Aengus Kennedy

Subject(s):

Science, History, Geography

Curriculum Strands:

Local Studies (History), Early people and ancient societies (History), Continuity and change over time (History), Human environments (Geography), Natural environments (Geography), Living things (Science)

Counties catered for:

Donegal

Classes catered for:

All Classes

Book virtual / in-person visit

Aengus Kennedy is NatureNorthWest’s lead nature guide, specialising in Field Ecology at University College Cork. He has worked with both young and old in the outdoors for over twenty years. For five years, Aengus worked as an education guide for the National Parks and Wildlife Services education programme in Glenveagh National Park. He has worked for An Taisce running school visits and guided walks for all, produced biodiversity action plans for communities and has worked with Donegal County Council on a number of environmental programs. Aengus is the environmental representative on Donegal’s local community development committee and Leader area group committee. He is currently producing a series of nature videos for schools and is a regular contributor to Highland Radio’s John Breslin show on nature topics both local and global.

Testimonials

• "We had so much fun learning about Food webs and biodiversity with Aengus. He was so engaging and made the topics completely relatable for the children. We really enjoy our workshops with Aengus. Thank you!" - Fintra NS, Donegal

• "This is the best live lesson we've had. Aengus was amazing - so informative, enthusiastic and engaging. He made learning fun for all pupils." - Scoil Naomh Colmcille, Craigtown, Donegal

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• "The children really enjoyed the lesson and engaged very well throughout," - Scoil na Croise Naofa, Donegal

• "Aengus worked very well with the children and the staff, he has great enthusiasm which is very refreshing."

• "The classroom lesson before going outdoors was very important. Aengus differentiated the lesson really well across the whole school. The children thoroughly enjoyed the lesson and were completely engaged for the whole day. Pupils were stimulated to the extent that they did lots of follow-up work with their families on the beach in mid-term break bringing all sorts back to school for sorting and discussion in the classroom (after mid-term). The pupils now have a great understanding of the biodiversity and the importance of the sea and the seashore."

• "Aengus was very enthusiastic and the children really enjoyed the visit and learned and gained a lot of knowledge"

• "Aengus had a great rapport with the children. He was very enthusiastic and the children were really engaged and enjoyed every minute of the day"

• "Fantastic visit. Aengus brought a variety of stuffed birds and eggs/nests. Pupils enjoyed a talk and fieldtrip. Aengus linked in with 'Something Fishy' project with a fieldtrip to the lake. A wonderful, practical learning experience for pupils"

• "The children really enjoy Aengus' visits and always look forward to the next one."

• "Super engaging for the children, enjoyable workshop with info geared for both the junior and senior end of the school."

• "Aengus Kennedy is excellent at explaining things and working with children."

• "Aengus was excellent, he had a great range of resources and gave opportunity to children to work in groups."

• "Fantastic learning experience as usual!"

• "Fabulous!"

• "OVERALL A VERY INFORMATIVE DAY AND THOROUGHLY ENJOYED BY ALL - DAY NOT LONG ENOUGH! AENGUS HAS A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE TO IMPART AND IS SO PASSIONATE ABOUT HIS WORK."

• "Aengus's enthusiasm and delivery to the children is simply the best. He motivates the children to think outside the box and to really think." - St. Joseph's N.S, Ratmullan

• "Kept children engaged, information pitched well for class level, hands-on activities."

• "Aengus has a wealth of knowledge and the children and teachers were all very impressed."

• "A fantastic day for all pupils- Well done Aengus!" - Scoil Naomh Padraig, Drumfries

• "Excellent varied interactive, hands-on sessions were enjoyed by all pupils." - Ayr Hill NS, Donegal

• "Aengus was fabulous and the children gained so much knowledge and information. He was engaging and explained everything so clearly and at a level that children could understand." - Anon.

• "An amazing day pitched at the correct level for all age groups used our environment and the kids were so enthusiastic. Great tutor." - St Baithin NS, Donegal

• "An amazing educational experience for the pupils in the local area. Motivating pupils and instilling them with an interest for, and a love of,nature. Aengus has a wealth of knowledge which he manages to share in a lively, engaging fashion. Pupils and teachers had a great day exploring the autumn woodland habitat, visiting a local fort and learning about migration at Inch Wildlife Reserve." - Donagh NS, Donegal

• "Excellent as always, thoroughly engaging and a perfect balance between classroom work and outside work." - Scoil Mhuire, Donegal

• "Excellent specialist, has pupils fully engaged for workshops." - Ayr Hill NS, Donegal

• "The facilitator was able to pitch at the correct Level for each group. A real success. The children got so much from the days." - St Baithin’s NS, Donegal

• "Aengus is a breath of fresh air, he inspires and motivates the children to become global citizens who want to save the earth." - Gartan NS, Donegal

• "Always an excellent hands-on workshop using the outdoors and local amenities to the maximum. This is hugely beneficial to both pupils and teachers to learn more about their local environment, in terms of biodiversity and local awareness( woodland exploration)." - Ayr Hill NS, Donegal

• "We enjoyed a trip to woods in the local area. We were able to explore the area safely. Aengus told us about the different plants and mini-beasts that we came across. Aengus helped us to identify the different bird songs that we heard. The children enjoyed searching for the mini-beasts in small groups and using the little magnifying jars to have a better look. Unfortunately we didn't have enough time to make little mouse houses, but hopefully that will be a nice activity to look forward to at another time." - St. Patrick's Girls' NS, Donegal

• "We had a virtual visit with Aengus Kennedy recently which was excellent. Aengus sent us fantastic resources and materials prior to his visit which included teachers notes, recorded videos and activities for the children to complete. They particularly enjoyed taking part in the quizzes and completing the artwork. The children were totally engaged throughout the presentation and enjoyed answering and asking questions afterwards. A huge thanks to Aengus for his fabulous work!" - Anon.

• "I cannot recommend this virtual Heritage in School session highly enough. The children were totally spellbound it. It was highly engaging, rich in education and so enjoyable. The children learned so much about the natural world that exists on their doorstep. It has even inspired some to conduct further research on our native birds. They have asked when can we do this again!" - Fintra NS

• "My first and second class thoroughly enjoyed their heritage in school session with Aengus. He was enthusiastic and very knowledgeable about his subject. He kept the children engaged throughout with practical activities. We all learnt a lot." - SN na gCluainte

• "A very rewarding piece of learning on the wren with efficient use of time." - St Patrick's Boys NS

• "Our class thoroughly enjoyed our session with Aengus. His enthusiasm and knowledge engaged each pupil and created an interest in the topic discussed." - St Boden's NS

• "What a brilliant initiative by Heritage in Schools live online sessions. Our Zooms with Aengus Kennedy were really outstanding. Thanks for the hard work behind these presentations." - Scoil Fhionáin

• "This was a new experience for this class. The pupils enjoyed the preparation and the live lesson. They were totally engaged throughout . The presenter of course was already popular with many of the pupils." - Anon.

• "We really enjoyed Aengus' lesson about the wren, delivered with his usual enthusiasm and love for all things nature. Aengus has a great wealth of knowledge and has a creative way of delivering it to the children." - Anon.

• "Aengus' passion for nature really inspires the children too" - St Joseph's N.S. Rathmullan, Donegal

• "A fantastic virtual visit...full engagement. They hung on to his every word." - Scoil Mhuire, Caiseal, Donegal

• "Fabulous, Aengus enthusiasm and interest captivated the children,and they loved every minute." - Scoil Mhuire, Donegal

• "Pupils enjoyed a mindful day, exploring and learning about nature on the school grounds. The visit consisted of sensory activities and the pupils were very involved in their learning. They made willow wreaths, the beginnings of a willow tunnel, explored leaf texture, bark and seeds of the trees and also planted a cherry tree. Aengus was engaging, enthusiastic and highly informed." - Donagh N.S., Donegal

• "Aengus is great delivering the course to the junior end of the school. The children thoroughly enjoyed the day." - Faugher N.S., Donegal

• "An excellent, well organised and informative day - very enjoyable." - St Davaddogs NS, Donegal

• "We had a wonderful day with Aengus exploring the habitats of our local beach. Aengus helped us identify mussels, whelks, Gooseneck barnacles, scallops and much more. The children were spellbound by his energy and were totally engaged throughout. Aengus told entertaining stories and made the topic fun and relatable for the children. We created food webs and even carried out a cool Science experiment to investigate how excess carbon in our atmosphere is having an acidic effect on our oceans. A day simply isn't long enough for all the wisdom Aengus had to impart. We enjoyed it all." - Fintra NS, Donegal