Students in 5th and 6th class in primary schools and up to Junior Cert in secondary schools have been invited to enter the inaugural An Post Brain Busters programme.
The new programme takes a ‘gamification’ approach to literacy and numeracy, inspired by the excitement of escape room challenges.
Students must successfully complete a series of numeracy and literacy challenges to get the chance to represent their school at the national final in April 2022. Â
The concept, tasks and materials have been developed by teachers in collaboration with mathematician Dr Finn MacLeod, scientist Dr Niamh Shaw and author OisÃn McGann.Â
Award-winning communicator, writer and explorer of space activities Dr Niamh said that An Post Brain Busters is designed to encourage curiosity and gives school goers the opportunity to put their problem-solving skills to the test.
“As children return to the classroom after so much disruption, collaborative, enjoyable activities which develop interest and instil pride in numeracy and literacy are key to the development of their academic interests and of Ireland’s impressive STEAM talent pipeline,” she said.
Managing Director of An Post Retail, Debbie Byrne, said that by making numeracy and literacy part of the everyday experience, they are also demonstrating the purpose of An Post – to act for the common good, improving the quality of life now and for generations to come.
“An Post’s Green Light strategy challenges all parts of our business to take bigger, braver steps in pursuit of our Sustainability goals, most particularly Climate Action, Decent Work and Sustainable Cities & Communities,” she said.
“And in turn we are challenging future generations to embrace Literacy and Numeracy in a practical way that will help them to support and enhance their communities and the wider world.”
