Gaeilge
Magh Éne College teacher Yvonne Higgins-Vallely, is playing a key-role in supporting the development of science education across Ireland following the publication of her new Leaving Cert Biology book, Evolution.
Published by Gill Education, the textbook comes at a key time for schools as teachers and students adapt to major changes in the revised Leaving Certificate Biology specification, including the introduction of an Additional Assessment Component which is worth 40% of a student’s Leaving Certificate exam.
For Yvonne, the project brings together years of experience and dedication in science education. A former national chairperson of the Irish Science Teachers’ Association and a recipient of the BT Educator of Excellence Award, she has spent more than twenty years teaching and inspiring students in the classroom. Yvonne co-authored Evolution alongside fellow teacher and educator Humphrey Jones, current national Chairperson of the Irish Science Teachers’ Association. The duo commenced writing in 2018, with the project reaching completion in 2025. Evolution combines modern scientific content with practical exam-focused learning tools and digital supports designed for today’s students.
Colleagues and students at Magh Éne College have expressed pride in seeing one of their own contribute to a textbook that is being used in classrooms across Ireland. Her own love of science has been shaped by the inspirational science teachers she has worked alongside at Magh Éne College in Bundoran, including current Principal Pat Tighe and former Deputy Principal Ray McGough, both of whom taught science.
Students in Magh Éne College are already using the textbook in class, with many excited to learn from material written by their own teacher. This has been especially rewarding for Yvonne; “It is fantastic to see my own students using it, that gives me a huge sense of satisfaction.”
Principal Pat Tighe praised Yvonne’s achievement, describing it as “a remarkable contribution to science education nationally and a source of enormous pride for the entire school community.”
Yvonne hopes Evolution will help students succeed academically and spark a lasting interest in science beyond the classroom: “Hopefully, it will encourage students to develop a real love of science and perhaps follow that path at third level.”
Reflecting on her experience, Yvonne encouraged young people to embrace every opportunity that comes their way. “You never know what opportunities are going to come your way – if an educational opportunity presents itself, take it.”
With Evolution now reaching classrooms nationwide, Yvonne’s work is set to influence the next generation of Irish science students for years to come.
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Further details on the book Evolution are available here.