We are a TY Environmental class who focused on the urgent issue of climate change throughout the year. Our actions have been entered into the Young Environmentalists Awards and can be viewed by clicking the link below.
Best of luck to the TY students taking part in the Leinster Finals of the Young Environmentalist Awards in Dublin on Thursday 30th March 2017.
The Keep it Green Team being wished best of luck in the final of the Certified Irish Angus competition by school principal Ms. Aine O’Sullivan and Meath inter-county dual player Mr. Toher
Kellie Ward, David Corry, Ella Smyth and Hannah Keogh with their team name and Certified Irish Angus steaks purchased from Aldi and Tesco.
The Keep it Green team will represent the school in Croke Park on Wednesday 15th March in the All-Ireland final of the Certified Irish Angus beef competition. They are aiming to promote this product to consumers and promote the Irish Angus breed of cattle to the farming community as the breed to use in order to produce a product that is marketable to the public.
​
Pictured from left to right at the Regional Finals of the AIB Build a Bank Theory are Daniel Byrne, Jordan O’ Neill, Emmett Cullen, Emma Swan, Mr. Howlin, Lauren Hanney and Andrew O’Dwyer
​
In September 2016, Ruth O’Reilly from the AIB Ashbourne spoke to TY students about the AIB Build a Bank Challenge. Interested students were asked to apply for positions in their own bank. Those interested were interviewed by 2 members of the AIB officials in Ashbourne. Over 20 students were interviewed and the final 6 students were chosen. They were each given a role by the AIB officials, as follows: Andrew O’Dwyer - Branch Manager, Emmett Cullen - Assistant Manager, Emma Swan - Financial Controller, Daniel Byrne - Marketing Manager, Jordan O’ Neill - Deputy Marketing Manager and Lauren Hanney- Community Manager. Their aim was to encourage their fellow ACS students to open up deposit (savings) accounts and become regular savers. Ruth O’Reilly from AIB Ashbourne was our designated Student Officer.
After deciding on their science based theme, they sourced sponsorship from the Adult Education Department in ACS and William J Brennan Solicitors in Ashbourne. Every Thursday at lunchtime, The Big Bank Theory set up outside reception. Application forms were handed out and collected. Lodgements were taken in. The bank had an official launch on Thursday 2nd February 2017 attended by Rory O'Connor from Rory Stories and Meath hurler and Gaelic footballer, James Toher. The bank also ran various promotions and competitions, including at Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day. For the community element of The Big Bank Theory, they supported Cycle Against Suicide and decided to donate €50 to St. Vincent de Paul in Ashbourne. They presented a cheque to John O'Sullivan of SVP Ashbourne on Monday 13th March 2017.
​
The AIB Build a Bank programme links directly to the Business Curriculum and is an excellent, practical preparation for learning about running a business. The students were involved in all aspects of banking, sourcing new customers for their banks, encouraging regular savings, providing ongoing customer service and keeping accurate financial records - so everything it takes to run a bank! The experience and learning will improve their CVs, writing skills and interview techniques. They learned about: financial education, presentation skills, business plan development, marketing techniques, leadership and teamwork, digital innovation, customer relationship management and interviews.
​
On Thursday 16th March 2017, The Big Bank Theory represented ACS at the Regional Finals of the AIB TY Build a Bank Challenge in Leopardstown Racecourse. Although they did not make it through to the National Final, they did themselves and their school proud. Well done to the 6 team members and their teachers. Thanks to Ruth O’Reilly of AIB Ashbourne for her guidance and support.
The AIB Build a Bank Challenge Team were mentored by Business teachers, Ms. Caroline Mathews, Mr. Harry Newman and Mr. Brendan Howlin.