Galway Educate Together Secondary School has been recognised by the AIB Future Sparks Programme.
The local Educate Together school is one of just sixteen to be recognised by the programme – which has a total of 585 registered schools.
The new skills-based programme is for secondary school students, aimed at supporting 12 to 18-year-olds in learning key life skills.
The programme focuses on themes such as sustainability, financial wellness, health and well-being, globalisation and civic literacy.
It also supports the development of core skills including communications, critical thinking and digital innovation.
Led by Principal Ms Sarah Molloy, health and wellbeing has always been at the forefront of Galway Educate Together Secondary School.
The school found its students were feeling a lack of connectedness during the pandemic.
To combat this, Guidance Counsellor Ms. Ann Marie Greene used a learning approach with her 2nd Year students that mixed different classes together online and tasked them to come up with ways to celebrate culture and diversity – making all students feel welcome when returning to, or joining the school.
Galway Educate Together Secondary School has received a plaque to commemorate its participation, as well as a native Irish tree which will be planted on the grounds of their school.
These trees will contribute to the bank’s commitment to plant 90,000 native Irish trees over the next three years on behalf of new AIB second-level student account holders.
Students were also awarded with individual digital certs to recognise their hard work while supporting biodiversity.
Ms. Ann Marie Greene at Galway Educate Together Secondary School, said that the AIB Future Sparks programme is giving their students valuable life skills.
“Students learn better if they feel safe, connected and a sense of belonging to their school,” she said.
AIB’s Chief People Officer, Geraldine Casey, said: “I would like to congratulate Galway Educate Together Secondary School on their fantastic achievement and indeed all of the students and schools who have participated in the AIB Future Sparks Programme.
“At AIB, we are delighted to play our part in supporting students and teachers with educational resources under this programme to guide skills development and preparedness for life beyond school and the world of work.”
Through the programme, students and teachers have access to over 55 educational videos from more than 45 different business, thought leaders and entrepreneurs.
They also have access to 190 educational resources including case studies, worksheets, lesson plans and exam questions with content tailored to the various age groups throughout second level.
The AIB Future Sparks Programme is free for all teachers and schools to join, and they can register for the programme on AIB’s website.
