Deirdre O'Brien McGivney

Ábha(i)r:

Eolaíocht, Stair, Tíreolas

Na gnéithe curaclam:

Story (History), Local Studies (History), Early people and ancient societies (History), Life, society, work and culture in the past (History), Human environments (Geography), Natural environments (Geography), Environmental awareness and care (Geography/Science), Living things (Science)

Na contaetha a bhfreastalaíonn siad ar:

Cill Dara, Laois, An Longfort, An Mhí, Uíbh Fhailí, Ros Comáin, An Iarmhí

Ranganna a bhfreastalaíonn siad ar:

Gach rang

Cuairt beo a cuir in áirithe

Respecting, understanding and protecting our heritage are vital skills which we can impart on a young mind, for if we can do these three things we can learn for the future. Deirdre thrives on the provision of knowledge of our heritage and has qualifications in Irish Heritage, has skills developed through structured and organic learning. She is also a scout leader for many years. Deirdre has years of experience working in the heritage sector, including Archival work, Heritage centre management and Archaeology as well as being a keen crafter and outdoor and environmental enthusiast.

Areas which can be covered include :

- Local History with a focus on the how local history is recorded and stored. Workshops can include the creation of modern day schools manuscripts to record what is now in our environs.

- Biodiversity surveying, with a particular focus on pollinators - a craft element can be included.

- The emblems of Ireland and how they evolved - Creating your own emblem to represent your schools community, An Irish Harp - the history of the Irish Harp.

- The year in Ireland - special celebrations which are almost unique to Ireland, the lore and traditions associated with crafts to accompany

- Protecting Irish Fauna and Flora - also learning about the creative and beneficial uses of the produce of our natural environment

- Evolving landscapes - looking at the landscape in the vicinity and exploring how it has evolved and how it might continue to do so.

- Map and compass reading - developing a clearer idea of the landscape around you, this could lead to creating your own heritage trail of your town or village - a childs perspective of their sense of place

Many other topics can be explored.

Workshop structure:

While some of the school visits are based in the indoors Deirdre tries to encourage as much outdoor activities as possible. Some 'in school workshops' will inevitably end up outside and field trips to a number of locations can be arranged.

Deirdre will work with the school to create a workshop to best suit the requirements.

Teistiméireachtaí

• "Deirdre was an excellent rep for Heritage in Schools. There was quite a broad age range within the group but Deirdre's activities appealed to all ages and were very well pitched, hands on and interactive. Pupils knowledge and interest in the topic of Biodiversity has been further improved as a result of Deirdre's session." - St. Nicholas' Primary School, Meath

• "All children enjoyed the visit and learned about their local area in an enjoyable way" - Castlepollard Parochial School, Westmeath

Tuilleadh →

• "We thoroughly enjoyed Deirdre's visit yesterday. She was so informative and the children learned so much about bees and hives. They were so engaged and asked so many questions. We cannot wait to invite her back next year." - Holy Child School, Kildare

• "The children really enjoyed the visit and learned lots of interesting local History." - St Josephs NS, Offaly

• "Deirdre was amazing as always and brought a whole new dimension to her visit and with the older classes. The children learned new things about Naas that they didn't know!!" - Scoil An Linbh Íosa, Naas