Pride of Place for Schools Competition

Pride of Place for Schools Competition 2009

The aim of the 'Pride of Place Schools Competition' is to support pupils, teachers/school gardeners in bringing nature, wildlife, plants and colour into the school garden/grounds in County Meath.

Duration of Competition:

The competition runs between February and end of May 2009.

How to Start:

The school decides on the participants for the competition, this will consist of 30 pupils and 5 adults, which could be a whole class or representatives from a few classes, as well as 5 adults (teachers/ school gardener/ parents).

Once you have your school POP group set up, the principal/school contact sends a completed application form to us by 5pm Friday 27th February 2009. Please include a photograph of the school grounds - the before shot! (optional).

School Grant:

All participating schools, who have had their entry judged, can claim a grant up to a maximum of €100 from Meath County Council. No grant for 2009 can be claimed in 2010.

Judging:

A team of experts will visit all of the school entries from Monday 25th May to Friday 29th May to judge the projects. POP groups will meet the judges. See judging criteria below.

Award Ceremony

There will be an evening of fun and celebration at the award ceremony on Thursday 18th June 2009 at 4.00pm in Warrenstown College, Co. Meath. The evening will comprise presentation of awards, a meal and live entertainment. All POP Groups in all the participating schools will be invited to attend.

Payment of Grants

At the end of the competition the school principal or POP Group contact person may send in receipts as proof of plants and materials purchased during the Pride of Place for Schools competition. The closing dates for claiming grants is 5pm Friday 26th November 2009. No late claims can be accepted.

Judging Criteria

GRADING CRITERIA	MARKS
Approach to the project - Methodology and tactics set out in the project as well as the style and techniques of the group in completing the project. Also includes laying out the project, meetings and plans.	10
Enhancement of garden in relation to settings/ surroundings - Development in relation to location and surroundings of garden, fitting in of garden to overall setting	10
Standard of Presentation - quality and standard of presentation in the garden	15
Impact and Colour/Creativity - imaginative and creative use of colour and its influence on the appearance of the garden	10
Environmental Management includes any features or measures incorporated to limit or prevent damage to environment including habitats (water conservation, companion planting, use of recycled products, energy awareness in the garden)	15
Involvement of POP Group Understanding/ Knowledge of the Garden Obvious contribution and participation from the school children through knowledge and understanding of the work involved	20
Awareness/ Promotion of the Garden - Making others in the school (pupils and teachers) aware of the work involved in the project and also members of the community (parents, relatives and local residents) through the use of newsletters/ open day/ an event. Demonstration of a sense of pride in their school garden.	20
TOTAL MARKS	100

Garden Themes and Prizes

Here are the exciting garden themes for this year's competition as well as some guidelines as to what might be included in each. There is no need to enter a specific category on your application form. When the judges visit your school they will grade your entry on the criteria and will decide which category your garden slots into best.

CATEGORIES	1st Prize	2nd Prize
Best Productive/ Sustainable Garden (Food and Produce emphasising the use of composting/ mulching with environmental and energy conservation)	€500	€250
Best Biodiversity/ Wildlife Garden (Natural hedges, log piles, habitat boxes, bird tables, wildflower meadows, nature trails)	€500	€250
Best Use of Art in School Garden (Using art in the garden to enhance features and characteristics of the garden in an appropriate manner)	€500	€250
Best Traditional Garden (Use of herbaceous borders, garden flowers, imaginative use of containers, cottage style of gardening, consideration of flowers in the parish/ community and incorporation of this into school garden)	€500	€250
Best Innovative Garden (Originality, greenhouses, exotic themes, play and accessibility)	€500	€250
Special Recognition Award 1) Woodland Creation eg: to introduce different types of trees into your garden or school grounds 2) Orignal features within garden eg: scarecrow	€200	€100

For further information please contact:

Pride of Place Team
Ashbourne Civic Offices
Meath County Council
1-2 Killegland Square Upper
Killegland Street
Ashbourne
Co Meath

Tel: 01 8358030