Connolly N.S. recently unveiled their Climate Change artwork funded by the Clare Arts Office in association with their Artist in Schools Programme.

Climate artist Evelyn Sorohan Daly used environmental art processes and practices to engage the children in creative thinking, discussion, exploration, research, problem solving and through the use of technology, inspired students to make their own creative art and environmental inventions.

In a natural and enjoyable way, the children discovered the relationship between how they live and how this affects climate change. They realised they need to reduce the amount of plastics they buy and the use of fossil fuels within the wider society.

Interestingly they learned that plastics are made from oil and they are having an increased effect on climate change.

During the early stages of the programme the children learned to construct their own learning in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) as they participated in active learning lessons facilitated by artist Evelyn Sorohan and class teachers using a co-teaching model.

Seán O’Neill, teacher and principal of Connolly N.S. noted how much the children had learned through this programme and how they came to a deeper understanding of climate change, stating, “It inspired creativity, co-operation and innovation amongst the children. Our artist tied in the elements of this programme with the curriculum and it also helped us recently achieve our fourth Green Schools Flag.”

At the official unveiling of the piece Evelyn explained the process of how she created this piece out of the children’s recycled toys and waste. It now takes pride of place in the corridor of the school, reminding the children to be more conscious of climate change.