Where are we going?

St. Joseph's Secondary School is committed to being a leader in STEM education at a national level through innovative cross collaboration in our Science, Computer Science and Mathematics Departments. Our students make connections from the theoretical science they learn in the classroom to their everyday lives and, with the assistance of our expert teachers, conduct topical and ground-breaking research projects. Our teachers promote participation in a variety of STEM-based competitions and incorporate inquiry-based learning (IBL) methodologies into everyday teaching practice to enhance the intrinsic motivation in students to study science, technology and mathematics. 

We are on a very exciting path when we consider that within a five year span:

■  In 2018 St Joseph's Secondary School had our first ever project qualify for the national finals of BTYSTE.

■  In 2023 St Joseph's Secondary School won the NAPD Best School in Ireland Award at the BTYSTE

The BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition is a prestigious annual event that provides a platform for young students to showcase their scientific projects. It serves as a catalyst for curiosity, innovation, and scientific inquiry, encouraging participants to explore diverse fields of study. Students engage in hands-on research, experimentations, and data analysis to develop their projects, tackling real-world issues. The exhibition not only highlights the importance of STEM education but also fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and presentation skills. It offers a unique opportunity for students to connect with industry experts, receive feedback, and gain recognition for their scientific endeavors. The BT Young Scientist Exhibition celebrates the passion for discovery and inspires the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. 

SciFest is the second largest prominent national science competition for secondary school studentsin Ireland. It aims to promote interest and participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. It consists of two parts - a regional competition and a National competition featuring the winners and runner's up of the regional. It centers on project-based learning, encouraging students to undertake scientific investigations or engineering projects. The competition spans various STEM disciplines, accommodating students of different ages and levels. Participants present their projects at local or regional events, where they are evaluated by a panel of judges based on scientific methodology, creativity, and presentation skills. Scifest fosters collaboration, networking, and a culture of scientific inquiry, promoting STEM education and recognizing outstanding achievements in the field.

The Astro Pi project is a collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and Raspberry Pi Foundation. It involves sending specially equipped Raspberry Pi computers, called Astro Pis, to the International Space Station (ISS). These computers are loaded with various sensors, including environmental sensors, cameras, and a Sense HAT, enabling astronauts to conduct experiments and collect data in the microgravity environment of space. The project also provides an opportunity for students to write and send Python code to the Astro Pis, allowing them to run their own experiments remotely. This initiative aims to engage and inspire young minds in science, coding, and space exploration.