17 primary schools across the midlands received awards.
Midlands schools celebrating wins at Science Foundation Ireland's 2023 Curious Minds Awards.
Four primary schools across Laois, eight primary schools in Westmeath and five primary schools in Offaly will be awarded the 2023 Curious Minds Award.
The award celebrates primary schools across Ireland that have adopted innovative approaches to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) learning and engagement.
The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD Announced the 2023 Curious Mind Awards winners and said:
“I am delighted to announce the four winners of this year’s SFI Curious Minds Awards from Laois. I want to congratulate all involved for their hard work and enthusiasm. Through programmes such as the Curious Minds Awards, we see first-hand teachers and schools empowering curiosity through a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to STEM learning.”
“The high level of engagement this year can be credited to the schools and teachers who have put effort into giving their students access to STEM in a fun, interactive and educational way.”
Primary Schools received awards in three categories: The Silver Award, recognising schools entering for the first time; the Gold Award, for schools further along their STEM journey; and the Platinum Award, for schools who have achieved previous awards and want to integrate STEM into the community further.
This year, all four Laois schools received the Gold Award, all five Offaly schools received the Gold Award, and six Westmeath schools received the Gold Award and two won the Silver Award.
Commenting on the awards, Professor Philip Nolan, Director General of Science Foundation Ireland said:
“At Science Foundation Ireland, we are committed to making science accessible to all. Introducing students to science in a practical, hands-on, enjoyable and interactive way, tapping into and nurturing their natural curiosity, is a core objective for SFI as we continue to break down barriers to engaging young people in STEM. The Curious Minds Awards are a perfect way to motivate students’ interest in STEM in the classroom. It is extremely positive to see so many primary schools in Laois taking part, and I congratulate all the teachers, schools and parents for their commitment to STEM.”
Registration for the next Academic Year SFI Curious Minds Awards will open in September 2023.
Registration for Summer courses and CPD courses for 2023/2024 are open now.
Winners in Laois:
Scoil Mhuire Fatima - Gold Award
Scoil Fionntáin Naofa, Shanahoe - Gold Award
Portlaoise Educate Together National School - Gold Award
St Pauls National School - Gold Award
Winners in Offaly:
St. Mary's National School - Gold Award
Killeigh National School - Gold Award
Daingean National School - Gold Award
Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire Cloneygowan - Gold Award
Cloneyhurke National School - Gold Award
Winners in Westmeath:
Mullingar Educate Together- Silver Award
Ballinahown National School- Silver Award
Baile Coireil National School- Gold Award
St. Cremin's National School- Gold Award
An Grianá – Gold Award
Scoil Mhuire an Chuil – Gold Award
St. Peter's National School- Gold Award
St. Mary's Primary School – Gold Award
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