Explore UCD

UCD Home >

Informing and Inspiring

Maths Sparks Maths_sparks

Maths Sparks is a series of problem-solving workshops which is delivered by students and staff in the UCD School of Mathematics & Statistics to promote the subject of mathematics. The programmes are offered for free to senior secondary pupils from schools designated as socio-economically disadvantaged or DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools). The workshops are designed by volunteer undergraduate students to include engaging, challenging, collaborative problems that inspire secondary pupils to think about mathematics in new ways. Undergraduate students are mentored by post-graduate students and staff to design and present their workshops. Through UCD Access & Lifelong Learning, secondary pupils from schools in Dublin and Wicklow are invited to participate in the series and are provided with free transportation to and from UCD. Since 2011, over 300 secondary students and over 40 undergraduate volunteers have participated in Maths Sparks. Evaluation of the programme has demonstrated a statistically significant increase in pupils' confidence in their mathematical ability and in their interest pursuing careers in STEM. In addition, undergraduate volunteers have reported a development of their skills in communication, presentation and teamwork. Maths Sparks has been supported by SFI Discover, UCD College of Science, UCD School of Mathematics & Statistics and UCD Access & Lifelong Learning. All resources are freely available online.

Contact: (opens in a new window)Aoibhinn.nishuilleabhain@ucd.ie or (opens in a new window)Anthony.cronin@ucd.ie

_______________

Gaeltacht UCDGaeltacht_UCD_image

Our 24 Irish language student residence scheme scholars join with the Irish language walking group 'Na Cnocadoiri' for walks in the Wicklow mountains (usually during orientation, Sept and/or January) each year. This brings Irish speakers from different age groups and backgrounds including UCD alumni, together. It also introduces incoming UCD students to the wider Irish language community in the Dublin area.
Further to this initiative, 'Na Cnocadoiri' now organise an annual walk for their own members along the Belfield 5km woodland walkway and sculpture trail, supported by Gaeltacht UCD.  

Contact: Clar Ni­ Bhuachalla (opens in a new window)gaeltacht@ucd.ie

____________

Hope Fest - a wellness event for those experiencing homelessnessLarge group shot of people sitting down on grass
Hope Fest is a collaboration between the Dublin Lions Club, the Dublin Simon Community, UCD in the Community, the Civil Defense and the OPW. For over 60 years, the Dublin Lions Club have hosted an annual party for the homeless community in January, called Eric's Party. This event is a huge success each year, with over 200 guests attending the party this year in the GPO. The Dublin Lions Club identified the need to have a similar event during the summer, and so the idea for Hope Fest was born. It would provide members of the homeless community with a hot meal, entertainment, wellness services and a welcome break from the norm. UCD were delighted to assist the Dublin Lion's Club with this event. The inaugural Summer Party for those experiencing homelessness took place in the Iveagh Gardens on Saturday May 26th 2018. The event ran again on May 18th 2019, with the new name Hope Fest, and was attended by over 270 guests experiencing homelessness. In consultation with the Dublin Simon Community, the 2019 event also opened up the event to children and families for the first time. The event had a 'festival' feel, with a BBQ, an ice-cream cart, entertainment and a wellness area where guests availed of services such as haircuts, chiropody, mindfulness, yoga and massage. Music was provided by a variety of voluntary musical acts, including the UCD Community Choir. Over 60 volunteers from UCD and the Dublin Lions Club assisted with the event and feedback from the guests confirmed that the event was a huge success and really addressed a need for those experiencing homelessness. Hope Fest demonstrated how UCD staff, students and alumni can share their time, skills and expertise with those experiencing homelessness for mutual benefit, and the benefit to the guests was demonstrated through the client's feedback following the event