Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton visited Scoil Chonglais in Baltinglass, County Wicklow, to celebrate the official opening of An Tearmann, the school’s new outdoor classroom.

The minister’s visit on Friday, September 4, also provided an opportunity for an update on the school’s planned extension, which is required to secure additional space and classrooms.

The An Tearmann outdoor classroom was developed after the school secured €10,000 in funding.

Principal Patrick Maguire said: “An Tearmann is a truly special space – a beautiful, peaceful and inspiring environment where our students can learn, explore, create and connect with nature. We feel incredibly privileged and lucky to have such a fantastic resource here in Scoil Chonglais.

“It’s an outdoor space for teaching and learning and our outdoor sensory area is also linked into sustainability. All the materials were either locally made or reused. We used projects from students to make the benches and chairs, which are all timber-based.

“We have the Tearmann Community Garden located nearby in Baltinglass, which we named our outdoor classroom after, which fits in with the community aspect of our school ethos.”

Speaking at the official launch of the outdoor classroom, Ms Naughton commented: “Schools are much more than buildings. They are places where young people learn, grow, develop friendships, discover their talents, and gain the confidence and skills they need to shape their futures.

“That’s why facilities such as this outdoor classroom are so important. Learning does not always have to take place within four walls.

“An outdoor classroom provides students with an opportunity to learn in a different environment, to engage directly with nature and to develop their curiosity and creativity.”

The school also has plans for a major expansion, consisting of a three-tier extension which will include three general classrooms, six specialist classrooms consisting of a music room, home economics, two science labs and a prep room, a DCG room and one textile art classroom.

“I spoke to the minister and stated if she can ensure that the build happens then I will place a third SNA classroom in that building,” added Mr Maguire.

“We are very much a growing school. Three years ago we had 53 first years starting school. This year the number rose to 96 new students. That places pressure on our current building. We are excited about the numbers and the growth but where do we put them all?”

There are also plans to develop a full-size astro-turf GAA pitch which can also be divided into two soccer pitches.