Marian College first year class awarded first place in national science competition

The first year class of Marian College in Ballsbridge has been chosen as the winner of the national Saffron Science competition, which challenges students to find and present scientific solutions to transport problems in their area.

Overall, 294 schools entered this year’s competition with Marian College coming out on top.

Students were asked to create a video demonstrating how they can improve and encourage more independent travel among young people and children on public transport, walking, and cycling.

The organisers say that as everyone’s circumstances are different independent travel refers to any aspect of travelling safely with or without a parent or guardian on public transport, walking or cycling.

The winning submission clearly identified barriers by the students to independently travelling in their community such as the lack of bicycle racks in the schools and vehicles frequently impeding cycle lanes causing students to cycle on the main road.

The winning submission proposed solutions such as providing cycling training in schools to travel safely, increasing the number of streetlights as well as increasing the number of pedestrian crossings near schools.

The class also illustrated the many benefits of independently and actively travelling such as overall improvement in health and fitness, reducing your carbon footprint, and disconnecting from mobile devices.

Minister for Transport, Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan TD offered his congratulations to the winning team via a video message.

The winning team from Marian College received a prize of locally sourced bicycles for every member of their class, provided by eFlow and ITS Ireland.

Stephen Keenan, managing director of Saffron Travel said: “The competition entries this year were great and the enthusiasm we received from schools is excellent as the competition proves to be an effective medium to motivate students to talk about transport in their community.

“Well done to everybody involved in this year’s Saffron Science Competition.”