Marine Institute Celebrates Brittas Bay NS as National Explorers Ocean Champions

The Marine Institute is delighted to announce that Brittas Bay Mixed National School, Co. Wicklow, has been awarded the prestigious Explorers Ocean Champion Award for 2024-2025. This national recognition celebrates the school's outstanding all-school STEAM project, "Why Keeping the Ocean Healthy Matters in Education," demonstrating an exceptional commitment to marine education and ocean stewardship.

The award was officially presented to the enthusiastic students and staff during their vibrant World Ocean Day exhibition and Garden Party. Jennifer Whitmore TD for Wicklow and Mr. Joe Silke, Director of Marine Environment and Food Safety Services, Marine Institute, jointly presented the accolade, commending the school's remarkable collaborative efforts among teachers, students, and the local community in successfully executing their comprehensive marine-themed 'Healthy Ocean School Project'.

A Project That Inspires and Educates:

Jennifer Whitmore TD, a staunch advocate for environmental education, lauded the depth and creativity of the students' work. "The children’s project was truly inspiring. They explored everything from the microscopic world of phytoplankton to the fundamental process of photosynthesis, and even creating giant whale artwork on the shore to bring their learning vividly to life. I was profoundly impressed by their innovative approach and dedication," she stated.

Deputy Whitmore particularly highlighted the power of the school's holistic engagement: "What struck me most was the whole-school approach. Every child, every teacher, and crucially, parents and the wider community, were actively involved. This level of collaboration is incredibly powerful and demonstrates the profound difference a collective effort can make."

She added, "From the practical beach cleans and engaging family competitions to the rigorous scientific investigations and captivating artwork, this wasn’t merely a school project; it was a burgeoning movement towards greater ocean awareness and action within their community."

Setting a National Standard for Marine Education:

"As we commemorate World Ocean Day 2025, this award serves as a timely and potent reminder of the critical importance of marine education for our youth," Deputy Whitmore underscored. "It is imperative that we support more schools in undertaking such impactful work. I wish to extend my sincerest commendation to Principal Úna Gallinagh, the visionary lead teachers of the project Imelda Burke and Carmel Skelly, and the outstanding outreach work of Mona McCrea and the Explorers team from the Marine Institute’s Explorers Programme. Brittas Bay NS has truly set a national example of what it means to be 'Ocean Champions'. It was a truly special occasion to celebrate with the students as they received this well-deserved award."

Nurturing Environmentally Conscious Citizens:

Una Gallinagh, Principal of Brittas Bay NS, expressed immense pride in the school's achievement. "The Explorers all-school project propelled our school to an unprecedented level in understanding the vital importance of biodiversity and caring for our precious environment. Crucially, it provided invaluable interdisciplinary learning opportunities, seamlessly connecting science, art and civic education."

Ms.Gallinagh articulated the school's philosophy on conservation: "Integrating ocean conservation into the school curriculum is absolutely vital for cultivating environmentally conscious citizens. Given our school’s unique coastal location, the health of our ocean directly influences our way of life. This project has not only equipped our students with essential knowledge but has also instilled lifelong sustainable habits."

"Our dedicated teachers and enthusiastic students are working collaboratively to raise awareness, not just within our school community, but significantly within our wider local community. We firmly believe that knowledge is power. By thoroughly investigating ocean ecosystems, we can inspire meaningful change and encourage everyone to cherish and protect the very system that sustains us," Ms.Gallinagh affirmed. "We strongly advocate for other schools to implement similar initiatives. By educating the next generation about ocean health, we empower them to become passionate advocates for a sustainable future. We sincerely hope our project serves as an inspiring model for other schools to emulate."

Inspiring the Next Generation of Ocean Scientists and Communicators:

Joe Silke, Director of Marine Environment and Food Safety Services at the Marine Institute, conveyed his immense satisfaction in presenting the Explorers Ocean Champion award to Brittas Bay National School. "Witnessing the profound work of the students, who collaborated with artist Jane Groves and Explorers outreach officer Mona McCrea throughout their 'Healthy Ocean STEAM project', truly underscores the paramount importance of children learning about marine science from a young age."

Mr. Silke was particularly captivated by the students' deep conceptual understanding: "I was especially impressed by how the children ingeniously connected the learning of photosynthesis to phytoplankton in the ocean, culminating in the creation of a magnificent giant cyanotype artwork on the shore using the sun's energy. By grasping the ocean's crucial role in climate balance and biodiversity, these children also took tangible action—passionately sharing their newfound knowledge with others, thereby making a substantial impact within their school and local community."

Concluding, Mr. Silke extended his gratitude to the dedicated teachers and supportive parents: "The children’s evident enthusiasm and comprehensive knowledge, spanning from microscopic plankton to majestic whales, and their articulate highlighting of humanity's impact on the marine environment, was exemplified by their confidence as clear communicators. We are absolutely delighted that their participation in the Explorers Programme has significantly contributed to fostering a strong cohort of marine scientists, communicators, and creators, for both the present and the future."

Explorers Ocean Champion Award winners by Category:

Of the 28 schools that took part in the Explorers Healthy Ocean Project, five schools were shortlisted for the Ocean Champion Awards:

• National Winner – Marine STEAM School Project: Brittas Bay Mixed National School, Brittas Bay, County Wicklow
• Category Winner of the Ocean Literacy Creative School Project: Bayside Senior National School, Sutton, Dublin
• Category Winner of Marine & the Sustainable Development Goals School Project: Kilglass National School, Ahascragh, Ballinasloe, County Galway
• Category Winner of the Marine Outdoor School Project: Scoil Naomh Pádraig, Carndonagh, County Donegal
• Award of Recognition – Ocean Literacy Creative School Project: Mulranny National School, Mulranny, County Mayo.

The Explorers Education Programme is funded by the Marine Institute and has been delivering marine-themed modules to classes for nearly 20 years.  The Explorers outreach team brings together scientists, teachers, outreach teams and communities together, inspiring the education network to create marine leaders and ocean champions. For further information: www.explorers.ie

ENDS

Media contact:
Cushla Dromgool-Regan
Strategic Education and Communications Manager
(Marine Institute's Explorers Education Programme)
Camden Education
Mobile: + 353 (0) 87 9185519
Email: cushla.dromgoolregan@thecamdentrust.org
Website: www.explorers.ie

Photographer: Michael Kelly, Wicklow