Oireachtas Essay Competition

Oireachtas Essay Competition / Aiste an Oireachtais is a competition to help young people engage with the democratic process. The new Competition invites Senior Cycle (5th Year and 6th Year) and AS/A level students North and South (32 counties) to reflect on how democracy works. They are looking for essays in English or Irish (max 1,000 words) on the theme Parliamentary Politics Matters / Tábhacht na Polaitíochta Parlaiminte and have €4,000 in prize money to give away. Please see www.oireachtasessay.ie or www.aisteanoireachtais.ie for more details.
Gaisce is focused on, and driven by, the following core values:
Empowerment Inclusion & Equality Respect Excellence Contact: Ms. Mullaghy ([email protected]) |
![]() Gaisce or ‘great achievement’ is a self-development programme for young people between the ages of 15-25 and has been in existence since 1985. At Gaisce our main aim is to ensure we have a programme which fits the needs of every young person who wishes to participate in the Gaisce programme and to give each participant the best possible opportunity to do so. We believe in the ability and resilience of young people and through the Gaisce programme we want them to nurture that ability and to realise their full potential.
Gaisce is committed to a planned and systematic approach to living our core values. This will be achieved by applying our values to the various operations and engagements of our programme, both within the organisation and with outside stakeholders and partners. To find out more about Gaisce and to start your journey to self-discovery click HERE. |
Shona Writing CompetitionShona would like to invite all the young girls of Ireland to share a written piece with us.
Your piece can be on either:
This competition ensures that all of us have an opportunity to be heard. The winner will win an amazing writer studio bundle courtesy of Harvey Norman and a selection will be published on their website! Here's how to get involved?
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Shona Creative CompetitionDo you have a flair for art and design? Do you love celebrating amazing women?
The Wonderkind, is launching a new range of beautiful badges, each featuring an inspiring female designed by one of you! Between now and 28th May, you can express your talents in whatever way you wish; painting, design, sketching, print, just do you! Five winners will have their design featured in a special edition Shona range with The Wonderkind, AND a hamper of special Shona goodies. One overall winner will receive all of the above, PLUS a pair of AIRPODS, sponsored by our friends at MCX Training and Development. Here’s how to get involved:
It started when their children were babies. When they wore ‘girly’ clothes, the conversation centered around their looks. When they were dressed more ‘boyishly’, strangers would chat to them about what they’d be when they grew up. So they thought, if what girls wear prompts the conversation topics that swirl around them, let’s make these topics super inspirational and empowering. That’s where the story clips started. They’re a simple way to surround our children with stories of incredible people. The Shona designs will be their first badge collection. Follow along with their website here or their Instagram here. |
SHINE Festival 2021 |
SHINE Festival is possibly the biggest gathering of inspirational Irish women ever. With over 80 speakers including Vicky Phelan, Laura Whitmore, Holly Cairns, Evanna Lynch, and many, many more, on topics such as mental health, mindset, career, diversity, individuality, the arts, sports, social issues, and sustainability. There will also have music, poetry, pledges, and even a treasure hunt!
So, join the 100 of schools and thousands of girls already registered, for SHINE Festival 2021 which will be running from March 8th to the 10th – kicking off in celebration of International Women’s Day. It is an empowering event for the women and girls of Ireland, bringing us together to interact in a safe and positive space, and to celebrate each other. SHINE Festival is for girls by girls. This whole event is for you! We know how hard the last year has been so we wanted to give you something to look forward to. Here’s how to get involved!
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Irish Young Philosopher Awards 2021
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Students are asked to create a short project on any philosophical question they consider important to think about in the current time. It can be a general or a timeless philosophical question, or one that reflects on current circumstances. See attachment for information about the sort of written and visual projects that may be submitted.
The best entries will be awarded a prize and they will be published on the UCD Centre for Ethics in Public Life website and the IYPA website. All entries should be submitted by Friday 16th of April 2021. Entries should be emailed to the IYPA email address: [email protected] Individuals, groups, and classes may submit an entry. Please make sure you include the names of all participants or your class name and contact details at the top of your work. See instructions below. An International Award on a specific philosophical theme has also been announced. For more information about how to participate in the International Award see below under ‘International Award’. |
Review of Postgraduate English Studies
Review of Postgraduate English Studies - ROPES
Calling all TY and 5th year students! For the first time ever, ROPES is running a Creativity Writing Competition. The lucky winner will be featured in this year's edition of ROPES. Check out the details on the right and learn how to submit! Closing date: Friday 19th February. |
Show Racism the Red CardThe closing date for entries is 20th February 2021.
The winners will be announced on the Columban media. More information: www.columbancompetition.com |
Columban Schools Media CompetitionStudents aged 14-18 inclusive, are invited to submit an original piece of writing or create an original image on the theme: "Let’s Create a World Without Racism". This is a chance for students to engage with an issue that addresses equality, justice, inclusion, and also draws on faith and personal experience. The winning print article will be published by the Irish News, a national newspaper, and the article and image will be published on Columban media.
Some high-profile judges for the competition are:
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Eye on Nature Wildlife photo competition
Eye On Nature is a new partnership with RTÉ and OPW/Botanic Gardens for a brand new wildlife photography competition with TV, radio and digital programme partners: The Today Show, RTE 1, Mooney Goes Wild, RTÉ Radio 1 and www.rte.ie
Running from 11th January until 5th February, the competition will culminate in a photographic exhibition in March at the National Botanic Gardens with the overall winner of the cash prize of €1000 announced live on air on The Today Show. Whether you're using a camera or a phone for your photograph we encourage you to use the highest possible resolution jpeg image to a maximum size of 150MB when you are submitting your entry. The aim is to showcase the beauty of the wildlife in the Irish landscape. The winning photographs will also be published on RTÉ.ie/nature Please see T&Cs |
PDST is inviting students to Write a Poem under two categories: Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle.
Rules of the Competition:
2. Name of the Entrant 3. Name and Address of the School 4. Category 5. Teacher Name, email address & mobile number |
National Write a Poem Competition 2021
Prizes will be presented at an online award ceremony organised by the PDST in association with Laois Education Centre on March 25th 2021 from 4.15-5.15pm. All entries should be emailed to [email protected] Closing date for receipt of entries is Friday 12th February 2021 |
The Story of Stuff
The Story of Your Stuff is a competition aimed at second-level students. Once you have picked your everyday object, consider what it is made of, how it’s made, what emissions are associated with it, where it could potentially end up when it is no longer of use or what could become of it when it's recycled properly. Alternatively, consider the impact an everyday activity has on the environment. Use the array of information, factsheets, and indicators on Ireland’s Environment, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) state of the environment report itself to help you with your research.http://thestoryofyourstuff.ie
Closing date: Monday 8th March |
Leading Ireland's Future Together - LiFT

LIFT Ireland grew out of a desire to change our country for the better, not because better is needed but because better is possible.
LIFT Ireland is a not-for-profit initiative aimed at increasing the level of positive leadership in Ireland. Leadership is not limited to a select few and everyone can be a leader in their own way. At LIFT Ireland, we want to help build a nation of positive leaders. We believe that the more people ‘living LIFT’, the better the future we create for our country. Contact: Ms. Mullaghy ([email protected])
LIFT Ireland is a not-for-profit initiative aimed at increasing the level of positive leadership in Ireland. Leadership is not limited to a select few and everyone can be a leader in their own way. At LIFT Ireland, we want to help build a nation of positive leaders. We believe that the more people ‘living LIFT’, the better the future we create for our country. Contact: Ms. Mullaghy ([email protected])
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Saint Joseph's Shankill Transition Year Programme
Saint Joseph’s Shankill is the largest home in Ireland solely dedicated to dementia care. They are a Butterfly Home, accredited by Meaningful Care Matters. 60 people call Saint Joseph’s Shankill their home.
The programme covers the following: · What is dementia? · Introduction to Saint Joseph’s Shankill · Introduction to the type of care provided in a Butterfly Home · How to communicate with people living with dementia · Questions and answers ![]()
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They are also a Gaisce Challenge Partner and have developed a Transition Year Programme that can be done remotely for students working towards their Gaisce Bronze Award.
There are 4 options: · In the Spotlight – Zoom into one of our living rooms to play music or sing for the people in our care · Get Creative – research and create a creative product for a person in our care · Pitch Perfect – based on the popular show, Dragon’s Den, pitch a creative solution or aid for people living with dementia, their family members/carers or health care professionals working with people living with dementia. · Future Philanthropist – plan and project manage a fundraising event to raise funds to support our work Further information is available on our website: https://saintjosephsshankill.ie/how-to.../schools-programme/ |
Generation €uro Students' AwardAll stages of the competition, can be completed remotely so students and teachers can take part while studying and working from home. We have The deadline for entry has been extended to Friday, 19 February. Everything you need to apply including lesson plans and a teacher’s guide is available on the Generation Euro Students' Award website. If you have any questions please get in touch at [email protected]
Lesson plans and other resources are available here. Further information is also available on the Central Bank of Ireland Website. Prizes: The national winners will receive a specially commissioned glass trophy for their school in recognition of their achievement. Individual prizes and certificates will also be awarded to each finalist. Questions and support: We are more than happy to provide support and answer any questions you may have at any stage during the competition. You can contact us by emailing [email protected] |
About Generation €uro
Every year, Central Bank of Ireland runs the Generation €uro Students’ Award, a national competition for Transition Year and 5th Year students, which promotes awareness of monetary policy and macroeconomics. It is run with the European Central Bank (ECB) and other national central banks in the euro area host the competition in their countries. Once again this year, we are searching for Ireland’s brightest young economists to play the role of the ECB's Governing Council, perform their own analysis of the economy and set what they believe is an appropriate interest rate for the euro area. Teams are tested over three rounds – a quiz, a written analysis and a presentation. The top scoring teams from the quiz progress to Round 2 where they will be asked to write an essay analysing economic conditions and determining an appropriate interest rate for the euro area. Three finalist teams will compete in the National Final in May 2021. The schools that successfully complete each round will be publicised on the Central Bank of Ireland website, social media channels and in national/local media. How to enter: Students enter the competition in teams of three to five with a nominated teacher acting as a mentor. A teacher may mentor more than one team. To enter, simply visit the Generation Euro Students' Award website, sign your team up and then complete the quiz before the closing date of 19 February 2021. The quiz consists of 30 multiple-choice questions covering various aspects of the euro area and monetary policy. Trial quizzes are available on the website which help to prepare teams before they submit their entry for the competition. |
Fís Film Storytelling CompetitionThe FÍS Film Project team is delighted to announce the launch of our new once-off Covid special initiative on what would have marked the 20th year of our annual awards in the Helix in DCU.
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This year, schools around Ireland are being invited to take part in the FÍS Storytelling Storyboard Competition. Whole classes or groups/pods within a class can create a joint three-page A4 or A3 storyboard using one of the suggested themes below for inspiration or they can get creative and come up with their very own story to visually represent.
Teachers can access our storyboard template to use with their pupils on our website, www.fisfilmproject.ie. Schools can enter up to 4 storyboards by visiting the website and uploading images of each entry or they can post their entry to Michelle Herron, PDST Technology in Education, Invent Building, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. The suggested storyboard themes include: Covid related – ‘2020 a-year-of-change’ Everyday heroes, e.g. a day-in-the-life of someone in your community who supports others Staycation- promoting your locality and all it has to offer Local History / Folklore (suggested supporting resource www.duchas.ie) Scéalta as Gaeilge Curriculum relevant topics, e.g. environmental exploration, climate change, history, science, etc. Well being, eg. Internet safety, anti-bullying, digital citizenship Time capsule, e.g. school of the future, letters to grandchildren, a snapshot of time An adaptation of a traditional story / fairytale with a modern day twist FÍS film making in schools – what would that be like in the future? The pupils' own original story We'd be delighted if you could let any of your colleagues who may be interested know about the competition and any schools you may be working with. There are lots of great prizes to won! A special tutorial has also been developed to accompany this competition launch and will be available on the FÍS website in the coming days. |
He@lthFest 2021
HealthFest is a free event tailored to teenagers, which has successfully run for 4 years. It is the only event of its kind, featuring experts in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and mental wellbeing.
This year’s event is being brought to you virtually – as He@lthFest – a FREE festival of fun-filled demonstrations and engaging talks for teachers and their students. They are using a very interactive platform to deliver credible information from Irish experts; and where students can visit exhibitor stands, win fantastic prizes and even take place in a virtual scavenger hunt! Places are limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Please register on this link to secure: healthfest.vfairs.com |
Could you design a house for everyone?Look around where you live: the construction industry has designed and built everything you see. Your school, the roads you travel, hospitals, the streets and shops of your town. Even your home was designed and built by people working in the construction industry.
Today, Ireland faces challenges: a housing shortage, climate change, Covid and building inclusive communities.
The Construction Industry Federation invites you to participate in designing ‘A Home for Everyone’. The winning team will present their home design to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), the Minister for Housing and others and win prizes for their school and themselves
1. Describe your construction project team and their role and responsibilities
2. Create a bubble diagram that meets the design brief
Today, Ireland faces challenges: a housing shortage, climate change, Covid and building inclusive communities.
The Construction Industry Federation invites you to participate in designing ‘A Home for Everyone’. The winning team will present their home design to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), the Minister for Housing and others and win prizes for their school and themselves
1. Describe your construction project team and their role and responsibilities
2. Create a bubble diagram that meets the design brief
- Produce bubble diagrams to identify and develop spaces
- Explain and justify your decisions in terms of key spaces/rooms/zones
- Produce a series of drawings that clearly present the design
- Make sure your drawings are accurate and to a suitable scale
- Include key building dimensions
- Use an appropriate software to produce a digital model
OR - Use classroom or materials from home to create a physical model Ensure your model is to scale and in proportion
- Produce a clear and concise report that describes your design and how you have met considerations and criteria – maximum 6 A4 sides
- Use appropriate language and content
- Deliver your report professionally
Spellman High Voltage Electronics Clean Tech Competition 2021
The Clean Tech Competition is a unique, worldwide research and design challenge for pre-college youth. The program encourages scientific understanding of real-world issues and the integration of environmentally responsible energy sources. Each year, the Clean Tech Competition addresses an issue that is grounded in core technological competency areas and focuses on the next great engineering challenges. The competition is designed to foster a deeper understanding of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) related concepts, recognize outstanding talent, and prepare the next generation of globally competitive innovators. The Clean Tech Competition is a program of the Center for Science Teaching & Learning (CSTL).
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COVID-19 Engineering Design ChallengeCOVID-19 Engineering Challenge Dates
Challenge 1: March - December 2020 – More than 300 students from 8 countries! Challenge 2: January - December 2021 – Please join us in 2021! For more information see https://tinyurl.com/COVID19-Engineering-Challenge and join the fun! |
The COVID-19 Engineering Design Challenge provides students of all ages with a platform to identify and design solutions to challenges and world-wide problems related to the pandemic.
Students are encouraged to identify areas of need, brainstorm, design solutions, and communicate their designs to their classmates, families, and community members via online environments or following physical distancing guidelines established by their teachers and/or schools. Participation can include simple classroom discussions and brainstorming sessions or involve individual/group project development. Teacher instructions for this Phenomenon-based Learning (PBL) activity, and a sample student project available. Teachers are asked to respond to a short survey summarizing the work of their students and will be provided with a teacher participation certificate, a certificate template to personalize for their students, a world-wide map displaying the countries represented by Challenge participants, as well as a summary of all design project titles submitted by the end of each round of the Challenge. |
European Day of Languages Competition
For the academic year 2020–2021, Léargas’ Languages Programme brings you a new European Day of Languages Competition and exciting prizes!
As in 2019, this year’s competition is held in conjunction with eTwinning, the online community for schools in Europe. This partnership celebrates collaboration and exchange between schools in different EU countries, and promotes creativity and innovation in language teaching and learning.
The Competition Create a language-themed project and register it on the eTwinning Platform, adding the hashtag #EDLComp20 to the title. Both primary and post-primary school projects are eligible to apply. If you don’t have an eTwinning partner, look for one on the eTwinning Live Partner Forums page.
The Prize! Four winning schools will each receive three Chromebooks.
How to Enter
As in 2019, this year’s competition is held in conjunction with eTwinning, the online community for schools in Europe. This partnership celebrates collaboration and exchange between schools in different EU countries, and promotes creativity and innovation in language teaching and learning.
The Competition Create a language-themed project and register it on the eTwinning Platform, adding the hashtag #EDLComp20 to the title. Both primary and post-primary school projects are eligible to apply. If you don’t have an eTwinning partner, look for one on the eTwinning Live Partner Forums page.
The Prize! Four winning schools will each receive three Chromebooks.
How to Enter
- Create and register your eTwinning project between 25 August 2020 and 31 January 2021 and tag it with ‘#EDLComp20’ in the project title. Only projects using the hashtag will be entered for the competition.
- The deadline for registering your eTwinning project is 31 January 2021. Please e-mail [email protected] or use the form below to inform us of your entry in the competition.
- Applicants must complete and submit a short reflection document by 20 June 2021. We will email you the reflection document template after you enter the competition.
- Please read the full terms and conditions before you apply!insights.leargas.ie/2020-european-day-of-languages-competition?utm_campaign=EDL%202020&utm_content=140991802&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-229050158
Safer Internet Day Ambassador 2020-21 |
As a part of our Safer Internet Day campaign, Webwise is reaching out to post-primary students and encouraging and supporting them to address internet safety issues such as cyberbullying, online wellbeing, false information online, privacy, data protection and your rights online by leading awareness-raising campaigns in their clubs, schools, and communities.
How Do You Sign Up? The application process for the Safer Internet Day Ambassador Programme is now open and will close 30th October. You can apply by completing the application form here: docs.google.com/forms/SIDAMBASSADOR |
All Ireland Linguistics Olympiad
AILO has been awarded the prestigious European Language Label for our "AILO at Home" project just after schools closed in March. The initiative was devised just after secondary schools closed in order to continue to communicate with AILO students, their parents and engage with the public. AILO at Home provides bite-size information on a little-known language on social media (Facebook and Twitter) and links to a related linguistics puzzle on the website https://ailo.adaptcentre.ie/puzzles/ailo-at-home/. The jury considered the project “in a class of its own” and commended AILO at Home for its “quantum leap” over the last few months and the very successful transition to online AILO.
Contact: Ms. Mullaghy ([email protected]) |
The All Ireland Linguistics Olympiad, the problem-solvers’ challenge, is a key element of the ADAPT Centre's Problem-Solving Initiative. ADAPT is the world-leading research centre for digital content technology. It has 130 researchers at Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University, University College Dublin and Dublin Institute of Technology.
You can view the new brochure at https://ailo.adaptcentre.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Final-1.pdf. The first sample set will be available this month along with information on attending our free problem-solving workshop series running November 2020 - January 2021. The preliminary round at the end of January will be held online in schools under teacher supervision. Students can try online tests at https://ailo.adaptcentre.ie/puzzles The National Final is planned for Dublin in March 2021, but of course will adhere to public health advice and can run remotely if we need to. The four top students qualify for the International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL) in Ventspils, Latvia 19-23 July 2021. We will also have prizes and trophies for winners at National level to make sure we can celebrate our season! |
John Hooper Medal for Statistics Poster Competition 2021
IMPORTANT DATES
• 22 January 2021 Registration by a teacher to: http://www.cso.ie/interactivezone • 26 February 2021 (5pm) Poster to be submitted to: [email protected] 26 March 2021 The winning posters will be announced PRIZES €1,600 – €1,000 awarded to the school; €600 awarded to the team and the CSO John Hooper Medal for Statistics. €1,000 – €650 awarded to the school and €350 awarded to the team. €600 – €400 awarded to the school and €200 awarded to the team. |
Who can take part?
Teams of 2 to 3 students, born in 2002 and younger, from any part of the island of Ireland. Teachers must register the teams. How to take part? 1. Find a question 2. Collect or use existing data 3. Review data quality 4. Analyse the data 5. Make the poster The poster can be about any topic; however, it should reflect or illustrate usage, analysis, interpretation and communication of statistics or statistical information. Why should I get involved? Taking part will encourage you to: • work as a team • investigate real questions using data • use your analytical and graphical skills • interpret statistical results • develop skills in written communication Winners are eligible to represent Ireland in the European Statistics Competition. |
Poetry Aloud Competition
Poetry Aloud, an annual poetry speaking competition for post-primary students on the island of Ireland, is open for virtual entries from schools.
The competition, which has run since 2006 and has involved thousands of students in that time, has changed its structure for this year due to the challenges presented by Covid-19. The first round this year will consist of a virtual competition in lieu of on-site regional heats. Deadline for entries of Friday 13 November. |
Future Leaders
The “Future Leaders Transition Year Programme” is a joint initiative from the GAA and the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST). It is a cross-curricular programme comprising of a series of modules designed to encourage maturity, initiative, responsibility and leadership skills in pupils. The Programme gives pupils the knowledge and skills to support all roles required in the effective staging of Gaelic Games. As part of the Programme students are challenged to organise and run both on-field and off-field events for younger students. Contact: Mr. Davis ([email protected])
ReelLife ScienceCheck out our How To Take Part guide for more information, including a downloadable ‘How To’ guide, while you can view winning videos from previous years on our 2013-2018 page. A more extensive range of videos are available to view in our Video Library, curated under various themes for you to explore.
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ReelLIFE SCIENCE challenges participants to teach the public about STEM by picking up a camera, tablet or smartphone and making an engaging and educational three minute video. Videos can be live action or animated, in English or Irish – the choice is yours!
This year’s competition topics include ‘Climate Action!’, ‘How Things Work‘, ‘Science and Me‘ and ‘Science in Space‘. Closing date for entries is Friday October 18th. Winning videos will be announced during Science Week 2019 and will be screened for the public at the Galway Science and Technology Festival. ReelLIFE SCIENCE will award over €5000 in prizes this year, with the makers of the best videos at Community Group, Primary School and Secondary School level each receiving €1000. Contact: Ms. Mullaghy ([email protected]) |
BTYSTEThe BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition celebrates its 55th anniversary and is now a cornerstone of the Irish educational calendar.
Closing date: Thursday 1st October. The BTYSTE will take place at the virtually 7th-9th January 2021. |
SciFestThe SciFest programme consists of four distinct strands – local, regional, national and international. The aim of the programme is to encourage a love of science, technology and maths through active, collaborative, inquiry-based learning and to provide a forum for students at local, regional and national level to present and display their scientific investigations.
Contact your Science Teacher! |
Competitions 2019-20
One Good Idea Competition
We all use energy every day at home, in school, and when we travel. Could we use less energy and still meet our needs? Every year we ask primary and post primary students to come up with One Good Idea that will:
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