A county Armagh school picked up two huge awards at the 52nd BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in Dublin.

St Patrick’s High School in Keady, beat off competition from 26 other Northern Ireland finalists to take home ‘Best Northern Ireland School’ and the ‘BT Northern Ireland Best Project’ titles.

‘Power Down to Power Up’, was entered in the Social & Behavioural Sciences category at junior level and the group also received 2nd Place in the Social & Behavioural Junior Group for their entry.

A second project, ‘An investigation into how foam reduces spillages in liquids’ in the Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences category at junior level was also highly commended.

St Patrick’s principal Pat McGuckian told the BBC how proud she was.

“We have always been proud of our science department who teach all abilities together and achieve outstanding GCSE and A Level results,” she said.

“As well as supporting those who face barriers, we want to stretch and challenge those who show flair in a particular discipline.

“I am thrilled for our year 10 and year eight entrants and deeply grateful to their teachers.”

St Catherine’s College in Armagh received the ‘BT-Best Project in Irish’ Award for their project ‘Eiseapláinéid a Fhiosrú’. They were also highly commended for the same project in the Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences category at intermediate level.

St. Patrick’s High Keady asks does using electronic devices before bedtime disrupt sleep patterns #BTYSTE pic.twitter.com/RjjJ8H8RVJ

— NI Assembly CETI (@nia_ceti) January 6, 2016

A second project from St Catherine’s College was also highly commended – ‘Irish dancing is a sport, not just a hobby’ in the Biological and Ecological category at junior level.

Congratulating the prize winners, Education Minister John O’Dowd said: “I have been very impressed with the standard of the entries and also by the enthusiasm and depth of knowledge shown by all students who have taken part in the Exhibition. You should all be proud of what you’ve achieved.

“It is important to recognise not only the hard work of the pupils, but also the support and dedication shown by school staff in assisting students to bring their projects to the exhibition. Such support is a crucial element in the development of young people and I commend teachers, classroom assistants and other school staff in all the local schools that made it to the finals event in Dublin.”

For information, an exhibition map and schedule of events, visitors can download the free BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition app now. Alternatively, log onto btyoungscientist.com, check out facebook.com/BTYSTE, follow on Twitter or call 1800 924 362 or from Northern Ireland call 0800 917 1297.

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