Local schools take part in gold rush challenge

Gold will be top of the lesson today, as 80 Northern Ireland students take part in a Schools Challenge Day.

To mark the United Nations International Year of Planet Earth, students from schools across Northern Ireland will compete in a simulated planning enquiry to obtain planning approval for a gold mine in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The event will take place in W5 at the Odyssey and is being organised by the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI), in collaboration with W5.

The event aims to raise awareness, appreciation and understanding of Earth Science among schools and the general public, encouraging students to understand how effective planning and management can benefit both society and natural environments.

Lower-sixth form students of geology, geography, citizenship, government and politics, and media studies will take part in the challenge. Taking place at a time of renewed focus on the responsible use of the Earth's resources, they will be presented with a hypothetical scenario where they will learn about the planning, environmental, economical, political, geological and social issues that surround a proposed gold mine development.

Garth Earls, Director of GSNI said: "The Schools Challenge Day is an interactive and fun learning experience. The students will be presented with a realistic scenario requiring teamwork, time management, analytical thinking, numerical, comprehension, presentation and debating skills.

"During this action-packed and informative day, representatives from GSNI, the media, exploration companies, government and the environment sector will guide the teams and share their experiences."

The Schools Challenge Day will close with a planning enquiry, where the teams will present their case to Marion McCabe, Principal Planning Appeals Commissioner, who will make a ruling once all evidence has been given. The students will be required to display a wide range of skills to succeed in their tasks, ranging from obtaining planning permission for a gold mine, to handling potential objections from local government and the general public.

Dr Sally Montgomery, Chief Executive of W5 said: "This day demonstrates the important role science plays in our everyday lives. Earth Science has contributed a wealth of knowledge to help improve our understanding and management of environments and build safer and healthier societies.

“At W5, we strive to deliver events that will promote different skills and science and ultimately engage our next generation in scientific debate and study. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the GSNI to offer students in Northern Ireland the chance to participate in a best practice example of interactive learning."

Notes to Editors:

1. GSNI was established in 1947 and, as part of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, provides geological expertise for government, industry and the public.

2. The International Year of Planet Earth is a 2008 international observance declared by the 60th United Nations General Assembly. It will be the biggest ever international effort to promote the Earth Sciences.

3. The participating schools are:

• Methodist College, Belfast
• Victoria College, Belfast
• Collegiate Grammar School, Enniskillen
• Sacred Heart Grammar School, Newry

4. For media enquiries please contact the DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9591.

5. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.