The 4th, 5th, and 6th class at Lisheen National School near Skibbereen, Co. Cork, have been named Class of the Year 2024 in the JEP Awards.

The classroom was transformed into a science lab as the children experimented with soap-making, working with different essential oils, seaweeds and natural dyes. The pupils rolled up their sleeves and collected, washed and dried carrageen moss from the local strand after learning about its antioxidant, soothing and moisturising properties.

They made an initial batch of 100 soaps but had to quickly increase production to 300 bars to cope with demand. The class used their digital talents to produce a beautiful label for the soap and create a video ad to promote it. Finally, they invited the local community to a showcase day where the product was on sale and also set up a stall in the local farmers’ market. The class generated total sales of €2,160 and a profit of €1,350.

The complete list of 2024 Award winners and their class businesses is here:

Class of the Year:

4th, 5th & 6th Class, Lisheen National School, Skibbereen, Co. Cork

Draíocht na Mara – natural, organic, seaweed soap

Marketing Gurus:

5th Class, Summercove National School, Kinsale, Co. Cork

The Kinsale Cookbook – a cookbook incorporating recipes from local restaurants

Digital Maestros:

6th Class, St. Peters National School, Dungourney, Co. Cork

Crazy Candles – a china teacup and saucer with handmade candles inside

Go Green:

5th & 6th Class, Corballa National School, Corballa, Co. Sligo

Know When To Sow – a calendar with seasonal seeds and info for each month.

Creative Pioneers:

P7, St. Ninnidh’s Primary School, Derrylin, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh

Ceol Agus Ól – Tumbling Paddies mug

Health Heroes:

5th & 6th Class, Castlelyons National School, Castlelyons, Co. Cork

The Sports Box – contains various games and sports equipment to encourage a healthy lifestyle for children.

Dynamic Designers:

5th & 6th Class, Killeen National School, Birr, Co. Offaly

Bugsy The Boot Jack- a boot jack in the shape of a bunny

Star Submission:

5th Class, Loreto Primary School, Grange Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14

Jupiter Jars- decorative nightlight  jars

Game Changers:

MM3, Scoil Aonghusa, Spafield, Cashel, Co. Tipperary

Super Drawer Boy: A Children’s Book – an illustrated children’s book about a superhero

Finance Wizards:

6th Class, Scoil Bhríde, Cannistown, Navan, Co. Meath

Cannisfest- a school festival

Genius Product:

5th & 6th Class, Wicklow Montessori Primary School, Ballyguile Beg, Wicklow

Town

Are We There Yet? – a travel kit for children to keep them entertained on long journeys

Community Champions:

3rd -6th Class Fybough National School, Castlemaine, Co. Kerry

Photo Buddies – original photographic prints of local beauty spots

Top Teams

6th Class, Scoil Mhuire GNS, Lucan, Co. Dublin

Bowtique Bows- various styles and colour hair bow accessories

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