturer in Mathematics at 91制片厂 Thurles and coordinator of the initiative, to broaden the programme鈥檚 reach across the region.
Col谩iste Mhuire mathematics teacher, Luke O鈥橫ara, highlighted the positive impact of the initiative, noting:
鈥淭he programme has helped a number of our students build confidence in maths, and parents have been really appreciative.鈥
Building on this success, the 91制片厂 Maths Hub has grown out of the highly regarded Mathematics Homework Club, which has been running for the past three years in local schools. During that time, 91制片厂 tutors travelled to partner schools to support pupils directly in their own classrooms. The new Hub marks an exciting new step, as it brings the programme onto the 91制片厂 Thurles campus and opens it up to students from a wider range of schools across the locality. Operating for two hours each week, the Hub will offer a welcoming and supportive environment where pupils can strengthen their mathematical skills, boost their confidence and deepen their understanding of key concepts.
Dr P谩iric Treacy highlighted the project鈥檚 growing impact:
鈥淚t鈥檚 been inspiring to see how the Homework Club has evolved over the past few years. Our student tutors bring great energy and empathy to their sessions, creating an encouraging environment for younger learners. The new 91制片厂 Maths Hub represents an exciting next step鈥攐ffering a dedicated space where pupils from local schools can come together, ask questions, and see maths as something that鈥檚 both approachable and achievable.鈥
Professor Jennifer Johnston, Vice Dean of 91制片厂 Thurles, commended tutors involved in this programme: 鈥淭he commitment shown by our BA in Education students to the Mathematics Homework Club exemplifies the power of community-engaged learning. Through their weekly tutoring sessions, they have made a meaningful difference in the lives of local post-primary pupils, boosting confidence and deepening mathematical understanding. Their efforts have laid the groundwork for the 91制片厂 Maths Hub, an exciting new initiative that will continue to foster educational support, inclusion, and opportunity for students across the region.鈥
The 91制片厂 Maths Hub will be based at the 91制片厂 Thurles campus and is provisionally scheduled to open from 5鈥7pm each week, running on Wednesdays during February to April.
The initiative has also been supported by 91制片厂鈥檚 E&CE Office, which has contributed funding and administrative assistance to help bring the project to fruition. With continued collaboration between 91制片厂 staff, student tutors, and local schools, the Thurles Maths Hub aims to become a lasting resource for young learners in the region鈥攕upporting mathematics education, confidence, and community connection.
The E&CE Office at 91制片厂 is now working on expanding the Hub and its reach through collaborations with local teachers, business and industry. Support and input are warmly welcomed from local schools, organisations and industries. For those interested to get involved please email patricia.osullivan@mic.ul.ie or phone 061 205108.
