THE winners of a primary schools wood design competition organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council will see their plans turned into reality in the coming months when their designs are built and installed in their school grounds.
The Primary Schools Wood Recycling Competition invited schools to design a recycled wood installation for their school garden or playground.
St Brigid’s Primary School (Year 5) in Carnhill and Ardstraw Jubilee Primary School were announced as the winners this week at the Guildhall where they received their prizes from Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Jim McKeever.
The competition was held to increase consciousness of recycling and make children more aware of the opportunities available to them through the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).
Participation awards were also presented to Edwards Primary School, St Catherine’s Primary School, St Brigid’s Primary School (Year 4) and St Colmcille’s Primary School.
The winning schools will now attend workshops at the 4RS Resource Centre to watch their installations being built before they are installed in schools by the end of May.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock, congratulated all the schools who took part and noted that the competition allowed pupils to learn about different industries in a fun environment.
“I’d like to congratulate all the schools who took part in this innovative competition and particularly those who will now see their designs made and installed in their schools in the coming weeks,” she said.
“This project was an excellent way to engage children and young people in their own communities with the purpose of developing skills, increasing knowledge and growing interest in the world of industry.”
Yvonne Lecky, Waste Management Administrator at Derry City and Strabane District Council added that competition organisers were particularly impressed with the high standard of entries.
“We were delighted with the response to this competition after it was launched in December and the judges were impressed with the detail and creativity in all the entries,” she said.
“Council’s Science and Innovation Programme aims to encourage STEM based activities and innovation by engaging with children and young people in these type of competitions.
“On behalf of Council I would like to thank Joe Brolly from 4RS Reuse Centre who will be commissioning the winning projects and visited the participating schools in January.
“Thanks also to the Housing Executive or funding and Piece Maker who designed and made the awards.”
Further information on recycling in the Council area is available from Yvonne Lecky, on 028 7125 3253 or email [email protected].
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