A Model for water conservation

The Model School in Bailieborough was named regional Water School of the Year at the An Taisce Green-Schools awards, which were held in Dublin last month. The school emerged as regional winners in the primary school-level category on the back of their inspirational efforts in water conservation and environmental action.

The annual event marked the 12th year of Uisce Éireann’s sponsorship of An Taisce’s Green-Schools programme, which supports schools working to gain a Green Flag under the water theme. After receiving the Green Flag, the students were "eager to get their Water flag this year", says Bailieborough teacher Ann-Marie McGinnity.

From "recycling officer" to "energy officer" and "design executive": Every fifth and sixth class student assumed a job in the school in relation to environmental awareness catering to everyone's interest.

"It was important that they came up with the themes themselves and learned how to be mindful at home as well then," explains Ann-Marie. This is how the idea of the "Shower Time Challenge" developed, encouraging their families to shorten shower durations and opt for showers over baths to conserve water.

"This student-led initiative sparked meaningful conversations at home about the importance of everyday actions in protecting the environment," remarked the Green Schools' jury.

Throughout the year, the school welcomed several visitors and went on excursions with the classes. While practicing how to throw a buoy into the water with Water Safety Ireland was probably the most fun, the most impressive undertaking was the visit to the Drumkeery Water Treatment Plant.

"They couldn't believe the amount of scum that gathered and had to be filtered out," says the teacher. She is certain, this first hand experience will have a more lasting impact on the children than any video on the whiteboard could.

Demonstrating a strong commitment to their local area, the students partnered with the community to install bird boxes and took part in litter pick walks around Castle Lake. Their efforts attracted the support of the county council, which provided a water butt to help irrigate the school’s garden sustainably.

Energised by this experience, the students are eager to collaborate further with the 'Friends of Castle Lake and Catchment' group and continue to learn about the rivers and lakes around Bailieborough.

Cathy Baxter, An Taisce Director of Education, said: “These young people are leading by example and showing that real environmental change begins in our schools and communities. We’re so proud of their efforts and inspired by their impact.”

Throughout the current academic year, An Taisce has been engaging with 330 schools on the Water Flag, working with over 100,000 students and 10,000 teachers across the country.