THIRTY-NINE Kerry primary schools, including many from the Tralee area, will receive the Science Foundation Ireland Discover Primary Science and Maths (DPSM) Award of Science and Maths Excellence.
Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation, Damien English TD, made the announcement that, overall, 549 Irish primary schools across the country will receive this prestigious award.
2015 saw a 30% increase in the number of Kerry schools participating in the initiative, with over 28% of all schools in the county now taking part.
The recipients in Kerry are Scoil Eoin Balloonagh, Na Mínteoga National School, Asdee National School, Castledrum National School, St. Brendan’s National School, Scoil Naomh Cárthach, Scoil Mhuire, Anabla National School, Cullina National School, Clogher National School, Scoil Naomh Eirc, S. N. Cill Conla, Holy Family National School, Tralee Educate Together National School, Scoil Treasa Naofa, Loughfouder National School, Scoil Eoin, St. Oliver’s National School, St. Michael’s National School, Fybough National School, St Francis Special School, Muire Gan Smál Presentation Primary School, Scoil ‘n Fheirtearaigh, Scartaglen National School, Ardfert Central National School, Moyderwell Mercy, Scoil Bhréanainn, Holy Cross Mercy National School, Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Gobnait, Spa National School, Scoil Náisiúnta Dar Earca, Caherleaheen National School, Scoil Mhichíl Naofa, Shrone National School, Firies National School, Killocrim National School, Gneeveguilla National School, Glenflesk National School and Scoil Mhuire Boys National School.
The programme is aimed at sparking curiosity in the minds of young children to give them an appreciation and love for science and maths, with the ambition of choosing science related subjects for Leaving Certificate and ultimately setting them on a course to study a related course at third level.
To obtain the prestigious DPSM award, primary schools are required to complete a range of activities including using technology in the classroom, visiting a DPSM Discover Centre or hosting a science event. All of the participating schools are evaluated by a panel of adjudicators, who decide whether the school should receive an award.
