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That all sounds great.. Something we did in our school was build a really small raised bed using recycled wood from a patio and the children grew potatoes, onions and garlic. They absolutely loved it
Learning about sustainability in Tallaght has helped me recognise that sustainable practices are not only important on a global scale but can also be seen within the local community. Tallaght has several examples of initiatives that promote sustainability, including recycling, public transport, green spaces, community gardens and efforts to encourage walking and cycling. These practices demonstrate how communities can reduce waste, protect the environment and use resources more responsibly.
As a teacher, I would use Tallaght as a real-world learning environment and encourage pupils to investigate sustainability in their own local area. I could begin by asking pupils what sustainable practices they notice around their school and community. They could then work in groups to investigate topics such as recycling, biodiversity, energy use, transport and food waste.
Pupils could carry out a sustainability audit of the school, recording areas that are working well and identifying opportunities for improvement. They could present their findings through posters, presentations or digital projects and suggest realistic changes the school could make. A local field trip could also allow pupils to observe sustainable practices first-hand.
Reflecting on this, I believe using the local community makes sustainability more meaningful. It encourages pupils to become active participants and understand that their everyday choices can contribute to a more sustainable future.
love the idea of a tasting menu. so many people don’t eat fish and never try it so it’s good way to introduce them to it
Learning about the nutritional value of seafood has helped me recognise its importance as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Seafood provides high-quality protein and important nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, iodine, selenium and vitamin B12. Understanding these benefits has shown me how seafood can support growth, brain development and overall health.
This knowledge could be applied in the classroom through engaging, cross-curricular activities. In science, students could investigate the nutrients found in different types of seafood and explore their role in the human body. In mathematics, pupils could compare nutritional information using tables, graphs or percentages. In SPHE , students could examine healthy meal choices and design a balanced meal that includes seafood. We are also lucky to have a kitchen for students in our school so we can actually prepare a few lunches.
Reflecting on this topic, I feel that teaching seafood nutrition can help students develop practical knowledge about healthy eating while also encouraging them to make informed food choices. It provides an opportunity to connect scientific learning with everyday life.
ARC resources can support teachers in creating more engaging, practical STEM learning experiences. Instead of focusing only on delivering content, teachers can introduce real-world challenges that encourage pupils to investigate, solve problems, work collaboratively and reflect on their learning. For example, in a science and geography lesson, pupils could compare agriculture and aquaculture, watch an ARC video about sustainable Irish aquaculture, and complete an interactive quiz to reinforce their understanding.
At a whole-school level, School Self-Evaluation (SSE) can help identify strengths and areas for development in STEM education. Schools can review how often students participate in cross-curricular learning, use digital technologies, and develop inquiry and problem-solving skills. Based on this evidence, schools can establish achievable targets, such as increasing STEM projects, improving student confidence and encouraging greater teacher collaboration and professional development.
The success of these approaches can be measured through student engagement, collaboration, discussion, creativity and their ability to apply knowledge to new situations.I agree Niamh. We place a huge emphasis on farming in Ireland for SESE lessons but there is not much on aquaculture. I’ll definitely be doing more on it
Learning about the location of aquaculture farms in Ireland has made me realise how closely the industry is connected to coastal communities. Aquaculture farms are mainly located along Ireland’s coastline because they depend on suitable marine environments. Salmon farming is particularly important along the west coast, from Donegal to Cork, while mussel and oyster farming is common in sheltered bays, estuaries and loughs.
Reflecting on this, I can see that aquaculture provides more than just food production. It creates employment and supports local businesses such as boat operators, processors, equipment suppliers and transport companies. In 2024, Irish aquaculture supported approximately 1,835 direct jobs and generated €210 million in sales, showing its importance to rural and coastal economies.
I also recognise that the benefits are not equal everywhere and that environmental pressures, competition for marine space and changing market conditions can affect communities. Overall, learning about aquaculture has helped me appreciate how the industry can support employment, local income and the long-term sustainability of Ireland’s coastal communities, while also highlighting the importance of responsible development.Our principal is from a fishing family in Donegal and he loves the idea creating links between aquaculture and the classroom. I’m definitely going to try to get a trip to Bord Iascaigh Mhara as it’s not too far away. Lots of the children in our school to fishing in local rivers so the interest is there already.
Learning about aquaculture and social licence can positively impact my students by helping them connect classroom learning to real-world issues. Aquaculture allows them to explore topics such as sustainability, environmental impacts, food production, and animal welfare. Learning about social licence helps them understand how communities, businesses, governments, and the environment can influence whether aquaculture projects are accepted.
It also develops their critical thinking and research skills because they need to consider different perspectives and use reliable evidence to form balanced opinions. Discussing these topics in class can improve their communication skills by encouraging them to explain their ideas, listen to others, and participate in debates.
Overall, studying aquaculture and social licence can give students a better understanding of how science, the environment, economics, and society are connected. It can make the classroom learning more meaningful while helping them develop skills that are useful for future studies and careers.
