Stepaside Educate Together wins School of Distinction Award

Stepaside Educate Together Secondary School has been recognised for their ongoing work in creating a college-going culture in their school.

The Schools of Distinction Award conferred by Trinity Access, Trinity College Dublin, recognises and showcases the efforts of schools nationwide to transform their school culture and to develop innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

The scheme recognises the often, extraordinary work being successfully undertaken by schools in challenging conditions and with limited resources.

It encourages participants to draw on their own school and community resources and the resources of the Trinity Access project in Trinity College Dublin to support educational innovation and change.

This School of Distinction: Innovation Award, recognises the creative and innovative ways that schools are embedding a college-going culture.

They have active, student-centred programmes that support our 3 core practices of Pathways to College, Mentoring and Leadership in Learning in their school.

Innovation Award winners support and encourage their teachers to explore innovative teaching methodologies, engage with other excellent teachers through our Community of Practice and establish Community of Practices within their own schools

For further information visit https://www.tcd.ie/trinityaccess/teachers/unlinked/

This award scheme aims to support the development of ‘college-going’ practices and a student-centred, innovative learning environment across schools nationwide.

Stepaside Educate Together Secondary School was particularly successful in their Leadership in Learning practices, with particular recognition given to a very creative 1st year Minecraft project in Geography, the fact that Key skills are targeted in all projects, and a school-wide College Awareness Week Phenomenon-Based Learning project that highlighted how the emphasis on leadership at a teacher level is also evident at a student level.

Alice O’Connor, Guidance Counsellor said:

“As a whole-school community, we are delighted to be part of a nationwide movement to promote the importance of post-secondary education and careers that increases student engagement, fosters a college-going culture and enhances learning and teaching in innovative and creative ways.

“Winning the School of Distinction: Innovation award recognises the ongoing work of our students and staff, which could not be done without the support of the parents and our partners and friends in the wider community. We are very grateful for this.”

Cliona Hannon, Director of Trinity Access says, “We are delighted to recognise the innovative, leadership and community focused work that these schools have achieved in an extraordinary year. We hope to share the learning from these beacons of creativity with all our other school partners. A warm congratulations from all in Trinity Access for your courageous and creative leadership.”