I Wish becomes a reality after Granard school's 'fantastic' STEAM week

Ardscoil Phádraig has been working hard to deliver engaging classes to interest its students in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

Indeed, rather than follow a traditional STEM curriculum, this local school endeavoured to give support to all its students' various strengths by focusing on STEAM.

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It took place from November 24-28, which ultimately led to the I Wish opportunity in the RDS, Dublin on February 5, 2026.
Marian Mulligan, a construction, design and communication teacher, spoke about the hard work the school underwent to run an entire award-winning STEAM week in the school in November.

Taking a very hands-on approach, the school aimed to be active, creative and achievable, with guest speakers from the likes of Abbott and Longford County Council.

The event took place in the gym, having various stations for the students to engage with, as well as a “Great Granard Bridge-Off” which became quite a success.

“Senior cycle students had to analyse bridge designs and research pages. The best teams got to go to the final to make the bridge; same materials and parameters.

On the day of the fair, we tested the bridge under aesthetics. ORS Mullingar sponsored tickets for the event of their choice for the winner. It really was a fantastic week of events and activities.

It brought great fun to the school and seeing that they are not afraid of STEM and get engaged in it. Students are encouraged to take part, a cross-curricular link and different teachers. It was really fantastic.”

Marian spotted the I Wish opportunity, which required six questions. Collecting different videos, photographs and activities that the school had done, she submitted it.

The school ultimately won €4,000 to use on STEM equipment for the school.

For the first half in the RDS for I Wish, there were guest speakers from apprenticeships and women from STEM jobs. Lots of progressive companies were involved, such as Iarnród Éireann promoting their apprenticeships; also there was Logitech.

“They all had different stands and things to partake in, like the headsets. The ones even for an operation now. Even other headsets of a heart.

"When you put your hand close to the heart, the sensor picked it up and gave vibrations through the heart. It was fantastic. There were other talks as well in the centre of the hall.

"Just the whole thing was really brilliant. It was an inspiration for the girls, just finding out about these jobs. You don’t know what’s going on in these companies. There are so many opportunities and pathways to get into these jobs.”

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Ardscoil Phádraig, Granard, was named Overall Winner – Best School STEM Initiative 2026 at the I Wish STEM On Track Awards, sponsored by Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail. The award was presented by Mary Considine, CEO of Irish Rail, following stiff competition from schools across the country.

There are ongoing efforts to promote STEM in the school, with Lego Robotics in the works. The transition year students are doing a STEM programme at Maynooth University, qualifying with a level 6 course.

Aside from STEAM Week back in November, Ardscoil Phádraig is pushing for more engagement in these topics.