As the academic year draws to a close, I wanted to make contact with you both to express my gratitude for the wonderful experience that was afforded our 33 boys in 4th class here in Scoil Chros tSeáin during the STEAM Engineering in a box programme. The whole experience from start to finish from our point of view was wonderful. Ken, the interest and enthusiasm that you brought to your lessons was second to none. If you decide on a job career change to teaching we'd gladly employ you! We obviously have been very fortunate to have teamed up with you Ken. The added opportunity for the boys to visit GSK has I'm sure inspired the next generation of engineers. Our appreciation to Leonard Cunningham and his team of apprentices for engaging in such a hands on way with the class. From the arrival and the warm welcome by Marie Sheehan(Communications) to the departure from the GSK site the boys were treated like VIPs.

Many thanks to Laura also for her terrific work here in the school in imparting her passion for all things STEAM. The boys really looked forward to her engaging and interesting lessons on the Thursday mornings. Despite having a busy work schedule in GSK Laura was always extremely well prepared and had such a lovely way with the boys. She made a great impression on the lads. Finally thanks to you Alice for your contribution in coordinating such a innovative programme in STEAM throughout Cork. There seems to be a great focus on STEAM in schools at present and your programme has acted in no small way as a catalyst for the future. We look forward to steaming (I mean teaming) up again in the next academic year!

Personally what I find with the co-teaching was that it added a lot of value back to the community...I got a lot of satisfaction out of it...(it) is something I would recommend anybody to get involved in. From a company perspective there’s been a lot of advantages for the employees – there are other CSR initiatives but perhaps they are not as close to home as this one

My Sixth Class have had the wonderful opportunity of being part of the Science in a Box programme. It has been both enjoyable and beneficial to the girls. They look forward to the hour every week and have learnt so much from Alice ( our PhD co teacher) Over the course of the year, we have covered many diverse areas of chemistry, physics and biology.. The hands on approach has engaged them in an active way. Over the course of the year I've noticed a development of a questioning nature. Having Alice with me in the classroom has been invaluable as she is in a position to answer questions in a far better manner than I could. The girls have engaged with science in a wonderful hands on way. They face secondary school with an open mind to science which is obviously a huge benefit to them. Likewise their parents have expressed their delight in their daughters being offered the chance to participate in Science in a Box.