Science Week 2017

Thursday, 9th November – Tuesday, 21st November 2017

This year we had an extended Science Week, running from Thursday 9th of November until Tuesday the 21st of November. Each event was photographed and updates and photographs were shown on the plasma screens around the school. This generate a buzz for Science Week and the boys were very responsive and enthusiastic throughout the 9 days.

John Daly’s Chemistry Workshop was a great success with the 2nd Years. Dave’s Jungle was also a great success – the physical interaction with the animal’s appeals to all Year groups.

The 3rd Year Science Quiz was held on the 16th and 17th of November. This is always an enthusiastic, noisy, fun-filled afternoon and the students didn’t disappoint this year with their very active participation.

The 4th Year students attended a lecture on climate change delivered by Senator Grace O’Sullivan, which was very popular with the boys. Grace has kindly agreed to return for another visit next term, to work with a smaller group on the applications of seaweed.

Dr. Cormac Kilty gave a lecture to the 6th Year group on how Science Meets Business. This proved to be highly compelling, as he told his story of how he started out in his career as a typical science graduate and how that blossomed into business ownership and acquisitions over 40 years. While it was a great story in its own right, Dr Kilty also wove in some strong messages for the boys “don’t be afraid to ask for help” “working hard pays off” as there is always someone else is working as hard, or harder, than you; and failing is okay, it’s how you cope with the failing and pick yourself up is what counts.

The internal school quiz, won by Harry Kearns (6th Year), took place back in October and from this, 3 teams of 3 were selected – Harry Kearns, Oisin Ryan and Tom Gibson; Conor Williams, Neil Holahan and Avi Shandilya; Josh Garvey, Patrick Hassett and Conor Lacey (all 6th Year) – to represent us in the regional final of the ISTA Science Quiz on November 17th. Unfortunately, despite great preparation from Ms Kelly and Ms Groves over 4 weeks, the teams failed to make the National Finals.

I thank Ms Kelly and her colleagues in the Science Department for their organisation of a fun and fact filled week.