ASTI - Ireland's main second level teachers union

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Two local second-level teachers were presented with ASTI Achievement Awards for their outstanding contributions to engineering and technology education at a special reception in Dublin today (Thursday, October 21^st).

 

Tom Reynolds and Triona Brosnan – two teachers from St David’s in Greystones - led a team of students to compete in and win the Formula 1 in Schools World Championship.

 

Commenting on the ASTI Achievement Awards, ASTI General Secretary Pat King said: “The work carried out by teachers in the classroom is well recognised and affirmed by international research. However, what is much less visible is the valuable contribution teachers make outside the classroom to young people’s lives, to local communities and to society.

 

“As Tom and Triona will know well, projects such as Formula 1 in Schools help to develop the whole pupil. Participation in extra curricular activities develops confidence and social skills such as the ability to work as part of a team. Mental health is improved. School attendance and grades are improved. Students who engage in extra curricular activities are more likely to complete further education after leaving school, they are less likely to engage in substance abuse and crime. These are just some of the benefits for students, communities, and indeed for society which have been cited by experts and in research.”

 

The ASTI has presented three Achievement Awards in 2010. The third award went to champion kayaker Eileen Murphy, a teacher at Old Bawn Community School in Tallaght, who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to motivating young people to reach their potential at outdoor activities.

 

Previous recipients of ASTI Achievement Awards include former Ireland Rugby coaches Eddie O’Sullivan and Declan Kidney, Cork Ladies Football Captain Angela Walsh, and MEP and rural Ireland campaigner Marian Harkin.  

 

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