Transition Year students, Katelyn and Shauna O’Keeffe, Miriam O’Connell and Abbie O’Connell won the Foal to Race Transition Year Competition 2022.
They were one of 120 schools to take part in the TY Equine Programme. From Foal to Race is a joint initiative by Agri Aware and Equuip – the education and training department of Horse Racing Ireland.
Their winning project won them and all the Transition year students in the school, a VIP behind the scenes trip at the Punchestown racecourse.
Meeting Rachel Blackmore
They met jockeys, Rachel Blackmore and Jack Kennedy and were also given a tour of the racecourse by Shane Flanagan.
Agri Aware and Equuip designed a Transition Year programme with a comprehensive overview of the horse racing industry.
There is a strong focus on increasing awareness of the careers that feature throughout the foal to race story. Some of the featured career case studies include jockeys, digital marketing and nominations.
Racing Insights Gained
Throughout the programme, both teachers and students gained insights into the horse racing industry including the role of stud farms, animal welfare and other regulations involved.
This programme is not just relevant for those living within horse-racing communities but also opens conversations for those who do not.
There are no prior industry or equine knowledge expectations.
The programme features topics relevant to the Leaving Certificate cycle in the areas of biology, business, agricultural science and design and communication.
This interdisciplinary approach reflects real-world application of school taught subjects in a flexible and interesting format.
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