Gertjan Horsthuis, Alexion Site Lead, and Michael Doyle, Senior Manager, Knowledge Transfer, pictured with Alexion volunteers and 6th class pupils from St Mary's Primary School, Athlone.

Pupils from Athlone school shine at Alexion showcase event

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Sixth class pupils from St Mary's Primary School in Athlone recently took part in an inspiring and interactive final showcase event at Alexion, a global biopharmaceutical company based in the town.

The event marked the culmination of a five-week STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) initiative, run in collaboration between the school and Alexion volunteers.

Throughout the programme, Alexion staff generously volunteered their time to co-teach lessons alongside the class teacher, bringing real-world expertise and hands-on activities into the classroom.

Pupils explored topics such as biomedical and electronic engineering, design thinking, robotics and creative problem-solving, all while developing essential teamwork and critical thinking skills.

The final showcase event gave pupils a chance to present their projects and demonstrate their learning to an audience of Alexion management and staff, school staff and their peers.

The energy in the room was electric, with pupils proudly explaining their design and engineering process, sharing prototypes and reflecting on what they had learned.

Sixth class pupils from St Mary's Primary School pictured with certificates outside Alexion after the recent STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) showcase event.

Gertjan Horsthuis, Site Lead, and Michael Doyle, Senior Manager of Knowledge Transfer, spoke to the pupils, offering words of encouragement and highlighting the importance of curiosity, teamwork and continuous learning in both science and life.

St Mary's has a long-standing partnership with Alexion and this STEAM initiative continues a proud tradition of fostering curiosity, confidence and a love of learning in young minds.

The school wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers, Hannah Thompson, Orla Irwin, Tanya Frawley, Diarmuid Martin and Keelin McCurdy, who made this programme possible.

"This has been such a valuable experience for our pupils," said Ailish McManus, principal of St Mary's Primary School.

"To have access to real scientists, engineers and professionals and to work with them directly, is an incredible opportunity for our pupils in St. Mary's. It makes learning meaningful and memorable and for that we are very grateful."

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