Jessica Farrell - Heritage Experts | Heritage in Schools

Jessica Farrell

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Subject(s):
Science, History, Geography, Civic, Social, Political Education (including CSPE and Politics and Society)
Counties catered for:
Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Offaly
Classes catered for:
All classes (primary), 1st year, 2nd year, 3rd year, TY

Book in-person visit


As an internationally-known LEGO brick artist, Jessica participates in exhibitions, community projects and interactive events. A great part of her work involves facilitating hands-on, educational workshops for youth of all ages in libraries, museums and schools countywide.

Jessica is also a horticulturist and beekeeper with an extensive background in biodiversity and sustainable communities. In her classroom visits, Jessica uses the universal language of LEGO bricks to start conversations about Irish heritage and spark an enthusiasm for creative discovery. 

During hands-on building activities, students can enjoy the exploration of our collective heritage in an exciting, new way that promotes a desire for further learning.

Primary school visits

The importance of our native pollinators is explored during hands-on activities where the children build custom-designed models of Irish bee and butterfly species. There is open discussion about the vital link between pollinators and wildflowers; children are asked to suggest how wildflowers may flourish in their locality. After discussion, the class gets creative and collectively builds a “field of flowers”, in which to place a wild variety of insects!

The session starts with children building custom-designed models depicting well-known examples of Irish built heritage. There is open discussion about the built environment, our place within it and why we preserve and protect historical structures. The class is asked to suggest some local examples and then, in groups, children recreate these in an imaginative way using the LEGO bricks and figures provided. The resulting creations are shared in a fun “show and tell”.

In small groups, children build custom models which represent aspects of Irish culture whilst learning the importance and value of the topics through open discussion. This is followed by a classroom activity where local cultural heritage that is meaningful to the children is suggested; that meaning is then creatively expressed by the children using the assorted LEGO bricks provided.

Post-primary school visits

In this workshop, students discover some of the many species of native pollinators. They create different types of bees and butterflies from Lego bricks and have open discussion about pollinator anatomy, adaptations, interdependence with native flora and the importance of biodiversity. In the wildflower segment, students examine the physiology of some easily recognised Irish wildflowers, noting the ways in which they are suited to our pollinators. Working in groups, students create examples of wildflowers out of LEGO bricks and design their own mini habitats for their creations.

Every stone has a story to tell! Students will consider Ireland’s most common historical building material in a new light. They are shown LEGO brick versions of well-known stone structures and told the stories behind them, also noting the different “stone” colours, textures and even the tenacious plant life wedged in the gaps. They build examples of story-rich monuments out of LEGO bricks (eg a High Cross). In open discussion, students identify examples of stone-built heritage structures in their own locality and speculate on who built them, who lived or worked in them and why. Finally, the students break into groups to create their own stone structures, each with its own story.

Books and films can evoke romantic visions of early 20th century village life in Ireland but how idyllic was it? Students are introduced to LEGO-built examples, from the village pump to the old Irish telephone box. They build their own and are encouraged to consider how these simple fixtures played a part in everyday life. The focus shifts to buildings such as schoolhouses and cottages with an open discussion on traditional building materials such as stone, cob, thatch and lime – where, when and why were they were used/disused? The students create thatched cottages out of LEGO bricks and then build their own village as a group project.

Testimonials

  • "I will be looking to book Jessica again. The girls thoroughly enjoyed it and were engaged from start to finish." - St Philomenas NS, Offaly
  • "Really enjoyed it and have recommended it to others." - Clonbullogue NS, Offaly
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  • "Jessica totally engaged the children and gave them lots of information in a fun, interactive way." - Ardtona House School, Dublin
  • "Excellent initiative that the children thoroughly enjoyed." - Rathangan BNS, Kildare
  • "The children loved Jessica's workshop on bees, butterflies and flowers. They had so much fun working together on their Lego creations and learning lots about biodiversity. Jessica's resources were excellent and so well organised. She is a fantastic facilitator, we would not hesitate to book with her again." - Scoil Mhuire Senior School, Kildare
  • "Jessica was fantastic! She has such skills and background, which helped her to deliver really enjoyable, high interest content. Our pupils were so engaged with her planned activities. We would love to have Jessica back another time. Thanks to the Heritage in Schools programme for supporting our Summer Programme for pupils with additional needs." - Scoil Ghráinne CNS, Kildare
  • "Jessica was so knowledgeable and the children really enjoyed learning about bees/butterflies and flowers in Ireland. They loved being creative with Lego to build their own bees & flowers." - Our Lady of Consolation NS, Dublin
  • "This was a fantastic workshop! Jessica worked with our summer programme groups with ease. Each group had different age levels with varying needs. All children were included, enjoyed the hands-on activities and left with lots of new facts!" - St Louis Primary School, Dublin
  • "I would highly recommend Jessica to visit any school. Her sessions with the children were interesting & fun as well as informative & educational. The children really enjoyed getting creative with the Lego especially our AS pupils. Jessica's passion & enthusiasm for Lego is clearly evident in her sessions. Her patience & kindness with all our students should be commended as she encouraged & supported each of the girls creativity. Thank you so much Jessica for your wonderful visit & I hope you will visit us again!" - Holy Spirit GNS, Dublin
  • "Jessica brought a wonderful day of play and creativity to the classroom. The activities had the children captivated and engaged from beginning to end. Jessica ensured that the children understood that from their play experience they were learning by referring back to the the new information she shared with the class about bees, butterflies and wildflowers. A well planned day and great memories made." - Rushall NS, Laois
  • "Jessica did an excellent job in our school. The girls learned so much. They loved it and Jessica really brought their creativity to the fore." - St. John of God, Dublin
  • "Jessica was fantastic. The boys really loved learning about biodiversity through LEGO. It was a huge success." - St. David's NS, Dublin
  • "A fantastic experience. Educational, fun and inspiring. Would rate Jessica as one of the best Heritage visitors we have had!" - Lacken National School, Wicklow

Additional Information

  • Primary school visits
  • Post-Primary school visits
  • Provides in-person visits
  • Caters for special needs
  • Provides practical/hands-on activities

Contact Details

Mobile:
(087) 438 2858
Email:
jessicafarrellbrickartist@gmail.com