Environmental & Global Schools
SEAI ‘One Good Idea’
A senior room group entered this national environmental competition for the first time this year under the team name ‘Solar Stars’. Their topic theme was renewable energy and the team researched how schools could save considerably on energy bills if given the opportunity and support in installing solar panels. The project involved a project diary, a video and a PowerPoint presentation. The team qualified for the regional finals in Longford where they presented and watched their video on the big cinema screen which was a unique experience for all. And to top it off they won the event and qualified for the national final in Dublin. Unfortunately, the event had to be cancelled and was held virtually with the girls finishing in the top four projects in Ireland. A great experience all round.
Friends of the Earth Solar Schools Competition
The ‘Solar Stars’ group also adapted their SEAI project and entered the FOE competition. A number of winners of the national awards receive free solar panels for their schools. The entry criteria included a one-minute video which was voted on by the public, a diary and a presentation. The group came second in Connacht and in the top eight in Ireland which may give the school the chance of possible future solar panels but as of now, decisions have been put on hold due to the crisis.
Global Schools
Sixth class have linked with various international project days linked to the Global Goals in association with INTO’s Global School network. These have included Art and Design work for ‘The International Day for the eradication of Poverty’ and posters for ‘No More Plastic Paddy’ initiative which sought to minimise the use of single-use plastic in schools. Other related projects included Earth Day and Oceans Day with the pupils’ work featuring in In-Touch magazine and local newspapers.