General Teaching Council Northern Ireland

Ruane encourages schools to enter science and technology competition

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has encouraged all schools in the north of Ireland to enter a science and technology exhibition.

The Minister was speaking at the launch of the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2010 at the W5 centre in the Odyssey.

Speaking at the launch the Minister said: “It is amazing that we are now entering the 46th year of this exhibition which is now a national institution in the north and south and is recognised worldwide. I had the privilege to attend the 2008 and 2009 exhibition finals in Dublin and I would encourage each school and student in the north of Ireland to think seriously about entering the exhibition.

“Last year we had a total of 50 projects entered by schools in the north with entries received from all sectors of education and all six counties. Of those entries, over 50% made it through to the final which was well above the national average and I would like personally to congratulate those 10 projects from the north that received awards.”

The BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition has been running since 1963. 1,095 students competed in the January 2009 Exhibition in 500 projects from across all the counties in Ireland. Attendance at the exhibition over the three public days is now 35,000, making it one of the largest events of its kind in Europe.

The Department of Education provided £25,000 sponsorship for the 2009/10 event. It is also supported by BT, the Department of Education and Science in the south, Intel and Analog Devices.

The Minister continued: “The importance of science cannot be understated. It is embedded in our everyday lives, in the economy, in technology and in the environment and I am acutely aware of the importance of science and technology as essential tools for improving our society and economy.

“Schools which afford science and technology a priority in both their curriculum and extra-curricular activities will help us create a workforce that can fill gaps in society and help drive our economy. They will also provide our young people with skills that they will need to avail of the opportunities offered by today’s global economy.”