13 Waterford primary schools have received a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Discover Primary Science and Maths Award (DPSM). The programme aims to increase interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) among primary school students and teachers.
The Awards recognise the achievements of children and teachers in the application of STEM in their curriculum. This includes keeping a log of STEM activities they have undertaken throughout the school year such as classroom investigations and projects, participating in STEM-related field trips and hosting a scientist or engineer speaker visit.
Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan TD, stated: "I want to congratulate the students in Waterford on their hard work. It is excellent to see so many schools getting involved in the SFI Discover Primary Science and Maths Awards. Every year we are seeing schools really engaging with the programme. The high level of engagement can be credited to the schools and teachers who have really put an effort in to giving their students access to STEM in a fun and educational environment."
Commenting on the Awards, Minister for Business, Enterprise, and Innovation Heather Humphreys, TD said: "I would like congratulate all the students in Waterford receiving an SFI Discover Primary Science and Maths Award. It is fantastic to see so many young students from Waterford taking an interest in STEM, and that their teachers are encouraging and enabling this interest. The SFI Discover Primary Science and Maths programme provides students with the skills necessary to learn more about STEM, and inspires them to become the next generation of innovative leaders, creative thinkers and problem solvers. People working in these areas are leading the way in these growing sectors and it's crucial to ensure uptake of STEM subjects from an early age."
Commenting on the SFI DPSM Awards, Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland, said: "Science Foundation Ireland is committed to making STEM accessible to all and supporting our young people to embrace the 21st century skills needed for their futures. This means that we must continue working to break down any barriers to engaging young people in STEM and nurture their ability to be creative, critical thinkers. The DPSM Awards are a perfect way to engage students in a meaningful and enjoyable way with science. It is extremely positive to see so many primary schools in Waterford taking part and I want to thank all of the teachers involved for their commitment to STEM."
The recipient schools from Waterford are:
- Whitechurch National School
- Ballymacarberry National School
- Clonea National School
- Faithlegg National School
- Fionnabhair National School
- Gaelscoil na Ndeise
- Glor na Mara National School
- Rathgormack National School
- Scoil Náisiúnta Cnoc Machan
- Scoil Náisiúnta Ursula Naofa
- Scoil Naomh Seosamh
- St. Saviours National School
- Kilrossanty National School
