Colaiste Naomh Einne on Inis Mor has come up with an innovative approach to deal with the challenge of school closures. The island’s secondary school has developed a gardening competition for first and second year students.
The aim of this project is multi fold – it combines school subjects with a practical project, using the natural environment, continues learning and assessment, and supports the general health and wellbeing of the students.
The competition will require students to sow a garden – and students must integrate the project into each of their different school subjects.
A folder was issued to each student outlining the rules and aims and objectives of this project, and providing a selection of seeds to get them started.
Each teacher has given a task related to their subject. For example, in French, the student must learn the names and report in French on all the tools used, vegetables grown, recipes created, etc. In business studies, each student must create a business model based on starting their own business, and marketing and selling the products.
Video and photographic evidence must also be provided at each stage of the competition – preparing the ground, sowing the seeds, caring for the crops, etc.
Each student will also give PowerPoint presentation at the end of the competition.
The winning student will receive a family break to Centre Parcs in Co Longford.
