Orla Bates
- Subject(s):
- Science, Geography
- Curriculum Strands:
- Natural environments (Geography), Environmental awareness and care (Geography/Science), Living things (Science)
- Counties catered for:
- Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford
- Classes catered for:
- All Classes
Book virtual / in-person visit
Órla is a visual artist and qualified teacher in art and design education. She has been delivering art workshops, projects, and a wide range of art education initiatives in primary schools for over fifteen years. During this time Órla has developed a special interest in our natural heritage and enjoys designing and facilitating workshops that use art and nature as a stimulus for children’s creativity.
Órla offers engaging, hands-on workshops and projects that link nature, art, and creativity. In each visit Órla uses the natural environment to stimulate children’s curiosity and creativity through visual art and outdoor learning. Her workshops feature a range of art making and outdoor activities, with a fun, cross curricular approach to learning about Ireland’s natural heritage.
In-person school visits
A visit with Orla offers a range of SESE topics to explore through the visual art strands. Topics can be adapted to suit different age groups and delivered as a one-day workshop or extended projects.
Virtual school visits
Testimonials
"Orla went above and beyond to make the visit enjoyable & educational for the children. Not only did she have the challenge of delivering it via zoom but she also had a large class to cater for. My class throughly enjoyed the visit & learnt so much. Orla’s feedback to them is always positive but yet constructive thus ensuring they learn from her too. It is evident a huge amount of time when into her pre-session video & the structure of her zoom lesson - thank you Orla! I would love to do another session again next year. It was such a worthwhile & enjoyable experience. I highly recommend." - Scoil Realt Mara, Wexford
"The art Orla did with the students was fantastic. Her ideas were brilliant and the students particularly enjoyed making their art scrolls. They also really enjoyed the thought provoking cards to look for materials prior to the visit. I will certainly be using these cards and her art scrolls in future years." - Carlow ETNS, Carlow
"Very enjoyable workshop which was very relevant to our Green Schools Biodiversity theme." - St.Laurence's NS, Kildare
"Excellent - Well organised and prepared - very interactive!" - Sacred Heart NS, Wexford
"The children really enjoyed the lesson with Orla. They were fully engaged for the hour. They were delighted with the work that they produced. Super lesson!" - Scoil Naomh Úna, Wexford
"Orla was excellent and held the children's attention throughout the zoom call. Would love when restrictions allow for Orla to come back to school as fantastic experience." - Boolavogue NS, Wexford
"The kids in my class thoroughly enjoyed their zoom with Orla on biodiversity and are very excited to take part in the blitz. The presentation was excellent." - Murrintown NS, Wexford
"My class and I had a very positive experience. The pre recorded video, nature hunt cards and hedgerow quiz we were sent were all very child and teacher friendly, and ticked many strands of the SESE curriculum. Children really enjoyed getting out in nature and had a structured visit to the garden and wildlife areas in our school using the resources Orla had sent. Orla is a wonderful artist and taught the art lesson in a way I never could. The children were so mindful as they followed Orla's lesson on zoom. A great experience for all." - Mercy Moyderwell Primary School, Kerry
"My class greatly enjoyed the whole experience! It was lovely to get outdoors exploring and Orla’s virtual workshop and interaction with the class was excellent. The children are all very proud of their finished art projects!" - Scoil Nuachabháil, Kerry
"The children thoroughly enjoyed the session and engaged very well considering it was a virtual session." - Scoil Moling Glynn , Carlow
"Super professionalism from Orla. Wonderful ideas, classroom management, lovely manner with both students and teachers"
"Órla has been coming to our school for quite a few years now to participate in our Annual Arts Week. Her workshops are always a highlight of the week for students and teachers alike. Órla has a fantastic way with the children and ensures that they become totally immersed in the subject matter. As always we would like to thank the scheme for giving us the opportunity to have her back again and we look forward to having Órla back again."
"From planning to the implementation of the lessons, Orla was excellent" - Kilmore NS
"Really lovely class, children got so much from it, highly recommend to other teachers" - Kilmore NS, Wexford
"This was our last visit form Orla. The children have really enjoyed every lesson. Today the children got to put their final pieces together and they really enjoyed this. Orla communicates very well with the children and she is very approachable. Orla had all the materials and resources to hand that the children needed. This was excellent as infants don't have the patience to wait. She demonstrated what they were to do and interacted with each group, helping and praising, throughout. The finished pieces of art turned out excellently and the children were delighted and very proud of their work!" - Scoil Naomh Maodhóg, Ferns, Co Wexford
"Órla had an excellent rapport with the children and all thoroughly enjoyed her visit." - Creenkill NS, Kilkenny
"Orla has been coming to our school for the last number of years and the children look forward to her visits each year. She is so organised and professional and has a fantastic way with the children." - Kennedy Park NS, Wexford
"True professional who worked with the children wonderfully. Orla was well prepared. She used 'The Grove' which is situated just beside our school as a stimulus and used elements of their trip to 'The Grove' to aid her lesson. Wonderful work." - Scoil Mhuire, Rosslare, Co Wexford
"Really lovely class, children got so much from it, highly recommend to other teachers" - Kilmore NS, Wexford
"A really enjoyable and interactive workshop. Órla interacted so well with the children and they thoroughly enjoyed it." - Wandesforde NS, Kilkenny
"She really brings the best out of the children in a fun & educational way. Órla was excellent in all aspects of the visit." - Scoil realt na Mara, Wexford
"Great sessions thoroughly enjoyed by all pupils on nature and wildlife around them .Super hands on activities to reinforce key learning ideas. Wonderful facilitator." - Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál, Kilkenny
"The children really engaged in the activity and enjoyed it." - Saint Iberius, Wexford
"Excellent contact with facilitator prior to visit, the content was very well prepared and well presented. Orla communicated with the pupils at their level with age/skill appropriate content. She was excellent, efficient and thorough throughout." - S.N na h-Aille, Tipperary
"As always Órla was so well prepared and before the visit had made contact with lots of support materials and suggestions. She also had test Zoom calls to make sure everything would go smoothly on the day as it was an online session." - Kennedy Park NS, Wexford
Additional Information
- Provides in-person visits
- Provides virtual visits
- Caters for special needs
- Provides practical/hands-on activities
- Provides field trips
Contact Details
- Mobile:
- 086 376 8204
- Email:
- batesorla@gmail.com