Science, History, Geography, Climate Action and Sustainable Development, Arts (including Visual Art and Drama, Film and Theatre Studies), Agricultural Science
Counties catered for:
Cork, Kerry, Limerick
Classes catered for:
All classes (primary), All year groups (post-primary)
Cathy enables classes of all ages to study the ecology and biodiversity of Irish habitats through place-based learning, nature connection and growing food.
For primary schools Cathy designs and implements outdoor living classrooms and the inclusion of the whole school grounds in the everyday education programme. This includes organic school gardens, creation of habitats within the school grounds; hedgerows, woodlands, ponds, bog gardens, wildflower areas, compost systems, living willow and hazel coppices.
For post-primary schools Cathy covers strands of Science, Agricultural Science and Climate Action and Sustainable Development through practical field studies, place-based learning, nature connection, growing food in the school grounds and willow basketry work. Cathy supports teachers in learning outdoors and using the living classroom to enhance curriculum delivery.
The organic garden / biodiversity in school grounds visit focuses on biodiversity, natural heritage, growing, cooking and eating local, seasonal food and seed saving. This can include a biodiversity and habitat audit of the school grounds, drawing up a map or plan of additional habitats to create in the school grounds and a look at ‘the bigger picture’ in terms of how the school organic garden and habitats are interconnected with the wider county / national / global context (Think Global, Act Local).
All content can be delivered outdoors; support materials and resources are provided for teachers to carry out indoor sessions before and/or after my visit.
The habitat study visit focuses on biodiversity, plants and animals found in a specific habitat such as freshwater (ponds or rivers), bogs, woodlands / hedgerows, agricultural land, seashore, urban environments and upland heath. This includes an investigation of other examples of that habitat found locally, nationally and internationally and discovery of how it is interconnected with the wider county / national / global context (Think Global, Act Local).
The local ecology visit focuses on conducting a habitat study; assessing the biodiversity, plants and animals found in a specific habitat local to the school. This includes an evaluation of terrestrial ecosystems, ecosystem ‘services and the interconnections between biodiversity and climate change, both locally and globally. Nature connection is central to this practical outdoor workshop, cultivating wellbeing in both students and teachers.
The agricultural science and food growing visit focuses on natural heritage, growing, cooking and eating local, seasonal food crops, soils and seed saving. This can include a biodiversity and habitat audit of the school grounds and an investigation of how the school organic garden and food production connect with biodiversity and climate change both locally and globally. The Sustainable Development Goals are refenced throughout.
The living willow visit involves working with students and teachers planting a living willow coppice, fence, tunnel, dome or other sculpture. The basket making visit is a practical heritage craft workshop using willow to make a simple plate, wreath or basket, depending on the class size and age group.
Testimonials
"Cathy Eastman was an excellent provider. The children really enjoyed creating their beautiful willow tunnel. They were proud to create something that would remain in school after their graduation. communication with Cathy was excellent throughout. Very happy with the Heritage in Schools scheme." - Sliabh a' Mhadra N.S., Kerry
"Cathy helped us create a willow tunnel, each class in the school got an opportunity to engage with the project. It was massively popular with the children and a great success." - Sliabh a' Mhadra N.S. Kerry
"Excellent content. All children were completely engaged and enjoyed the session greatly. Very well catered for all ages. Organised and well planned sessions." - Tralee Educate Together, Kerry
