High academic standards underpin everything we do in Stokane National school. We achieve this by encouraging our students to be capable and competent leaders and as they progress through the school, they accept the responsibilities associated with the Senior Room admirably.

Cross-class activities are regularly organised where the Seniors act as mentors for Junior Room pupils. From blackberry picking, building snowmen, making pancakes, Hallowe’en games, Christmas markets, Science Days, Sports Teams to Reading Buddies,  Senior Room pupils  are very caring, helpful and empathetic towards their younger fellow students.

Our pupils are provided with every opportunity to develop and enhance their self-esteem and confidence. Through the presentation of projects using  powerpoint, debating, playing music, singing, dancing and using Gaeilge in drama, we celebrate the progress from the reserved child to the competent public performer.  Pupils participate in Feiseanna, Scór, Science Competitions, Public Speaking, Fleadh Cheoil and  the highlight of our school year, the annual Christmas Pantomime and Concert where the Seniors encourage the  younger pupils throughout.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) is now recognised as a vital component of modern education. Here in Stokane, Lego has been used to teach STEM since some of the parents were pupils!  “Think with your hands and listen with your eyes” is a Lego way of learning that all children enjoy. In addition,we were chosen to be part of the  Department of Education Schools Excellence Fund -Digital Programme which supports schools to work together on projects to enhance teaching and learning through digital technology. We have very  successfully competed in the First Lego League Competition and had a team get through to the national final.

Our pupils have received numerous awards ranging from BT Young Scientist Exhibition, Science and Robotics Events held in DCU, IT Sligo, IT Athlone, GMIT, Junior Entrepreneur Programme, Féile Scoildrámaíochta to Art and handwriting Competitions. We participated in Peaceproms with the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland, an uplifting performance our pupils and their families will never forget.

As part of their holistic education, pupils have visited Museums, libraries, Art  Exhibitions, Water and Adventure activities, Céide Fields, Seashore Safari, KingsMountain Windfarm, Biodiversity locations,  Recycling Centres and local places of interest as well as travelling to Musicals in GortnorAbbey, St. Mary’s Secondary School, Jesus & Mary Secondary School, Enniscrone and Plays in the Hawkswell and Ballina Arts Centre to broaden their experiences.

Sport is an essential part of a child’s development and each year we  compete in the Cumann na mBunscol Gaelic Football, Hurling and Camogie competitions. Our pupils are proud to have played in both the boys’ and girls’ Finals and have been successful on a few occasions. The advantage of being in our school means every member of a class is on the team and shares in the ups and downs of competitions! Sport is not just about competition and we cover a wide variety of activities;  Basketball,Soccer, Athletics, Gymnastics,Tennis, Swimming, Cycling and Dance.

A love of music is nurtured in our school. Senior pupils play tin-whistle, accordion, flute, fiddle, concertina, bodhran and drums. They have an extensive repertoire and enjoy playing individually and as part of a group. Liturgical Celebrations are enhanced when our pupils perform.

We believe in expanding our pupils’ horizons and opening their minds to develop all aspects of their personalities and prepare them for the future. The more children experience, the more chances they will have to find something that sparks an interest and lights up their eyes, truly ‘round’ them and  ultimately guide their path through life.

Class Gallery