24-04-2025
World Earth Day: Wicklow pupils showcase commitment
Having secured funding for a second time under the SSE Renewables Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 Sponsorship Fund, teacher Anna Fox highlighted the learning opportunities and resources facilitated through the funding provided, including extra bird houses and a new polytunnel.
'As a junior school, it's so important that the pupils learn in an age-appropriate way about how they can make a difference to our environment,' Ms Fox said.
'This year, our school focused in on biodiversity learning and skills development. We used the funding to repurpose and install extra bird houses and purchased a new polytunnel where the pupils can grow flowers, plants, fruit and vegetables.
'We created creature-friendly spaces, encouraging birds and insects into our play area. Armed with brightly coloured new learning equipment, the children can partake in regular 'mini beast' adventures, helping them identify and learn about the role of insects, birds and pollinators in our world.
'We're very grateful to SSE Renewables for helping to make this possible and want to thank them for their support.'
Delighted to have spent such a positive morning with Ms Fox's students, Deirdre Keogh said: 'The children were full of pride and enthusiasm as they showed me around the outdoor learning classroom explaining how they each contributed to the enhancements and planting in the outdoor classroom.
'The school's application ticked the boxes aligning with our social value commitments on education and sustainability.
'With World Earth Day, we're reminded of the responsibility of safeguarding our planet for future generations. This year's Earth Day theme is 'Our Power, Our Planet' and calls on the global community to unite around renewable energy, aiming to triple clean electricity by 2030.
'Our Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 offshore project can play a critical role in meeting national renewables' targets for offshore wind whilst benefitting local communities through investment, jobs, skills enhancement and future community funding.
'We wish Ms Fox, school principal Ms Dempsey and all the staff and students every success with the rollout of their biodiversity plan at the school.'
