News

Education for Sustainable Development at Ballyshannon National School

Green Schools Theme: Energy

At Ballyshannon National School, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) helps pupils understand how their daily actions affect the world locally and globally. This year, our Green Schools focus is Energy, with strong links to globalisation and global citizenship.

Pupils are actively involved in saving energy around the school. Classroom Energy Monitors check that lights, whiteboards, projectors and chargers are switched off when not in use. Classes are encouraged to use daylight first by opening blinds before turning on lights, and complete a simple end-of-day energy checklist before leaving the classroom.

Energy learning is embedded across SESE. Pupils explore where energy comes from, the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy, and why saving energy matters. Through experiments, storybooks and videos, pupils learn how energy use in Ireland is connected to people and environments across the world.

Whole-school initiatives include a pupil-led Switch Off Campaign, a No Power Hour, and an Energy Use Chart to track weekly progress and celebrate improvements. These actions highlight the importance of teamwork and shared responsibility.

Outdoor and active learning also support our energy goals. Classes enjoy movement breaks, outdoor lessons when possible, and take part in Walk to School Days.

Our Green Committee’s Energy Team plays a central role in promoting energy awareness throughout the school. The team conducts regular energy audits, presents their findings at school assemblies, and encourages each class to commit to simple but effective Energy Pledges.

Families are actively involved through energy-saving tips shared in newsletters and through home energy challenges. This partnership helps pupils understand that small, everyday actions can make a meaningful global difference.

Pupils participate in engaging, hands-on learning experiences such as the SEAI Energy Workshop, where they explore different types of energy and discover practical ways to reduce energy consumption at home and at school.

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland

During our Green Schools Festival of Energy, pupils share their learning by creating posters and contributing energy-saving advice to the school newsletter. This reinforces key messages and encourages the wider school community to take positive action.

In collaboration with Bright Eyes, pupils compared renewable and non-renewable energy sources and examined how their own choices, and those of their families, can contribute to climate action. These workshops foster environmental responsibility and encourage long-term eco-friendly habits.