STEM involves the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into a student- centred learning environment. We have an array of technologies in our school which enhance both teaching and learning. These include laptops, iPads, visualisers, and interactive whiteboards in all classrooms.
In 2016, we were awarded recognition as a digital school of distinction. To receive this award, we placed a big emphasis on STEM in education. We incorporated ICT in many areas of the curriculum including project work and presentations using online resources and PowerPoint, maths trails, basic ICT skills including word processing.
We introduced the children to computer coding using Hour of Code and Scratch in 2015. Coding encourages children to engage in problem solving and data representation where they give instructions to a computer to perform a specific task. We also used BeeBots and Lego WeDo 2.0 kits to improve our coding skills.
In 2016, 5th and 6th class entered the Scratch National Competition where one group made it to the final in the University of Limerick. While they did not win in their category they certainly enjoyed the experience.
In 2017/18, we received the Discover Science and Maths award.
In 2015/ 2016 and again in 2018/19, we were awarded our Blue Star flag which is a European Union initiative to increase awareness of what the EU is in young children. All students from 3rd to 6th class used their IT skills to create PowerPoint to present the projects they created.
Blue Star Final Report 2015-2016
Blue Star Final Report 2018-2019
We are continuously looking for new ways to improve IT in our school. We are currently improving our incorporation of IT across the curriculum. This year we decided to introduce an online programme called ‘’Spellings For Me’’ as part of our English teaching from 1st to 6th class. This programme enables all children to work on improving their spellings at their own level.
