26 October, 2006 - Minister Hanafin presents Carnaun National School with a Digital Schools Award

Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin T.D., today visited Carnaun National School, Athenry, Co. Galway to present the school with the Digital Schools Award.  The school is the first primary school in Co. Galway to achieve such an award.

The scheme which is funded by the Department of Education and Science, through the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE), aims to recognise excellence in a school's approach to the integration of Information Communications Technology (ICT) in learning and teaching.  "What is so impressive about this school is not just that you are the first primary school in Co. Galway to obtain the award but also how confidently you can manipulate the technology.  I note also that your school was presented with its fourth Green Flag earlier this year and that you received an environmental award for your heritage trail and organic gardens.  You should all be very proud of yourselves" said Minister Hanafin.

Carnaun National School currently has an enrolment of more than 50 pupils and is one of only 24 schools in the country to receive this award.  
The Digital Schools Award recognises a school's success in developing and implementing a strategic approach to ICT integration.  The award system is based on a self-evaluation model which acknowledges the progress made by applicant schools and aims to encourage further ICT improvement and innovation.

Minister Hanafin said "this award will provide a notable mark of ICT achievement visible to pupils, parents, and staff and to the wider community.  This will create an awareness of the educational potential of ICT within schools and help to elevate its profile.  The award will also affirm the dedication and commitment of teachers and schools who through their expertise show innovation in teaching and learning using ICT."

During her visit to the school, Minister Hanafin met with pupils from junior infants who showed their personal profiles on powerpoint right up to fifth and sixth class who presented a showcase showing the school's involvement in a variety of project work in the school itself and in collaboration with other schools in Europe.   

Outlining the Government's commitment to the on-going development of ICT in schools, Minister Hanafin said "over €170million has been invested in the ICT in schools programme.  At the moment, the major focus of the Department of Education and Science is the roll-out of the broadband connectivity to all schools which is being delivered in partnership with industry, following the establishment of a three year €18m joint Government and Industry fund.  Overall costs of the schools broadband access programme including set up and ongoing costs are likely to be the region of €30million over the three years."

Minister Hanafin congratulated all involved in the scheme including the National Centre for Technology in Education and its partners in this initiative, the Irish Primary Principals Network, the Irish National Teachers' Organisation and the Computer Society of Ireland who have worked together to develop the scheme and said "I am delighted to be here in Galway today to present your Digital Schools Award.  I would also like to say how impressed I am with your school website.  It is such a rich source of information about the school, the locality and many initiatives in which you are involved.  Well done."

Ends