A school in rural Meath is exchanging the classroom for the outdoors, as it adapts to a new normal during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Students at Castletown National School near Nobber are making use of the local pitch and putt club for PE and the greenway nearby for nature walks and science lessons.
"It's not confining the students to the classroom, it’s bringing them outside and getting some fresh air and mitigating the risk that Covid can have in the classroom" explained Brien Kearns, Principal of Castletown NS.
The students can use the local pitch and putt club, which is next door to the school for PE and teachers say pupils are enjoying it.
"Like all schools, we’ve had to adapt. We’re very lucky to have the pitch and putt next door.
"A number of students and families had never used it before and now they’re all able to use it," said Mr Kearns.
The local greenway, on the old railway track, is being used for nature trails and science walks.
Fourth class student Tom McKeon said they are learning more than ever before.
"We went picked blackberries on the railway and then we came back and made blackberry jam in the hall," he said.
Sixth class student Edel O'Reilly said she is enjoying the new way of learning.
"It’s been different, but it has been enjoyable and it's great to be back seeing my teachers and my friends," she said.
For Mr Kearns, integrating outdoor activity into teaching and learning is key.
"The students are very happy coming to school. I think lockdown showed that the students missed the social aspect more than anything," he said.
Despite the colder weather, the students are embracing the outdoors.
"I’d say it’s better than last year because we get to go outside more and we’re more active," said sixth class student Conal Sheridan.
"It’s been very boring home not seeing my friends, so I’m glad to be back at school," he said.
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