Education
WATCH Geodome Project transforms education at St John the Baptist Boys School
The Geodome Project transforms education at St John the Baptist Boys School. Picture: Olena/ilovelimerick
St John the Baptist Boys School has unveiled a Geodome Project, which will transform education and strengthen community ties
St John the Baptist Boys School in Garryowen has proudly launched its Geodome Project, which will act as a hub of learning, a sensory exploration, and a means to create a stronger community connection.
The school identified the need for an enhanced outdoor space on its grounds in Garryowen, and the Geodome and its sensory garden have been designed to support STEM learning, offer a calm environment, and strengthen familial and community ties.
Principal of St John the Baptist Boys School, David Nicholas, said, “ We are delighted to be launching our brand new Geodome. This piece was done in partnership with many external agencies, including Psycap, Healthy Communities, the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, and Limerick Paul Partnership.”
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The principal explained the Geodome will bring many benefits to the school and community, noting it will have a special impact on the 25 per cent of students with neurodiverse needs. He said, “There are many benefits to having this Geodome in our school, which include cross-curricular links. It’s also a sensory space for all of our kids, but particularly those that neurodiverse needs. And as well as that, it’s a calming space for both pupils, staff and the community.”
From the outset, the Geodome Project was focused on student engagement as pupils had the opportunity to visit a local Geodome, draft architectural plans, and also contribute to ideas such as the sensory path, which is now part of the final layout.
The winning student design helped guide the process, which was supported by contractors, nurseries, and other local agencies.
Sheena Crowley, 5th and 6th class teacher, said, “From the very beginning, the students were actively involved. I established a gardening committee, and we completed a biodiversity workshop where we learned all about how to create a green school garden.
“The students even developed a design that we used for our actual garden. We built a culture of engagement and inspiration. We worked very closely with Kathy Wallace from the ETB to set up a gardening workshop that brought together parents, students. Myself and the members of the local community, through this workshop, learned so much week by week; we saw the progress of our shared efforts.”
The project’s impact is already being felt with school attendance rising 88 per cent to 90 per cent and studies showing behaviour has improved, and families are increasingly involved through weekly learning sessions. Teachers have also observed students becoming more curious about climate change, food origins, and biodiversity.
With support from PsyCap, Limerick Paul Partnership, and LCETB, the initiative fostered wider collaboration, linking with schools like St Gabriel’s and St Michael’s.
Pictures: Olena/ilovelimerick
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