Tag: #school

Shannon Airport to host inspiring Explore Engineering Showcase for 5th consecutive year

For the fifth consecutive year, the Departures Hall of Shannon Airport will be transformed to host the highly anticipated Explore Engineering Showcase 2026 on Thursday 5th March. This inspiring event brings together 2,000 senior-cycle secondary school students, teachers, their parents, professionals, and industry leaders for a dynamic celebration of engineering excellence and innovation.

Established in 2015, this annual event provides a unique platform for students and emerging engineers to speak directly with over 60 engineering companies in the Mid-West and gain insights into the latest technological advancements.

Key educational institutions from across the Mid-West will come together to showcase the diverse pathways open to students, from apprenticeships and training bodies to third-level programmes, for students, parents, guidance counsellors, and teachers.

Speaking today, Eimear Brophy, Chairperson of Explore Engineering, said: “The Explore Engineering Showcase is about inspiring future engineers and connecting them with real training and career opportunities close to home. We invite students, their parents, and educators to join us in Shannon Airport as we showcase the very best of what the Mid-West region has to offer the future of engineering talent.” 

Commenting on the event, Ray O’Driscoll, Interim CEO of The Shannon Airport Group said: “It’s a real honour for us to host the Explore Engineering Showcase in Shannon Airport. Engineering and aviation go hand in hand and several of the companies participating are an integral part of the Shannon Airport Business Park, where innovation and creativity thrive. It’s wonderful to see the curiosity and passion for engineering this event helps to ignite in students – future talent who will undoubtedly play an important role in our business and the wider region in the years ahead.” 

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore interactive exhibits, witness live demonstrations, and participate in hands-on activities designed to spark creativity and problem-solving skills.

The Explore Engineering Showcase takes place in the Departures Hall of Shannon Airport on Thursday 5th March 2026. Admission and parking are free. Pre-registration is not required. Doors open from 5pm.

 

Practical Gifts for College-Bound High School Graduates That They’ll Actually Use

Smart, Useful, and Appreciated Gifts Your Grad Will Love..

Throughout the years, I’ve been through my fair share of graduation seasons, seeing off my little ones as they step boldly into the next chapter of their lives. With graduation just around the corner, the pressure to find the perfect gift that won’t just gather dust in a closet is on. It’s a challenge, I know! You want something thoughtful, useful, and perhaps a bit fun, right? Well, you’re in luck because today I’m sharing my top picks for graduation gifts that are not only practical but are sure to be appreciated and used by your graduates.

Essential Tech Gadgets and Gear

In our digital age, tech gadgets top the list of must-have items for young adults. Whether they’re heading to college, starting a new job, or taking a gap year, here are a few gadgets that can help make their transition smoother:

  • Laptops and Tablets – Choosing the right laptop or tablet is crucial for any graduate. For college-bound students, look for models that offer a balance of power, durability, and battery life to handle coursework and multimedia needs. Popular choices include the MacBook Air for its long battery life and lightweight design, and the Microsoft Surface for those who prefer a touch interface with the versatility of a detachable keyboard.
  • Ebook Readers – For the voracious reader or the college student majoring in literature, an ebook reader like the Kindle Paperwhite can be a godsend. It reduces the need to carry heavy books and provides instant access to thousands of titles at their fingertips. E-readers are particularly useful for reading in various lighting conditions, thanks to their glare-free screens, and their battery life lasts weeks, which is perfect for the hectic schedules of busy graduates.
  • Smartphones – A reliable smartphone can serve as a lifeline for new graduates. It keeps them connected with friends and family, helps manage their schedule, and supports countless apps that can aid in daily tasks and productivity. The latest models from Apple, Samsung, and Google not only offer excellent camera quality for capturing memories but also come with powerful processors to handle everything from social media to sophisticated job-related applications.
  • Smart Watches – Beyond just telling time, smart watches like the Apple Watch or the Samsung Galaxy Watch can track fitness, monitor health, and allow easy access to notifications without needing to pull out a smartphone. They are especially useful for graduates who have a busy schedule, providing reminders for appointments, emails, and calls right on their wrist.
  • Laptop Backpack – Equipped with their new tech, your grad is going to need something reliable to cart it around campus. Look for college backpacks made from high-quality materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. 
  • Cable Organizers – A perfect addition to a laptop backpack, cable organizers can help your grad keep their cords organized as they hop from class to class. 

Practical Household Items

If your grad is moving out for the first time, there are a few household items that can be incredibly useful:

  • Mini Coffee Maker – Coffee makers are perfect for fueling late-night study sessions or getting an early start before classes. Compact models from Keurig or Nespresso don’t take up much space and work wonders. Plus, it’s better than paying for a cup from a coffee shop.
  • Microwave or Toaster Oven – A compact microwave is another must-have for quick meals. This is particularly crucial for students in dorms where kitchen access can be limited. A microwave can help them heat up leftovers, make popcorn for movie nights, or prepare simple meals like microwaveable rice or pasta, ensuring they’re well-fed even on their busiest days. Just be sure that your grad is allowed one on campus, or that they will be able to return it if it’s not allowed. 
  • Quality Bedding Set – A good night’s sleep is non-negotiable. Invest in a high-quality bedding set to give them the comfort of home, wherever they are.
  • Desk Lamp – A well-lit workspace is essential for productivity. A sleek, adjustable desk lamp not only helps prevent eye strain during late-night studying but can also add a touch of style to a work area. Look for models with built-in USB ports for charging smartphones or other devices, adding extra functionality.

Financial Gifts

Let’s talk about a practical and increasingly popular gift choice—financial gifts. These can help set your grad up for financial success:

  • Gift Cards – Versatile and practical, gift cards let grads buy what they need when they need it. You might get your grad a gift card to their campus bookstore, a local grocery store, or just a plain use-anywhere gift card.
  • Subscriptions and Memberships – Paying for subscriptions or memberships can be a thoughtful way to provide ongoing support throughout the year. Consider services that match the graduate’s interests or needs, such as Netflix or Spotify for entertainment or Adobe Creative Cloud or Microsoft Office for their educational needs. 
  • Savings Bonds or Stocks – Gifting savings bonds or stocks is a great way to introduce graduates to the world of investing. This can teach them about saving and investing for the future, and provide them with a financial asset that can appreciate over time. Savings bonds are a particularly safe investment, while stocks can allow them to start learning about the stock market and financial planning.
  • Cold Hard Cash – Let’s face it—college is expensive. While it isn’t always the most personalized gift, you can rest assured that a cash gift will definitely be used.  Your grad can use it towards books, tuition, or anything else they feel they need. You can never go wrong with cash.

 

Choosing the right gifts for our graduates means considering their future needs and personal tastes. Let’s celebrate this milestone by giving them something that not only marks the occasion but also supports and enhances their new adventures. Here’s to finding the perfect gift that your graduate will truly appreciate and use!

 

Happy gifting and congratulations to all the graduates and their proud families!

 

Free Digital Technology Kit for every Primary School in Ireland

Students from Stanhope Street Primary School visited Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) today to celebrate the launch of a landmark educational research project that will see every primary school in Ireland receive a free Digital Technology kit. EDTips – Enabling Digital Technology in Primary School will provide every primary school with free digital technology teaching resources and equipment to prepare for the introduction of the Primary Curriculum Framework during the 2025/2026 academic year. The project, led by CSinc (Computer Science Inclusive) at TU Dublin, has received funding from Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and is supported by the University’s industry partners AWS In Communities and Workday.

Running over two years, EDTips will train primary school teachers in a suite of age-appropriate and interactive educational tools, catering to the abilities of all pupils and encouraging them to become confident, creative, and critical users of digital technology. TU Dublin academics with research expertise in Computer Science education will develop comprehensive teaching materials and activities modelled on the Primary Curriculum Framework, while AWS In Communities will supply 3,000 free offline Digital Technology kits, enabling all schools, irrespective of technical infrastructure, geographical location or socio-economics, to fully engage pupils in the curriculum. EDTips is also supported by Workday, a leading provider of enterprise cloud applications for finance and human resources. Employing over 2,000 people in Ireland, Workday will provide critical resources to help deliver the programme, including software development, content, design and project management.

Commenting Minister for Education Norma Foley T.D.,said. “EDTips will not only equip primary school teachers to deliver Digital Technology education but also has the transformative ability to spark the imaginations of young minds. This could set the pupils from Stanhope Street Primary School on a trajectory of educational discovery, potentially paving the way for a rewarding career in Ireland’s tech sector.”

Welcoming the Stanhope Street Primary School pupils and their teachers to Grangegorman, TU Dublin’s Vice President for Research and Innovation, Dr Brendan Jennings, said, “Empowering primary school teachers with resources such as EDTips not only enhances their ability to deliver quality STEM education, but also contributes to the overall development of their pupils. This early exposure to STEM concepts has the potential to set students on a path of educational discovery, helping them build a strong foundation for future academic and professional pursuits in digital technology.”

Welcoming the launch of EDTips, Dr Lisa Higgins, Head of Challenge Research, Education & Public Engagement at SFI, commented: “Science Foundation Ireland’s Discover Programme is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and is designed to create opportunities for broader participation and engagement of the public with STEM. SFI is delighted to support this significant STEM educational programme that builds awareness and confidence in teachers to effectively deliver digital technology in primary school classrooms using fun, hands-on learning.”

AWS Country Lead for Ireland, Neil Morris, said: “These new technology kits will enable teachers in every primary school in Ireland to learn and be curious with coding and empower them further with digital literacy tools ahead of the introduction of Digital Technology curriculum. At AWS Ireland, we are determined to play our part in fostering the next generation of Irish technology leaders and we will continue to look for opportunities to encourage young technology talent and supporting them in their journey through school and into further education.”

Welcoming the EDTips initiative, Victoria MacKechnie, Director of Corporate Affairs and Operations, Workday, said: “Skills are increasingly important in the future of work, which requires competencies for new jobs and roles that are emerging every day. EDTips is an innovative way to further upskill teaching professionals in the latest technology, enabling them in turn to transfer both tech knowledge and skills to their students. This will help ensure pupils are ready for a flourishing skills-based economy”.

Read more: https://www.edtips.ie/

Secondary school boosted by literary donation from Amazon in Dublin

A secondary school in Dublin has received a donation of books and bookcases worth over €1,000 from the team at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dublin.

Pobalscoil Neasáin, located in Baldoyle, provides a caring learning environment for both staff and students to reach their full potential.

The team from Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dublin visited the school to deliver and set up eight bookcases for the school’s library, as well as donating over 50 books including Charles Dickens and Jane Eyre collections.

Gedvis Venckus, an Amazon employee who set up the bookcases at the school, said:

“The team and I had a fantastic time setting up the bookcases for the pupils at Pobalscoil Neasáin. It was a pleasure to help revitalise the library with a range of books, too. It has been a while since I’ve visited a school which brought back many great memories and it was great to see pupils helping us out. As someone who grew up reading Edgar Allan Poe, I hope the pupils get as much enjoyment out of his work as I did.”

Darragh Kelly, General Manager at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dublin, said:

“We’re proud to support Pobalscoil Neasáin with this donation of books and bookshelves. Our team really enjoyed helping to spruce up the school’s library and I hope the staff and pupils are pleased with the results and are benefitting from the new books.”

Julia Galiza, a student from Pobalscoil Neasáin, added:

“On behalf of everyone at Pobalscoil Neasáin, I would like to say thank you to the team from Amazon in Dublin for their support. This donation of books will help myself and my peers to engage in reading and have a better understanding of classic literature.”

The donation to Pobalscoil Neasáin was made as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities in and around its operating locations in Ireland.

Since opening its doors in 2022, the Dublin fulfilment centre has supported many community organisations locally, with donations totalling €46,000. Charities supported by the team at the fulfilment centre include Cliona’s Foundation, Jigsaw and LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.

The Amazon fulfilment centre in Dublin, the first of its kind in Ireland, opened in August 2022 providing more than 500 new permanent jobs. The 630,000 square foot centre at Baldonnell Business Park in Dublin holds millions of items that are picked, packed and shipped to customers across Ireland and the rest of Europe.

Amazon’s €130,000 Delivery to Cork Schools and Charities

The team from Amazon Selling Partner Support (SPS) in Cork has donated equipment worth €130,000 to schools and charities across the county following a refurbishment of the Cork Airport Business Park office.

Amazon recently completed a refurbishment of its Cork headquarters and during the renovations, identified a number of schools and charities in Cork city centre and across the county to receive donations of desks, chairs, storage units, IT equipment and more.

Two Cork schools that received products from Amazon are Scoil Naomh Fionán Rennies and Scoil Ursula Primary School. In addition to the donation of products, each school also received financial donations of €1,000.

Located on the Cork’s south coast, Scoil Naomh Fionán Rennies has 148 pupils in eight classes. The staff provide a caring and fun atmosphere for the pupils, delivering a wide range of activities and learning opportunities. The school plans to spend the donation on supporting its digital infrastructure, which is designed to complement learning. This includes a typing club, assistive technology, use of tablets in station teaching and more.

Scoil Ursula Primary School in Blackrock promotes positive school, family and community links and supports charities in the community and across the world. Scoil Ursula Primary School plans to use the donation to help fund the purchase of books and equipment for its new library.

To mark the donations, the team from Amazon in Cork visited Scoil Ursula Primary School to deliver equipment such as computers, chairs, desks and lockers for the staff and pupils at the school. During the visit, the Amazon team also delivered a €1,000 donation.

Robert Owens, an employee from Amazon who took part in delivering the equipment, said:

“I’m proud to be part of a team at Amazon that can support charities and schools. As a parent of children of school going age, I feel reassured that all the pupils at the schools will have a better learning experience thanks to this donation.”

Darren Callanan, SPS Site Manager at Cork, added:

“Scoil Naomh Fionán Rennies and Scoil Ursula Primary School have such a positive impact on the pupils, staff and community. We hope these donations can help the schools continue to shape the minds of the future.”

David McCarthy, from Scoil Ursula Primary School, said:

“On behalf of the staff and pupils at Scoil Ursula, I would like to say thank you to the Amazon team in Cork. This donation has made a significant difference to our school and we couldn’t be more grateful for their generosity. We face huge socioeconomic challenges every day in Scoil Ursula and this donation has made such a tangible impact on our school and wider community. This donation has boosted staff and pupil morale at a time when we really needed it.”

The donation of equipment and furniture was made as part of the recent refurbishment of Amazon’s office in Cork. Amazon invested €5 million in the creation of its new-look premises, which offers a modern, safe, collaborative space for employees from across Ireland.

The donations to Scoil Naomh Fionán Rennies and Scoil Ursula Primary School were made as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities in and around its operating locations in Ireland.

Rise in the number of families planning to save in response to cost-of-living pressures

As cost-of-living pressures continue, savings rates appear to be making a steady recovery this year after savings and spending habits were impacted by COVID-19 and a sustained period of inflation. 

According to Zurich’s annual Cost of Education survey, conducted by iReach this May and June, 56% of families in Ireland already have savings in place that have acted as a shield against the cost-of-living pressures. This figure is slightly up on 2022 (54%). 

The good news is that plans to save are on the increase, with the highest levels seen since 2019. Pre-COVID, around 40% of families had committed to putting money aside for a rainy day, which had decreased to 32% by 2022, before climbing to 51 % this year. 

Commenting on the findings, Jonathan Daly, Head of Life Retail Distribution and Propositions at Zurich Life Assurance plc said: “It is encouraging now to see the rise in the number of families planning to start saving to plan for the future. In terms of saving for your child’s education, planning ahead and opening a savings account when children are young will help you to manage education costs before they become a significant financial burden.”  

 

The Cost of Education survey provides insights into how much parents are spending, what factors are influencing how much they save and how they plan to save for the cost of their children’s second and third level education. 

The research has found that: 

  • 56% of parents said they have family savings in place that are used to reduce the financial strain of inflation, up 2% on 2022.
  • More than half (51%) of parents now say they are more likely to create a family savings fund to protect against the impact of potential future inflation rises, a big increase of 19% from last year.
  • The majority (68%) of students studying at third level education currently live at home, up 10% compared with 2022.
  • Parents of third level students paid on average €3,931 on third level fees in this year’s survey. 
  • The average annual cost of third level student accommodation was €10,077, while rented accommodation had an average annual cost of €5,179.
  • Parents estimated the total cost of secondary school education at €3,581.
  • 28% of parents have taken out a loan to help pay for their children’s secondary school costs.

 

Parents can use Zurich’s Cost of Secondary School and College Calculators to work out the estimated costs of sending their children to secondary school and college and to see how much they might need to save each month to meet these costs:

The calculators are also accessible via Digital Voice Assistants – see here for more: https://www.zurich.ie/blog/zurich-ireland-voice-services/ 

AI for Sustainability the theme of the fourth international John McCarthy AI Summer School

The international John McCarthy AI Summer School returns for the fourth year running, hosted in person at the RDI Hub in Killorglin, Kerry and online, on the 7th and 8th of September. The event will deep dive into the area of AI for Sustainability and the line-up includes 19 speakers from four countries over two half days, including keynotes and panel discussions along with networking.

The event is being jointly hosted by the following partners – RDI hub, Microsoft Ireland, Munster Technological University, the SFI ADAPT Centre for AI Driven Digital Content Technology, Tangent (Trinity’s Ideas Workspace), AI Ireland and IT@Cork Skillnet along with new partner 2050 Accelerator, Ireland’s National Sustainability Accelerator, run by Dogpatch Labs.

The AI Summer School is delighted to announce its international line-up will include keynotes from leading international AI experts Colleen Josephson, Caroline Lair, Vinny Cahill and Marguerite Nyhan.

The RDI hub building is dedicated to John McCarthy as a tribute to the Stanford University computer scientist. McCarthy was one of the founders of the discipline of artificial intelligence and his father was born in Cromane, near Killorglin in Co Kerry. In the late 1950s McCarthy invented LISP which became the programming language of choice for AI applications.

AI is going to have a truly transformative effect on our lives in the coming years, already it is a discipline which has risen to prominence in terms of the personalisation of content we interact with on a daily basis online but there is so much more AI can help us achieve in the sustainability space and we are looking forward to discussing its diversity with our speaker panel.

Our aim is that the John McCarthy AI Summer School will become a calendar moment for the development of AI and the sharing of knowledge.

RDI Hub CEO, Liam Cronin had this to say about the event:

“As we strive for a sustainable future, we need to harness all the tools at our disposal and Artificial Intelligence is key to achieving this. Leveraging technology, AI, and cloud computing is a critical part of the journey. By incorporating cutting-edge tech into diverse sectors like energy, carbon management, transportation and agriculture, we can actively curtail waste, optimize energy consumption, enhance efficiency, and mitigate carbon emissions.

At the fourth John McCarthy AI Summer School, we hear from the brightest minds in AI, as this year we explore the role of AI in achieving sustainability, encompassing both core research and real-life applications that are building a sustainable future.”

About the keynote speakers

Colleen Josephson is an Assistant Professor at the University of California, who holds a Masters from MIT and a PhD from Stanford. A Senior Research Scientist in Distributed Edge team within the Office of CTO at VMware, her research interests include wireless communication and sensing systems, with a passion for creating technologies to enable and improve sustainable practices.

Caroline Lair is the Founder of The Good AI, Business Dev Manager at Interstellar Lab, Co-founder and Board member of Women in AI nonprofit and is a Member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Sorbonne Center for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI)

Vinny Cahill is a Professor of Computer Science at Trinity College Dublin. His research addresses many aspects of distributed systems, in particular, middleware and programming models for mobile, ubiquitous and autonomic computing with application to optimization of urban resource usage and service delivery in order to improve the quality of life and sustainability of cities.

Dr Marguerite Nyhan is an Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer in Future Sustainability & Environmental Engineering at University College Cork, the Environmental Research Institute and the MaREI Centre for Energy, Climate & Marine. Dr Nyhan founded and now directs the Future Sustainability Research Group which harnesses new and emerging technologies to design data-driven and intelligent solutions for sustainable, net zero, healthy, liveable and equitable urban areas.

The core research elements of this summer school will appeal to professors, post docs, PhD students, researchers and graduate students in the fields of AI, Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing. The applied elements have a broader appeal and are accessible to anyone with an interest in Artificial intelligence and the various way it can be deployed.

 Why attend?

  • Over two days you will explore cutting edge research in AI for Sustainability that is reshaping our future.

  • Join keynotes and panel discussions with speakers from several different countries including the US, Germany, France and Ireland.
  • Meet some of the greatest Professors, PhD Students and Researchers along with founders and innovators in the field of AI for Sustainability.

Professor Dave Lewis, Director of ADAPT and Head of Artificial Intelligence at Trinity College Dublin, said: “AI has the potential to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, but the responsible development of AI demands a delicate balance between innovation and ethical considerations.  ADAPT’s research highlights how AI can be a force for positive change.  By taking a holistic, multidisciplinary approach, ADAPT’s researchers are taking a leading role in developing more sustainable AI designs and new best practices that will safeguard our planet and improve the lives of all.”

Sustainability Lead at Dogpatch, Ashley Shak said, “We’re excited for sustainability to be at the forefront of this years’ AI programme. It’s a now-or-never time to use the tech and talent that’s at our fingertips to tackle the climate crisis.” Shak led the launch of 2050 Accelerator & Ecosystem in May this year, which RDI Hub is a regional partner of, and notes the importance of wider collaboration, “Regional initiatives like this are integral to building out our all-island approach, with RDI showing real-life examples of our interconnectedness. And we’re only grazing the surface of AI’s application here – we’re already seeing it with 2050 Accelerator startups, including Micron Agritech and Carbonstack, both using machine learning to tackle antibiotic resistance and deforestation”

Dr Breda O Dwyer, Head of The Cantillon Academy and Senior Lecturer at Munster Technological University, had this to say

“We at MTU are very much looking forward to this year’s John McCarthy AI summer school as we continue to advance sustainability through our AI driven research here at MTU.  We, together with other speakers will address the multiple opportunities being offered by the challenges of AI as we aim to cultivate a harmonious coexistence between AI, us the human and our planet! We look forward to sharing and learning how we can revolutionise sustainability by enhancing predictive capabilities and fostering data-driven decision-making for a resilient and productive agri-food system, carbon measurement, effective climate change decisions, sustainability mobility models and more . We are excited about our plans to expand the MTU AI research colloquium across Europe in 2024.”

Mark Kelly CEO of AI Ireland said:

“AI Ireland is proud to be part of this vital conversation on sustainability. Together, we’re not just shaping the future of technology; we’re crafting a blueprint for a more sustainable world.”

Anne Sheehan Microsoft Ireland, General Manager said:

“The development of AI over the next several years is critical as we continue the journey of Digital Transformation across all sectors of the economy. As a founding member, Microsoft Ireland is proud to continue supporting the John McCarthy AI Summer school, which is now a pivotal event in the AI calendar. This year’s theme of AI for Sustainability is timely and relevant as AI becomes more prevalent across all areas of our society.”

Register via the Eventbrite link here:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/artificial-intelligence-summer-school-event-ai-for-sustainability-tickets-698300324067

Back to school R&R with Homedics and House of Marley

With the kids back to school and the house a bit quieter, mums and dads can enjoy some well-deserved down time with at-home pampering products from health and wellness brand Homedics. Couple this with tunes played through audio tech from eco-friendly audio brand House of Marley and you really do have all you need for the perfect chilled child-free afternoon!

HEALTHY BODY, HEALTHY MIND

HoMedics Pro Physio Massage Gun – RRP £299.99

Available from: homedics.co.uk, Argos, Amazon

This massage gun can be used before or after working out – or simply to enjoy a focused massage. Featuring Tru Heat technology, the gun’s head can heat up to 47⁰C in under two minutes, providing relief to larger tissue areas, and promoting blood flow to the affected areas. It’s rechargeable, lightweight, cordless and comes with six interchangeable heads to ensure all muscles can be targeted. What’s more, the gun provides one and a half hours of run time, and you can switch between three intensity settings via a twist control at the base of the handle.

STRETCH THE TENSION AWAY

HoMedics STRETCH+ HEAT – RRP £299.99

Available from: homedics.co.uk, QVC, Amazon

The Stretch Range is a series of back stretching mats inspired by yoga. The STRETCH + HEAT leads the body through a series of carefully choreographed treatments designed to recreate yoga inspired movements by inflating and deflating 7 precise-controlled air chambers. HoMedics has added TruHeat technology to the STRETCH + HEAT to enhance the experience and invigorate your body or relax you after a long day. Choose the program best suited to your needs and let the STRETCH + HEAT take your body through your precisely controlled program.

AT HOME SPA TREATMENT

HoMedics Nano Facial Steamer – RRP £79.99

Available from: Homedics.co.uk, ,
Finer than regular steam, the nano sized steam particles penetrate deeper into the outer layer of skin, opening up pores. Opening pores often softens blackheads, making them easier to remove. You can also achieve better absorption of your skin care products with your new Nano Facial Steamer. Its elegant design compromising of a compact, portable base unit with an easy-to-remove travel strap makes the HoMedics Nano Facial Steamer an innovative upgrade compared to traditional facial steamers. Suitable for all skin types, be precise with the cosmetic mirror panel on your Nano Facial Steamer.

NOISE CANCELLATION NEEDED

House of Marley Redemption ANC 2 – RRP £149.99

Take your listening experience to a whole new level with the Redemption ANC 2. Experience full customisation of your sound profile (EQ), pairing name, and customised touch controls with the House of Marley app. With innovative features such as Active Noise Cancellation, Echo Noise Cancellation and Audio Passthrough mode, these earbuds empower you to have full control of your music.

WHILE THE KIDS ARE AWAY…

Get Together 2 Bluetooth Speaker– RRP £249.99

Offering smooth acoustics and an impressive bass output, the latest addition to Marley’s line-up promises 15 hours of playtime – so you can enjoy your go-to playlists wherever you are. Featuring quick-charge technology, three EQ modes and a multipair setting, the Get Together 2 Mini speaker seamlessly connects to the entire Get Together 2 range for even bigger stereo sound. Built to withstand the elements, the Get Together 2 Mini speaker is water and dust-resistant, while upholding the classic bamboo accents House of Marley is known for.

Gadgets and Apps for Back to School / Uni 2022

Whether starting secondary school, going to college or leaving for university in September, no doubt pupils and students already have a long list of everything they need. Ten Four Communications has put together a few additional suggestions – from an alarm clock to get them to lectures on time and multifunctional colour changing lamp for their desk to a reusable notebook/planner to keep them organised – that they may want to consider. 

Groov-e Soundbar 20 

Price: £29.99 

Available from: www.groov-e.co.uk from September 2022.  

 

 

This new wireless soundbar from Groov-e is a must have for any student heading to university this year. Providing impressive sound quality, simply connect via Bluetooth to a compatible device to listen to music, watch movies or make hands free calls. Colour changing LED lights make it the perfect addition to any party plus it is lightweight and portable so can be taken anywhere – another room, garden party or even home for the weekend. An integrated stand pops out to hold your smartphone or tablet making it perfect for those who want to binge Netflix series when not studying. Featuring a rechargeable battery it offers 10+ hours of playback on a single charge.  

Price: £34.99 

Available from: www.groov-e.co.uk and Smyths Toys  

 

 

 

The Groov-e Astra is a multi-functional, colour changing lamp which features a wireless charging pad and Bluetooth speaker. It is perfect for a student’s desk, getting rid of messy cables and allowing them to charge a mobile phone while working, studying, reading or sleeping.  

Whether users need extra light at their desk to revise for exams, or on their nightstand so they can read before bed, the Astra features 9 LED light modes to ensure they have the right level of brightness. Also, perfect for mood lighting, users can change the colour of the light it emits at the touch of a button. 

Astra’s flexible arm means users can adjust the light to their preferred angle, ensuring they don’t strain their eyes and can work or read more comfortably. Additionally, Astra has an integrated 3W wireless speaker.  Users simply connect a device via Bluetooth from up to 10m away to listen to their favourite tunes.   

  

Price: £49.99 

Available from: TwelveSouth.com or Amazon.com 

   

The Twelve South ParcSlope is a one-piece metal stand that raises a laptop screen to an optimum viewing position while keeping the keyboard angled and low to the desk for comfortable typing. Whilst the ParcSlope is a great addition to any desk setup, it is also small and light enough that it can be moved around the home in the event students want to study from their kitchen island or dining room table. With ParcSlope, users will enjoy better ergonomics that help to relieve shoulder and wrist pain, a video call friendly viewing angle and an open wedge design that allows for increased airflow and a cooler, quieter laptop.

For iPad users, ParcSlope angles the device to a wrist-friendly 18-degree angle that’s perfect for sketching, creative work, note taking or performing music. The matte black easel stand is sturdy and holds every iPad (except iPad mini) in a landscape or portrait mode. ParcSlope even allows users to turn their iPad into a mini desktop by pairing it with a wireless keyboard providing an even smarter way to work. 

  

Price: £299 

Available from Amazon UK 

 

 

Small but agile, Bittle is a powerful robot that can be programmed to walk, do tricks and roll around just like a real dog. Designed for coding and fun, Bittle operates on OpenCat, an open-source quadrupled robot platform that offers endless programming and customisation possibilities. Bittle is an ideal tool for teaching, researching and learning about STEM and robotics. 

   

Price: £39.99 

Available from: www.groov-e.co.uk 

 

  

Waking up for school or uni can be hard but with the Light Curve wake-up light, alarm and radio, users can start their day a little easier. The light, which mimics natural daylight, will come on at the selected time, starting off gently and gradually getting brighter until it’s at the optimum level to help rouse sleepy-heads up. When it’s actually time to get out of bed, a chosen alarm sound or radio station will also be activated to help users wake fully.

For those who like to read or need the light on darker mornings to get ready, the Light Curve has 10 levels of brightness using its LED lamp. And for those who want to create more of an atmosphere, one of the seven coloured mood lighting options can be selected.  

   

Price: £39.99 

Available from: Amazon.co.uk   

 

 

Rocketbook notebooks and planners provide a classic pen and paper experience, yet are built for the digital age. Not only can handwritten notes be digitised and sent to the cloud using a smartphone and accompanying Rocketbook app, the ink (when you write using any pen from the Pilot FriXion Line) can then be quickly erased from the pages with a damp cloth, enabling the books to be used over and over again and saving paper in the process. The Academic Planner has been designed for students and approved by teachers. It is equipped with 13 different page types to help you manage class schedules, weekly goals and daily workloads. 

  

Price: £38.99 

Available from: Amazon.co.uk 

 

 

 

Rocketbook has partnered with Panda Planner to combine inspiration with innovation. The Panda Planner features undated monthly, weekly and daily templates to organise your life as well as goals and motivation templates. The innovative synthetic paper allows you to write smoothly with a Pilot FriXion pen then magically wipe your planner clean with a damp cloth to use year after year. The Rocketbook app scans and connects your notes to the cloud to digitally save and share your notes.  

Price: Basic (free), Personal (£5.99 per month), Professional (£7.49 per month) 

Available from: Apple App Store or Google Play 

  

 

Evernote automatically saves notes online and makes them available on all devices so you can access them anywhere, anytime. Ideal for students who do a mix of online and in-person studying or like a change of scenery. The document scanning function is also useful for copying from text books and the Search Handwriting feature identifies words in handwritten pieces.