Fionnuala Maxwell - Heritage Experts | Heritage in Schools

Fionnuala Maxwell

Fionnuala Maxwell 1
Fionnuala Maxwell 4
Fionnuala Maxwell 3
Fionnuala Maxwell 2
Fionnuala Maxwell 2
Fionnuala Maxwell 1
Subject(s):
History, Geography
Curriculum Strands:
Story (History), Local Studies (History), Early people and ancient societies (History), Life, society, work and culture in the past (History), Eras of change and conflict (History), Politics, conflict and society (History), Continuity and change over time (History), Human environments (Geography), Natural environments (Geography)
Counties catered for:
Cavan, Galway, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Westmeath
Classes catered for:
All Classes

Book in-person visit


Fionnuala specialises in delivering workshops in traditional singing, folklore, culture and heritage, focusing on your school’s immediate area. She engages pupils of all ages and encourages them to learn about their local area, its history, people, trades, customs, politics, social history and much more through the traditional songs, poems and folklore of their area. She invites pupils and teachers to engage in the research process, the histories of the songs, singing, song-writing, illustrating and discussion to create a sense of belonging, encourage active citizenship, bringing subtle attention to areas such as cultural diversity, personal responsibility, biodiversity and well-being.

Before visiting your school, Fionnuala will research your area to unearth songs, poems, folklore or cultural history from the vicinity. Pupils will be encouraged to explore aspects of that history through song. If feasible, they may also visit any relevant landmarks or places mentioned or further explore a trade or craft or perhaps even flora and fauna as referenced within the lyrics. The possibilities are endless and will depend on the area your school is in and the topics that arise within each song or story. Songs and topics are suitable for all levels although activities will differ according to age and ability.

Pupils, over a series of workshops, can create their own class “song-films” by going through the process of learning or writing their own song about their locality, recording vocals, creating sound effects and illustrating the lyrics to be edited into a final film. This allows pupils to really explore the meaning of the lyrics whilst gaining an understanding of local history and to be creative when it comes to reinterpreting that so other audiences can enjoy it and learn from them.

Testimonials

  • "The specialist was excellent and the workshops were really enjoyed by all the children. All staff were highly complementary of the work covered. We definitely would like Fionnuala to come back to visit the other classes who didn't partake yesterday." - St. Patrick's N.S., Drumshanbo

Additional Information

  • Provides in-person visits
  • Caters for special needs
  • Provides practical/hands-on activities
  • Provides field trips

Contact Details

Mobile:
086 8664639
Email:
fionnmax99@gmail.com
Website:
fionnualamaxwell.com/