Wig-Wam! Thank You, Ma’am!

Organised by mywaste.ie and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Upcycle Challenge 2020 asked participants to use their imagination and ingenuity in create something new from something old and discarded.

And so, those clever clogs up at Temple Carrig grabbed some old sails and fencing and came up with their own Covid Classroom.

Wig-Wam! Thank you, m’am!

There were 259 entries to the nationwide competition, and in the end, just nine were deemed worthy winners.

And wouldn’t you know it, Temple Carrig Secondary School is one of the nine.

It was all down to a public vote, and Temple Carrig won the School Award, teacher Peter Wallace explaining, “The nature of restrictions imposed by Covid led us to look for how to best utilise our outdoor spaces. Five years ago, we created a natural amphitheatre for performances and looked to find a way to cover this whilst maintaining a minimal carbon footprint.

“Using salvaged agricultural fencing, we created a frame around the amphitheatre and linked it to the large trees that form the backdrop of this beautiful space. Between the rigging and sails, we covered the area to create an outdoor classroom suitable for social distancing whilst creating a positive environment that enhances the well-being of those in it.”

Given the Covid restrictions, this year’s awards ceremony will take place online, with each of the nine winners receiving an equal share of the €6,750 prize fund.

So, brace yourselves, Sweet Boutique. And Sonny’s. And Gino’s. And O’Brien’s.