Sciencesuccess forthreelocal primaryschools

TWO primary schools in Drogheda and another in Ardee have won Science Foundation Ireland Discover Science and Maths Awards.

St Mary’s Parish School, Bryanstown, Aston Village Educate Together and Scoil Mhuire ba Trocaire, Ardee were numbered among a total of 11 primary schools in Co Louth to receive the award, recognising their achievements in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) over the 2017/18 school year.

The honours were welcomed by local TD Fergus O’Dowd who says this is a tribute to the level of academic success in our local schools.

“To qualify for the awards, schools are required to keep a log of STEM activities that they have undertaken in the classroom throughout the academic year,” says the Louth Deputy.

“Education is key to our ambitions as a nation. It helps us to grow a strong economy and gives everyone the opportunity to fulfil their full potential. This government has set the ambition to make Ireland’s education and training service the best in Europe by 2026.

The 11 Schools were awarded “PLAQUES OF STEM EXCELLENCE” for visiting Discover Science Centres, carrying out their own experiments, going on STEM-related field trips, using digital technology and maths as part of their science work, hosting scientist and engineer speaker visits and holding a science open day in the school.

“We are investing more in education than ever before to help us deliver on this ambition – over €10 billion in 2018, the biggest ever budget for education. Our capital budget has increased by 56% since 2012,” Deputy O’Dowd said.

“People working in science, technology and engineering in Ireland are leading the way in these growing sectors and it’s crucial to ensure uptake of STEM subjects at an early age.”