Primary Schools to compete for Awards of Science Excellence
Discover Primary Science have announced the launch of the Awards of Science Excellence (AoSE) 2009. The awards acknowledge the efforts of primary school children and teachers across Ireland who have shown an increased knowledge of science and its many applications as a result of participation in the Discover Primary Science (DPS) programme.
There has been monumental growth in primary schools interest in the Discover Primary Science programme. Since the programme’s inception in 2004 when approximately 500 schools were registered for the project, Discover Primary Science now has in excess of 3000 schools involved. Last year over 650 primary schools received Awards of Science Excellence, representing an increase of almost half of the 2007 figures.
Commenting at the launch of the Awards of Science Excellence, Oonagh Meighan, Manager of the Young Peoples Programme said: “In the wake of the BT Young Scientist Exhibition, we can see that there is huge enthusiasm for science among young people. The purpose of the Discover Primary Science programme is to create a pipeline of students who will share a sense of wonder and creativity about science and its applications. Over the past couple of years we have witnessed a huge demand from primary schools to participate in the Awards of Science Excellence. This is fantastic to see, particularly in light of the current economic climate as science, engineering and ICT all have important roles to play in developing a knowledge economy.”
As a result of the high level of interest, along with feedback from primary school teachers in the past, the decision has been made to restructure the format for presenting the Awards of Science Excellence. Instead of limiting the participation to three students per school at a regional ceremony as was previously the case, successful schools will now receive a plaque and certificates in a special ‘Awards of Science Excellence Pack’, allowing each school to make their own arrangements to celebrate this wonderful achievement. This change allows every student from the winning schools along with their local communities to participate in a celebration at a time that is convenient for them.
All primary schools registered for the DPS programme who intend to make a submission for the Awards of Science Excellence must apply online at www.primaryscience.ie by 31st March 2009.
Registered schools applying for an Award of Science Excellence must keep a Discover Log recording their science related work which must be submitted by 1st May 2009. Credit is given for providing evidence of involvement in:
- Completing a certain number of activities from the DPS classroom activity pack
- Visiting one of the Discover Primary Science accredited Discover Science Centres or inviting speakers to school to talk about science related topics
- Holding a science display day or event
- Taking part in many other explorative, fun and hands-on activities
Each award winning school will be entered into a draw and one school per county will win a fantastic prize – a science entertainer will make a special visit to their school and put on an incredible show especially for them! All log books received in by 1st May 2009 will be entered into this draw, so make sure your logs are in on time!
The assessment of the Awards of Science Excellence process begins following the closing date for submissions on 1st May 2009. Registered schools, who have applied on the website by the end of March, will receive an application form in the mail, close to the submission date.
Please visit www.primaryscience.ie for further information on the Awards and the Discover Primary Science programme
Photo: Tom Douglas (9), Tim Coffee (9) and David Ryan (9) at the launch of the Awards of Science Excellence (AoSE) 2009 in St Pius X Boys National School, Dublin. The awards acknowledge the efforts of primary school children and teachers across Ireland in the Discover Primary Science (DPS) programme. Discover Primary Science now has in excess of 3000 schools involved. Last year over 650 primary schools received Awards of Science Excellence, representing an increase of almost half of the 2007 figures.
