St Brendan’s NS Blennerville was one of 17 schools to receive a Research Ireland Curious Minds Award for 2026.SEVENTEEN primary schools in Kerry have received a Research Ireland Curious Minds Award for 2026.
Funded by Research Ireland, the Curious Minds Awards recognise schools that embrace hands-on, inquiry-based approaches to science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
Schools in the greater Tralee area to receive the awards are Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn, Caherleaheen NS, O’Brennan NS and St Brendan’s Blennerville NS (see full list below).
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The programme supports educators and students at every stage of their STEM learning journey, from schools taking their first steps in STEM engagement to those embedding STEM across the entire school community.
Across Kerry, students have been encouraged to explore STEM through practical investigations and real-world challenges.
Activities undertaken through the programme include biodiversity studies, coding and programming projects, experiments exploring forces and materials, design-and-make challenges, and investigations that encourage students to test ideas, ask questions and develop problem-solving skills.
This year 16 Kerry schools received a Gold Award and one received a Platinum Award.
Gold Awards…
.Platinum Award…
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