Terms & Conditions

The Royal Dublin Society (RDS), a registered charity, is responsible for the development and delivery of ESB Science Blast and is committed to safeguarding children and creating a safe environment when they take part in our programme. A copy of our Child Safeguarding Statement is included in Appendix 1 and can be viewed at https://www.rds.ie/rds-foundation/publications/rds-child-safeguarding.

ESB Science Blast is run on a not-for-profit basis by the RDS to inspire primary school children with the wonders of STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths). The aim of ESB Science Blast is to harness children’s natural curiosity, help nurture the next generation of creative and critical thinkers and equip them with fundamental science skills; giving them skills for life, as well as opening up further education possibilities. The title sponsor of the event is the ESB and a full list of our sponsors and partners is available at www.esbscienceblast.com.

The following Terms and Conditions are designed to ensure that ESB Science Blast is conducted as safely, fairly and as efficiently as possible. All participants are asked to read, understand and accept these terms.

 

Participating in ESB Science Blast in 2023:

 

Class projects

  1. Only project investigations submitted by teachers on behalf of their classes will be accepted. We cannot accept project submissions from parents on behalf of individual children.
  2. Projects are to be carried out by the class under the supervision of the teacher.
  3. Teachers are encouraged to contact the ESB Science Blast team to discuss any project queries they may have at scienceblast@rds.ie

 

Presentation of projects

Whether presenting your work to judges, other classes, parents etc:

  1. Classes are encouraged to present a visual display that is bright, colourful and easy to read and which reflects the approach outlined in the ESB Science Blast Planning Framework. Students are encouraged to use pictures, charts, diagrams, models, interactive exhibits etc. to communicate their work.
  2. The following must not be used as part of the presentation: any dangerous equipment or open flames; any toxic, flammable, explosive or irritant chemicals; any pathogenic, toxigenic or allergenic organism (animals/insects, plant or microorganisms); sharp objects such as syringes or needles; or agar plates containing micro-organisms.
  3. Live mammals, birds, amphibians or reptiles may not be presented.
  4. Classes are asked to refrain, where possible, from using brand names of firms/sponsors in their presentation or in the title of their project.
  5. Investigations and their findings are the property of the exhibitor but may be used by the RDS and its partners for promotional or publicity purposes.

 

Judging

  1. ESB Science Blast is non-competitive, but constructive feedback is provided to students and their teachers following discussion of the investigation with a Judge.
  2. On submission of a project, the teacher will be paired with a judge via email. Guidelines will be provided by the ESB Science Blast team.
  3. On acceptance of these terms and conditions, the teacher gives the right to the RDS to share their email address with their paired judge.
  4. Judges will be interested to find out how the class approached their investigation and will be interested to see:
  • Evidence of child-led investigation and teamwork;
  • Evidence of students’ skills development;
  • Evidence of building, coding, designing or making and
  • Presentation/visual impact of the display.

 

ESB Science Blast TV

  1. ESB Science Blast TV is now live. Please check www.esbscienceblast.com for further details.
  2. Schools may be invited to submit content for future episodes of ESB Science Blast TV. The RDS will be in touch regarding the procedure for this.

 

Project Withdrawal:

  1. The ESB Science Blast team must be notified of any project withdrawal. Following submission of the project and being paired with a judge, the ESB Science Blast team must be notified if the project will not be completed and the judging will not take place.

 

Capture and Use of Images:

  1. It is the policy of the RDS, that where RDS may capture and use an image (photography or videography), consent is obtained as per Appendix 3 and 4.
  2. It is recommended that participants (teachers, adults, children, judges) are aware of and adhere to the RDS Code of Behaviour for Interacting with Children/Young People when participating in ESB Science Blast (Appendix 2)

 

Appendix 1 – Child Safeguarding Statement

The RDS has a Child Safeguarding Statement. This version has been prepared for ESB Science Blast. The RDS is responsible for the development and delivery of ESB Science Blast. ESB Science Blast is a programme for primary school-aged children to develop and showcase their class work. It seeks to create a positive learning environment for children. The RDS is committed to safeguarding children and creating a safe environment. The responsibility for children rests with their supervising adult, e.g. teacher, parent or guardian. The RDS has completed a risk assessment for ESB Science Blast.

The RDS has procedures in place to keep children safe from harm in line with the Children First Act 2015. The Act defines harm of a child as ill treatment, neglect, assault, or sexual abuse, and explains what to do if you are concerned.

RDS staff are trained in how to respond to Child Protection concerns and there is a Child Protection Officer on site. The RDS has a Designated Liaison Person.

The RDS has strong governance structures in place.

This statement will be reviewed every 2 years.

Donal Gillespie is the Designated Liaison Person for ESB Science Blast, and can be contacted by mobile at 087 161 6675, or Deputy DLP Ciara Byrne by email at safeguarding@rds.ie if you have queries or concerns in relation to Child Safeguarding.

 

Appendix 2 – Code of Behaviour (Conduct) for Interacting with Children/Young People at ESB Science Blast

The purpose of a code of behaviour is to establish acceptable boundaries of behaviour and to clarify how to communicate/interact with children and young people in a way which respects their right to be listened to, valued, respected as individuals and treated fairly. While recognising that the primary responsibility for children rests with parents, guardians or supervising adults (e.g. teachers), the RDS is committed to safeguarding children and young people who participate in or visit projects and events organised by the Society. Breaches of the code of behaviour will be treated seriously. This code of behaviour will be displayed on the RDS website.

For the protection of all concerned, when interacting with children/young people, please be mindful of the following guidelines (this list is by no means exhaustive):

  • always prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the child at all times;
  • always act within professional boundaries – ensure all contact with children is essential to the programme / project / activity you are working on.
  • RDS staff must use RDS owned equipment when interacting with children, the use of personal phones or personal cameras is not permitted;
  • you should not take or use photographs of children without prior written consent from a parent/guardian;
  • never lose sight of the fact that you are with children – behave appropriately and use appropriate language at all times;
  • do not verbally chastise a child in an aggressive manner, avoid shouting or using a harsh tone of voice;
  • while physical contact is a valid way of comforting, reassuring and showing concern for children, it should only take place when it is acceptable to all persons concerned (generally, the consent of the child should be sought in relation to physical contact). It should only be in response to the needs of the child and should be appropriate to the age and the level of development of the child.  There may be times in an emergency or a dangerous situation where there is unavoidable physical contact e.g. to prevent physical injury of the child/other children/visitors or staff/yourself or to prevent damage to valuable property);
  • no child should ever be physically punished. The RDS will not tolerate the physical chastisement of children by a parent or accompanying adult;
  • do not single out a particular child for unfair criticism, favouritism or ridicule;
  • treat children and young persons with dignity, sensitivity and respect;
  • remember they are children first, and contributors or participants second.

It is recommended that you:

  • do not travel alone with children or young people (two adults, one of which must be female should accompany a child). If a child is lost or left unattended, you should approach the child, explain calmly to them who you are. He/she should be accompanied by the two adults to the designated lost children’s area or the Gardai if they are on the premises.  If there is no designated lost children’s area or Gardai, the child should be accompanied to the organiser’s office or customer service area. Contact with the parent should be attempted if the child knows the telephone number);
  • do not attend to any intimate care of children, such as toileting. This is the responsibility of the accompanying parent, caregiver or supervisor (e.g. teacher);
  • do not spend time with a child on his/her own.  If you find yourself in a situation where you are alone with a child, ensure that you can be clearly observed or seen by others.

Ultimately, if you have any concerns about the welfare of a child or feel someone is behaving inappropriately around children, you have a duty to report your concern. Donal Gillespie is the Designated Liaison Person for ESB Science Blast, and can be contacted by mobile at 087 161 6675, or Deputy DLP Ciara Byrne by email at safeguarding@rds.ie or 087 913 5092 if you have queries or concerns in relation to Child Safeguarding.

 

CONFIRMATION

I confirm I have read the RDS Code of Behaviour and agree to observe these guidelines when interacting with children and young persons at Science Blast.

 

Signature ________________    Print Name __________________           Date ______________

Appendix 3 – RDS Data and Image Information (Children under 18 years)

Royal Dublin Society | Photography and Video Film Consent – Guidance Note

________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Parent / Guardian,

We are contacting you as your child’s school is participating in ESB Science Blast 2023. The Royal Dublin Society (RDS), a registered charity, is responsible for the development and delivery of ESB Science Blast and is committed to safeguarding children and creating a safe environment when they visit our event.

 

About the Event

ESB Science Blast is a public event run and managed on a not-for-profit basis by the RDS to inspire primary school-aged children with the wonders of STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths). The aim of ESB Science Blast is to harness children’s natural curiosity, help nurture the next generation of creative and critical thinkers and equip them with fundamental science skills; giving them skills for life, as well as opening up further education possibilities. The title sponsor of the event is the ESB and a full list of our sponsors and partners is available at www.esbscienceblast.com.

 

The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) is the data controller for the processing of data for ESB Science Blast.

 

Why does the RDS and its partners need images?

The RDS is seeking consent from staff, volunteers, participants and visitors to use the images resulting from photography, videography and any reproductions or adaptions of same to help publicise and promote the event, especially to other primary schools who might consider participating the following year.

 

Promotional use includes (but is not limited to) posters, leaflets, brochures, adverts, display materials, emails, e-newsletters, blogs, web pages, social media posts, presentations, speeches, research or policy reports, media releases, media work and any other media or materials.

 

The RDS will keep imagery and data safe and secure and will only share the data with Science Blast title sponsor ESB, and other carefully selected Science Blast partner organisations who work on our behalf or with us to deliver the ESB Science Blast events. You should carefully read the privacy notices of our Partners and Sponsors before you complete this form.

 

All imagery and data are used in accordance with the RDS Privacy Notice, which is available on the RDS website at www.rds.ie/privacy. You should read it carefully before completing this form.

 

An easy to read Privacy Notice is available at the information desk at the event or by emailing privacy@rds.ie.

 

Photographs and Recordings by Third Parties

Media may be present at the ESB Science Blast event and therefore the event may be subject to audio and visual recording and photography by third parties including media outlets and broadcasters. These images and recordings may be published by these third parties.

 

How long does consent last?

Consent applies for three years. Select images are then moved into the RDS archive. Image consent can be changed or withdrawn at any time by notifying the Registrar in writing by emailing privacy@rds.ie.

 

Please note we cannot withdraw images already published.

 

EACH CHILD MUST RETURN A COPY OF THIS FORM SIGNED BY THE PARENT/GUARDIAN TO THEIR SCHOOL PRIOR TO PARTICIPATING IN OR ATTENDING THE ESB SCIENCE BLAST EVENT.

 

 

Royal Dublin Society | Photography and Video Film – Consent Form

________________________________________________________________________________

 

The following is to be completed by the person with parental responsibility for the child particapting in ESB Science Blast:

 

I, the parent/legal guardian of _______________________________________________________________(child):

 

School Name:    __________________________________________________________________________________

 

Class Year:          __________________________________________________________________________________

 

  • Agree that my child’s information, photographs and video as set out in the guidance note to be potentially used by the RDS.

 

  • Agree that the RDS may share photographs and video including my child with Science Blast title sponsor ESB, and other carefully selected Science Blast partner organisations listed at esbscienceblast.ie in printed, online or electronic publications, which may be shared publicly to promote and publicise ESB Science Blast.

 

  • I understand that I and/or my child do not own the copyright or have any rights of ownership or other claims over the photographs, video or audio recordings, quotes and information about me or the child for whom I have parental responsibility.

 

  • I understand that any information about the child for whom I have parental responsibility will be kept securely and will only be used for the stated purposes. However, the RDS cannot guarantee or be held liable for use of this information or image by a third party.

 

  • I understand that I can withdraw consent at any time by contacting the RDS. If I withdraw consent, the RDS will no longer use any information provided previously. However, I understand that it will not be possible to recall/retrieve published materials that already include my child’s information.

 

  • I understand that the ESB Science Blast event may be of public and media interest and therefore may be subject to audio and visual recording and photography by third parties including media outlets and broadcasters. When attending Science Blast, which is a public event, there is a reasonable expectation that staff, volunteers, participants and visitors may be photographed and recorded in video footage and that these images and recordings may be published by third parties including media outlets and broadcasters.

 

  • This consent, unless withdrawn, applies for three years from 27th February 2023.

 

Consenting parent’s / legal guardian’s name: _________________________________________________________

 

Signature: ______________________________________________________ Date:___________________________

 

If you have any queries please contact scienceblast@rds.ie

 

You can view the RDS Safeguarding Statement and RDS Code of Behaviour for ESB Science Blast at https://www.rds.ie/rds-foundation/publications/rds-child-safeguarding

 

 Appendix 4 – RDS Data and Image Information (Adults 18 years+)

 

Royal Dublin Society | Photography and Video Film Consent – Guidance Note

________________________________________________________________________________

We are contacting you as you are participating the ESB Science Blast 2023.

 

About ESB Science Blast

The Royal Dublin Society (RDS), a registered charity, is responsible for the development and delivery of ESB Science Blast and is committed to safeguarding children. ESB Science Blast is a public event run and managed on a not-for-profit basis by the RDS to inspire primary school-aged children with the wonders of STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths). The aim of ESB Science Blast is to harness children’s natural curiosity, help nurture the next generation of creative and critical thinkers and equip them with fundamental science skills; giving them skills for life, as well as opening up further education possibilities. The title sponsor of the event is the ESB and a full list of our sponsors and partners is available at www.esbscienceblast.com.

 

The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) is the data controller for the processing of data for ESB Science Blast.

 

Why does the RDS need consent?

The RDS is seeking consent from you to use the images resulting from photography, videography and any reproductions or adaptions of same to help publicise and promote the event, especially to other primary schools who might consider participating the following year.

 

Promotional use includes (but is not limited to) posters, leaflets, brochures, adverts, display materials, emails, e-newsletters, blogs, web pages, social media posts, presentations, speeches, research or policy reports, media releases, media work and any other media or materials.

 

The RDS will keep imagery and data safe and secure and will only share the data with Science Blast title sponsor ESB, and other carefully selected Science Blast partner organisations who work on our behalf or with us to deliver the Science Blast events.  You should carefully read the privacy notices of our Partners and Sponsors before you complete this form.

 

All imagery and data are used in accordance with the RDS Privacy Notice, which is available on the RDS website at www.rds.ie/privacy. You should read it carefully before completing this form.

 

Photographs and Recordings by Third Parties

Media may be present at the ESB Science Blast event and therefore the event may be subject to audio and visual recording and photography by third parties including media outlets and broadcasters. These images and recordings may be published by these third parties.

 

How long does consent last?

Consent applies for three years. Select images are then moved into the RDS archive. Image consent can be changed or withdrawn at any time by notifying the Registrar in writing by emailing privacy@rds.ie.

 

Please note we cannot withdraw images already published.

 

YOU MUST RETURN A SIGNED COPY OF THIS FORM TO THE RDS PRIOR TO PARTICIPATING IN ESB SCIENCE BLAST EVENT.

 

Royal Dublin Society | Photography and Video Film – Consent Form

________________________________________________________________________________

 

The following is to be completed by the person participating in the ESB Science Blast event:

 

I, _________________________________________________________________________________(PRINT NAME)

 

  • Agree that my information, photographs and video as set out in the guidance note to be potentially used by the RDS.

 

  • Agree that the RDS may share your imagery and data with Science Blast title sponsor ESB, and other carefully selected Science Blast partner organisations listed at esbscienceblast.com in printed, online or electronic publications, which may be shared publicly to promote and publicise ESB Science Blast.

 

  • I understand that I do not own the copyright or have any rights of ownership or other claims over the photographs, video or audio recordings, quotes and information about me.

 

  • I understand that any information about me will be kept securely and will only be used for the stated purposes. However, the RDS cannot guarantee or be held liable for use of this information or image by a third party.

 

  • I understand that I can withdraw consent at any time by contacting the RDS. If I withdraw consent, the RDS will no longer use any information provided previously. However, I understand that it will not be possible to recall/retrieve published materials that already include my information.

 

  • I understand that the ESB Science Blast event may be of public and media interest and therefore may be subject to audio and visual recording and photography by third parties including media outlets and broadcasters.

 

  • This consent, unless withdrawn, applies for three years from 27th February 2023.

 

 

Signature: ______________________________________________________ Date:___________________________

 

If you have any queries please contact scienceblast@rds.ie

 

You can view the RDS Safeguarding Statement and RDS Code of Behaviour for ESB Science Blast at https://www.rds.ie/rds-foundation/publications/rds-child-safeguarding

 

Testimonials

Catherine Gallagher

It was a fabulous experience for the children to get the opportunity to meet and chat to so many people with a STEM background. For a small country school, that opportunity was invaluable. Exposing our children to the world of STEM leaves them with a sense of ambition that anything is possible.

Teacher, Clea PS, Keady, Co. Armagh

Marian Ní Ainle

Bhain na páistí agus mé féin mar mhúinteoir sár-taitneamh as Science Blast! D’fhoghlaim na páistí conas ceist eolaíochta a chumadh agus a fhiosrú ag baint as creatlach a tugadh dúinn ó eagraithe Science Blast.
Bheinn ag moladh Science Blast go mór do mhúinteoirí. Is seans iontach é do pháistí eolaíocht a fhiosrú go praicticiúil chomh maith le taitneamh a bhaint as!

Muinteoir, Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath, Cill Mhantáin

Rachel Deegan

Ag tabhairt chomhairle Bleaist Eolaíochta fúinn, phioc ár rang ceist faoi cheannas na bpáistí. Mar mhúinteoir ní raibh a fhios agam céard a bheadh i gceist ina dhiaidh sin! Ach rinne an rang sár obair ag déanamh imscrúdaithe agus taighde ar thopaic ina bhíodar an tógtha leis. Bhí ríméad orthu buaileadh leis an moltóir Jerry agus ár dtorthaí a phlé leis. Bhaineamar an taitneamh as Bleaist Eolaíochta i mbliana. Go raibh míle, míle maith agaibh go léir!

Gaelscoil na Fuinseoige, Baile an Teampaill, BÁC 14

Maggie Etherson

I watched my class grow in confidence throughout the process and leading up to the event. It was a great feeling, as a teacher, to stand back and watch them proudly explain their methods to the judges, other students and the public. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for both my students and myself.

Teacher, Griffeen Valley ETNS, Lucan, Co. Dublin

Eilish Murray

We loved the experience of taking part in ESB Science Blast for the first time and we have already decided that we will definitely take part again next year!

Grange NS, Fermoy, Co. Cork

Sarah Whelan

I felt the pupils took ownership of the projects. The zoom meetings and working on their presentations for judges were great to build confidence and great experience for secondary school.

Ballyneale NS, Carrickonsuir, Co. Tipperary

Eva Ní Mháirtín

Míle buíochas le muintir an Bhleaist Eolaíochta as eispéireas iontach eile i mbliana do pháistí Scoil Lorcáin. Bhí an-lá go deo againn leis an bhfoireann ón 'Roadshow'. D'eagraigh Rang 6 'Féile Eolaíochta' le rith go comhcéimneach leis an gcuairt sin agus d'éirigh le gach páiste sa scoil páirt gníomhach a ghlacadh ag an bhféile thar dhá lá. Táimid uilig spíonta ach an-bhródúil as na páistí go léir. Míle buíochas arís táimid ag súil leis an mbliain seo chugainn.

Scoil Lorcáin, Baile na Manach

Niall West

It was brilliant to teach the students STEM and science in the real world rather than on a whiteboard! My class group is Multigrade, which can make some programmes difficult to do, but ESB Science Blast was perfect for all ages and abilities.

Church Street NS, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick

Éanna Ó Muiré

Deis iontach a bhí sa Bhleaist Eolaíochta an obair a bhí déanta ag na páistí sa rang a chur ar taispeáint, maraon le páistí eile ó fud fad na tíre. Bhí sé iontach freisin aischothú a fháil ó na moltóirí. Mholfainn go mór páirt a glacadh ann!

Muinteoir, Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada, Co. Átha Cliath

Anita Keeve

We had an amazing day yesterday and one that will promote science in our school for a long time to come. I want to pass on my sincere thanks to all involved. The children in our school had so much fun.

St. Eunan’s NS, Raphoe, Co. Donegal

Carmel Barry Murphy

The class had a wonderful time in Limerick - they learned and experienced so much. I'm sure they will have memories to last a lifetime – memories of the teamwork, the cooperation, the satisfaction at the completion of the project work and the encouragement

Teacher, Scoil Mhuire Junior School, Cork City

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