Scoil na gCeithre Máistrí are champions of biodiversity

Primary and secondary school pupils from Athlone and surrounding areas recently came up with creative ideas for improving the environment when they took part in the Arcadia Creative Climate Awards. In the weeks ahead, we will be taking a look at their projects and findings.

For the 2023 Arcadia Creative Climate Awards, pupils from Scoil na gCeithre Máistrí focused on what they, as a school community, could do to increase and promote biodiversity in their community.

These annual awards, sponsored by Arcadia Retail Park, aim to get local primary and secondary schools thinking about how to help our environment. The competition is run in conjunction with Cllr Frankie Keena's 'Junior Mayor' initiative, and concluded this year with an exhibition and awards ceremony at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) in Athlone in May.

Pupils of all ages from Scoil na gCeithre Máistrí got involved with many different initiatives to promote biodiversity.

In partnership with LWETB (Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board), the pupils built a solar tunnel on the grounds of their school. As a result of this initiative, they emphasised how children and members of the community will be able to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

Pupils also built an 'Ostáin do na Féithidí' or a 'Hotel for the Insects'. This project involved creating outdoor spaces for insects to thrive in nature.

As well as these physical structures, pupils also hosted events, such as their 'Jumble Sale', to promote biodiversity. This addition to their recycling scheme encouraged schoolchildren to reuse things instead of simply throwing them away.

Lessons were taught in classes about climate change, global warming, recycling, and the ways in which we can do our part to help save our planet. Pupils made booklets that were displayed on noticeboards in the school.

Another major scheme the pupils from Scoil na gCeithre Máistrí implemented was “Bus na gCos”, where once per week the children walk part of their way to school, rather then relying on car. This cuts back on fuel usage and raises awareness of the fact that there are other, more sustainable methods of travelling to school.

Some pupils in fifth class even took part in Junk Kouture, with fantastic projects to emphasise recycling. Their designs were incredibly creative and in line with their theme of raising awareness of biodiversity.

This year as well, Scoil na gCeithre Máistrí's 'Kayak Council' was formed. Their 'Kayak with Friends' initiative ensured that every week children got out on the water at Coosan Point learning about the lake, local islands, and the local flowers and fish in Athlone.

Last, but certainty not least, the pupils learnt all about bees! Lessons were taught about the impact that bees have on biodiversity and on the Earth's climate. The pupils recall how their principal came to every class, from Junior Infants to Sixth Class, to show them some bee hives.

Scoil na gCeithre Máistrí won the awards for “Best Biodiversity” and “Best Research.”

The founder of the Junior Mayor Initiative, Cllr Frankie Keena, sincerely thanked the schools who participated in the Arcadia Climate Awards event this year. “It was fantastic to see the level of confidence and depth of knowledge of the students on the subject matter as they explained their respective projects to the judges and members of the public. The student voice was just exceptional on the day,” he said.

Cllr. Keena also sincerely thanked the Principals and staff of the schools for giving of their time to support the students with their projects.