We have been engaging in the Creative Schools process since September 2021. The Creative Ireland Programme endeavors to enable the creative potential of every child. Creative Schools is led by the Arts Council. The initiative provided opportunities for the students of our school to build their artistic and creative skills. They had the opportunity to communicate and collaborate with each other, our Creative Schools co-dinator Aideen and Alan Meredith. Alan is a local artist with a background in architecture.
Through the workshops with Aideen and Alan the students stated that community, the outdoors, building, construction and fun were important to them. They wanted to be creative with each other while creating something meaningful and lasting. Integration with the Naiscoil students is an important part of the community the children desire.
It was decided to create a 'meeting place' outdoors that reflects the local heritage of Timahoe. Natural materials were sourced and the children designed images to feature in the concrete base of the structure. Keep an eye for Roundtowers, footballs, hurls, musical instruments and more.
The structure is located next to our basketball court facing the round tower. It is hexagonal in shape, with concrete bases and Douglas fir beams creating the benches. The angular shape of the structure reflects the viking long ships, linking to local history.
We will be hosting an 'official unveiling' of the structure on the 15th September. This will be a fun celebration for the whole school community. Until then we will need to come up with a name for the piece- hopefully our students will have some good ideas.
Well done everyone, an outdoor seating area created by the children and for the children.
