Holy Family N.S. Rathmore Co.Kerry P51 N290

Holy Family National School is in Rathmore Co. Kerry.  It is a large rural school with 207 pupils with 12 teachers and an administrative principal. 
This is our third consecutive year participating in the Discover Primary Science and Maths award. All eight classes have participated in the Science and Maths Excellence Award this year with the hope of being awarded the DPSM Plaque of Stem Excellence Award.
Staff and pupils at our school were very enthusiastic about the programme because it gave the pupils an opportunity to parttake in various science activities. The pupils were enthusiastic and a huge emphasis was on group work which motivated the children to work cooperatively. They loved the hands on aspects of all the investigations.


We completed six hands-on science experiments from the strands: Living Things, Energy and Forces, Materials and Environmental Awareness and Care.
Every class participated in a Maths Trail around the school and the children loved this aspect of the award. They were able to apply maths skills they have learnt in class to everyday activities.
4th Class also visited Liebherr Crane Factory in Killarney where they got a guided tour of the impressive engineering and technology factory. The class then prepared power point presentations and presented these to other classes during our school science show case day.
Participation in the programme has led to a more integrated approach to these subjects throughout the school with increased collaboration between classes. We enjoyed viewing the resources available on the primaryscience.ie website, particularly the short movies.
Also as part of Engineers Week we had a LEGO workshop visit our school for two days. 2nd to 6th classes had different activities to complete between programming, assorting and constructing. They all thoroughly enjoyed this day.
Being involved in the Discover Primary Science & Maths Award has allowed us to partake in some wonderful investigations and for that we thank you.

Coordinators:  Grace Fitzgerald  & Denis O Sullivan