Science award for seven Westmeath schools

Eilís Ryan

Published: Mon 20 Jun 2022, 4:32 PM

Last updated: Mon 20 Jun 2022, 4:33 PM

Seven primary schools in Westmeath have been named today, Monday, as recipients of a Discover Science and Maths Award.

The seven are: Scoil Náisiúnta Bhrid, Emper; St Peter's National School, Athlone; Scoil Mhuire An Chuil, Coole; St Cremin's NS, Multyfarnham; Baile Coireil NS, Coralstown; Naomh Tola NS, Delvin; and St Mary's Primary School, Mullingar.

The announcement was made by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD.

Led by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), the programme aims to increase interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) among primary school students, parents, and teachers, nationwide in a fun and engaging way.

Minister Harris, congratulating all the students and the teachers successful in winning an SFI Discover Primary Science and Maths Award, said the projects this year covered several important topics that will inevitably impact every one of us including climate change, plastics and technology.

“I know the last few years haven’t been easy for children but yet again, we have seen their imaginations remain alive and they are working together to help us solve the big challenges we all face,” Minister Harris stated.

“I really hope students and their teachers will keep engaging with programmes such as this one and developing science, technology and maths within the school. Because we need so many big ideas and bright people to help us navigate our way through the big problems we are all dealing with.”

The awards offer three categories for applicants: The Certificate of STEM, is aimed at schools starting out on the STEM journey and involves a minimum of two classes. The Plaque of STEM, which is for schools further along their STEM journey, involves at least half of the classes in the school. The Badge of Excellence is for schools that have already achieved the Plaque and have continued to demonstrate excellence in raising awareness of STEM in their communities. This year, all 7 Westmeath schools received the Plaque of STEM.