64 | NEWS I
Zero-Emission Higer STEED experience for Limerick ETSS Students
Transition Year students from the Limerick ETSS (Educate Together Secondary School) took a trip on the Higer STEED around the streets of the Treaty city. On the trip, their teacher, Maria Somers, mentioned that that the basis of the school’s climate awareness education was on becoming more aware of and practicing ‘sustainability’ technology. “This participation aspect plays a significant role in learning, teaching and assessment at Limerick ETSS where Project-Based Learning is used as a key methodology for providing students with rigorous and engaging learning experiences that are authentic, relevant, meaningful and real world,” she said. On the drive through the city streets, the students were very impressed with how silent the bus was, one of their first questions was about the safety of
pedestrians on the street. They were also aware of the proximity of the Hydro Powered Electricity power generation plant at Ardnacrusha, located nearby, which is a green source of electricity. School Principal, Eoin Shinners added that Limerick ETSS strives to integrate their curriculum at every opportunity so that its students can make real world links with their learning and experience, a self-directed, authentic and meaningful learning experience. So the bus trip gave them an opportunity to put this learning curiosity into practice. At a stop for refreshments the students had an opportunity to see the workings of the vehicle from the electric motor to the battery pack. Driver Gabriel Finn, on behalf of importers and distributors Harris Bus & Coach was pleased to answer all questions and said he was impressed with the level of knowledge and the depth of questions
FLEETBUS&COACH | Spring 2022
asked. The students travelled back to school with a better understanding of how urban transport will be in the, not so distant future. The uniqueness and originality of the STEED electric bus is mirrored by the refreshing system of education at ETSS. About Limerick ETSS: The second level school opened in September 2018 with 12 staff with 56 students. Since its inception, the ETSS has progressed steadily and is now one of Ireland’s fastest growing second-level schools where enrolment will reach 440 students
in September 2022. The school is currently based in temporary accommodation at the former Salesian’s Secondary School, Fernbank, North Circular Road, Limerick. In 2023-24, the ETSS will move to a new and permanent location in Towlerton, Castletroy where works have already commenced on the new stateof-the-art campus which will cater for in excess of 1,000 students.
