Horticulture; Taught in LCA and Transition Year

Aim; To provide an educational opportunity to experience various aspects of the horticulture discipline through both a theory-based, and a practical “Hands-on” approach. This module is taught along Organic and Permaculture Principles. Therefore the material presented is concerned with issues such as sustainability, food security, and self-resilliance, – and very much takes all environmental issues into account. We strive to teach students how to produce food locally and in season, while caring for the Earth.

Resources; We are very privileged to have a poly-tunnel at our disposal. The class-room is used quite a bit when the weather is inclement, and to do the introductory lessons. Our selection of tools are simple but effective. There is a concerted effort to keep costs to a minimum, and to demonstrate in a practical way how to re-use and recycle in the garden (e.g. using containers from canteen for seed-trays etc., using old pallets to make compost –bins etc.)

Our community aspect: involves the classes visiting the nearby assisted-living facility, Laurel Hill Place,- and helping with flower-beds, window-boxes etc. We also help with planting for Tidy-towns, along with the annual “litter-pick” along the approaches to the town, and around the Hope Castle Demesne. A number of Community Gardens are within walking distance, and provide opportunities for students to see a variety of crops at different stages and seasons.

We are also very lucky to have a large forest park “Black-Island” within walking distance of the school. Here we can study the different types of trees, soil requirements, effects of shade, importance of diversity etc., especially relevant to the Forestry module. During the Spring Module one of the high-lights is the “Blue-bell walk” which is quite spectacular when the landscape around the Black-Island is transformed into a carpet of purple for a couple of weeks. Both Autumn and Spring modules tend the school flower-beds and grounds generally, with particular attention to a memorial tree and flower- bed for a deceased student who died during his Transition Year in 2000.

TY Environmental Studies Trip

The Transition Year Environmental Studies group enjoyed an excellent and inspiring visit to Shabra Plastics and were joined by the owner Mr Oliver Brady who took time out to talk to them about work ethic, vision and innovation in the business world.

OFFICIAL OPENING OF WILBERT’S ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND AT LOUGH MUCKNO

Dylan Fee and Niamh Clarke along with Miss Fox attended the official opening of Wilbert’s Adventure Playground on Thursday March 27th.

LCA Trip to Sonairte

The LCA Horticulture group travelled to Sonairte Ecology Centre, Laytown on Monday Oct 1st. They learned about composting, wormerier, organic methods for dealing with pests and diseases, making organic fertilisers etc. The day was not all work ! , They enjoyed a fabulous picnic on arrival, prepared by Mrs McGeeney and her students, tea, sandwiches, fruit and delicious home-cooked cakes and buns, it went down a treat. After a hard mornings work we had time to destress and unwind as we enjoyed the beach at Bettystown.