The Department of Computer Science at University College Cork (UCC)
initiated a programme, the Munster Programming Training (MPT) in 2004
in order to engage secondary school students in working with IT. Given
the lack of IT training provided by schools, the Computer Science staff
are attempting to offer a significant introduction into the field, to
educate students about what really happens in IT-related work, and to
attract good talent into the field.
17 secondary school students from all over Ireland were selected to
participate in the All Ireland School Computer Programming Competition
which took place in DCU early this year. During a 5 hour final the
students had to solve difficult problems about prime numbers, Fibonacci
sequences and advanced algorithmic. "We are very proud to mention that
7 finalists from the MPT classes won 4 won medals in both senior and
junior sections" said Dr Sabin Tabirca, Department of Computer Science,
UCC.
Barry Hurley of Gaelcholáiste Choilm, Ballincollig who won the Gold
medal in the senior section will represent Ireland in the International
Olympiad in Informatics to be held in Mérida, Yucatán, México in August
2006. Patrick Dunne of Gaelcholáiste Mhuire A.G., An Mhainistir Thuaidh
was awarded the Bronze medal. Patrick will be a reserve for the
Irish panel. In the junior section Kate O'Mahony of St. Alloysius, Cork
and John Tabirca of St Peter Community School, Passage West won the
Silver and Bronze medals respectively. Professor Gregory Provan, Head
of Computer Science at UCC said the excellent result of these Cork
students reflected the calibre of the Computer Science lecturers at UCC
who include Dr Joseph Manning, Dr Kieran Herley, Dr Marc van Dongen and
Dr Sabin Tabirca. He acknowledged their contribution to the
success of the MPT Programme. Professor Pat Fitzpatrick, Head, College
of Science, Engineering and Food Science congratulated the students and
acknowledged the dedicated time and effort of the students to meet the
challenges of this prestigeous MPT competition.
At a reception hosted by the Department of Computer Science at UCC for
these four students and their school principals, Professor Gregory
Provan congratulated the students on their performance and presented
prizes. He highlighted the fact that the students' performance is even
more important considering that they do not study Computer Science in
school. Professor Provan outlined the development plans of the
Department of Computer Science and hoped that one day they will study
Computer Science in UCC.
Dr Tabirca, the MPT coordinator, informed students of the June 2006
special week's training in formal lectures and practical tutorials to
prepare the Irish panel for the International Olympiad in Informatics
(IOI). The IOI is scheduled for August 2006. Barry Hurley is the only
student from Cork's schools to participate in this event. Dr
Tabirca wished Barry every success.
194MMcS
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