
PUPILS from St Joseph’s Primary School, Carnacaville, are celebrating after winning a recent technology challenge.The school, based outside Newcastle, rocketed to success at the recent St Louis Grammar School Technology Challenge.The competition is organised by the Kilkeel school’s Technology and Design Department and is solely geared for local primary school children.It aims to promote scientific and technological awareness in primary schools.
Students from several local primary schools were given the opportunity to work in the school’s Technology and Design Department, solving practical problems with a range of materials and components. This included them having to solve a set design problem and make a product within a specific time.
The judging panel included Ruairi Cowan, representing the competition’s main sponsor, the Murphy Group, and Head of Technology and Design Ryan Boyle, who awarded marks for good design work, creativity, and good construction ability.All the competitors produced very innovative solutions and the judges found it difficult to select an overall winner. However, after some deliberation, the team from St Joseph’s Carnacaville were awarded first place.
The runners up were St Colman’s Primary School, Kilkeel, and in third place was Holy Cross Primary School, Atticall.
St Louis’ principal, Mr Kevin Martin, was highly impressed with the quality of the competitors’ work, highlighting “the high level of insight and initiative” they displayed as they engaged in the problem-solving process.
The winners received a trophy sponsored by Newry Building Supplies. All teams also received further prizes from the Murphy Group.
In addition, all participants were presented with certificates, marking their endeavours.