Paddy Madden

Subject(s):

Science, History, Geography

Curriculum Strands:

Local Studies (History), Early people and ancient societies (History), Life, society, work and culture in the past (History), Continuity and change over time (History), Human environments (Geography), Natural environments (Geography), Environmental awareness and care (Geography/Science), Living things (Science)

Counties catered for:

Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow

Classes catered for:

All Classes

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Paddy is the author of Go Wild at School and worked for many years as a primary teacher and a student teacher educator in the Marino Institute of Education. He still regularly presents courses to teachers and non-teachers on nature based learning. His website is www.engagewithnature.ie

Testimonials

• "It was an absolutely amazing experience for students and teachers alike to engage with Paddy Madden. He captivated everybody and was a pure gentleman. His knowledge and passion for his work was outstanding and energizing. It was amazing to watch how he adapted his workshop to the level of each group of children he worked with and integrated all subject areas with ease. He gave generously of his time and spent a lot of time with a teacher after school day to discuss further work to benefit the school. He gave realistic, solid and practical guidance on how our school could develop a sustainable school garden, woodland area and sensory area. Paddy is a rare gem whom I highly recommend to all." - Presentation Convent Junior School, Westmeath

• "I was blown away by Paddy's enthusiasm, delivery and knowledge. The children were learning but so was the teacher! We could have listened to Paddy all day. I have no doubt that the children will remember his visit for years to come and that he has sparked great sense of curiousity and respect for the natural world and environment." - Presentation Girls School, Maynooth

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• "Paddy had an excellent rapport with the children and they were all enthralled by his fantastic display. Really appreciated his advice on how to develop our school garden."

• "Paddy engaged the children in the study of a woodland habitat. He has a fantastic knowledge of nature and builds up a very warm rapport with the children. Both teachers and pupils described the visit as amazing. We were delighted with his visit and will have him back again."

• "An absolutely fabulous day. The children gained a great understanding of the content and it was fantastic to see the children so enthusiastic. We hope to hire Paddy back to help us develop our school garden."

• "The children absolutely loved Paddy. They wanted to go back down again. They found it really interesting and learnt things they had never even heard of before. The resources and materials were fantastic. Paddy is passionate and knowledgeable and we were very lucky to have him come to our school. Some comments from the children: 'you'll love it if he comes to your school'; 'his stories are so funny'; 'what a storyteller'; 'I loved learning about the trees and the nature walk was lots of fun'; 'I never knew Crumlin was underwater - Paddy taught me that'; ' I'd never seen a bee nest before - it is so cool how the queen makes it'; etc."

• "Staff and children thoroughly enjoyed Paddy's school visit. He had excellent resources and engaged the children fully. Everyone gained a good insight into biodiversity. Paddy gave great advice for school garden. I would highly recommend him to other schools."

• "We love having Paddy visit us. He is full of fun and information and has a great way with all age groups. We all learn a lot from these visits, including teachers. This year we went outdoors and they learnt about trees right on their doorstep."

• "Couldn't fault Paddy. He engaged the children very well. He brought fabulous resources. Thank you - the kids enjoyed it immensely!"

• "Everybody in Lismullen N.S. thoroughly enjoys Paddy's visits. He is a wealth of knowledge and we look forward to seeing him every year!"

• "A super day with an absolute expert! The pupils rated it 10/10. Pupils and teacher alike loved the whole day in the woods and will repeat. The pupils plan to revisit the woods to see their lovely creations!"

• "Paddy is fantastic, we can't get enough of him and look forward to his next visit!"

• "Paddy was as always such a wealth of enthusiasm and information and the children were enthralled by him! They are talking about when he can come teach forever in our school. Thank you Paddy for everything!"

• "We had a wonderful day with Paddy. He had the full attention of all of the pupils from junior infants to 6th class and sustained them throughout the day. His knowledge and interests are so vast he tapped into the interests of each individual child. Thank you Paddy for a very informative day."

• "An absolute wealth of knowledge and a gentleman. Thank you for coming out Paddy. We will see you again soon."

• "A wonderful day and a great learning experience for children and adults alike. Thanks Paddy!"

• "Absolutely fantastic presentation and workshop by Paddy. There was an abundance of resources and the presentation was delivered in a child friendly, informative manner. All children were engrossed and thoroughly enjoyed the visit. I believe the visit will also leave a legacy in terms of our school applying the suggestions made by Paddy to enrich the biodiversity within our school."

• "Paddy was an excellent specialist - he engaged the pupils and they were active in their learning. The hands on nature of the activities ensured that the different learning styles of the pupils were catered for. The nature of their questions showed their interest and curiosity in the woodland habitat. The pupils oral language skills were developed as they became familiar with the names of trees, plants and mini-beasts. Paddy is full of interesting facts and has a lovely way of sharing this information with the pupils. The visit was well structured and maintained the pupils attention throughout."

• "The children thoroughly enjoyed the visit from Paddy. The children were fascinated by his display and wealth of knowledge on this topic. He had a fantastic rapport with them and engaged so well with them. The children were so enthralled that when the bell went they didn't want to leave the hall. Paddy has so much passion, it is fantastic for the children to experience this in such a child friendly way. A wonderful experience - we can't wait to have Paddy back in our school."

• "It was a fantastic day from start to finish. The resources Paddy brought were fantastic. Children were excited and engaged throughout the whole thing. The links Paddy had previously send were looked at by all involved. The children were more knowledgeable as a result. Curriculum was well covered in an interesting, hands-on way by Paddy who is a fountain of knowledge."

• "What a man. Inspired each child and each teacher alike!" - Curragh Girls NS, Kildare

• "This was a very worthwhile experience for all ages in the school and was thoroughly enjoyable and memorable. Thank you for providing this scheme." - Castlecuffe NS, Laois

• "Paddy developed a great rapport with the children and teachers. They learned so much in a fun way. He almost became embedded in the school over the five visits." - Glynn NS, Wexford

• "Paddy was engaging, well prepared and knowledgeable. We thoroughly enjoyed his visit and the children were extremely engaged at all times." - SN Muire Naofa, Offaly

• "Paddy was excellent with the children. He ensured there was enough equipment for every child, every child got an opportunity to dig and plant. A memorial experience." - St. Oliver's NS, Louth

• "A thoroughly enjoyable visit!" - Scoil Bhride, Kilkenny

• "A pleasure to have Paddy in the school, excellent communication in advance, thoroughly prepared, on time and above all great interaction with the children who were enthralled with his wealth of experience." - Scoil an Fhraoich Mhóir, Laois

• "Fantastic visit - the children loved it and were engaged throughout! Paddy provided great guidance to the Green Schools' committee and the entire student body in our work towards our Biodiversity flag. Thank you!" - Anon.

• "Mr. Madden was excellent and his knowledge and expertise was facinating and the manner in which he imparted that to the children was wonderful." - Scoil Bhríde, Kill, Co Kildare

• "An excellent day facilitated by a superb knowledgeable and gifted expert! A memorable experience for the entire school community! Wonderful to see effective teaching and learning that captivated all age groups through the powerful and age appropriate use of story and song! Reminded and reinforced to us all the rich natural heritage in our immediate environment! Highly recommended, inspiring for both pupils and teachers!" - Clara NS, Kilkenny

• "Paddy was inspirational. The work by the classes since he left is so impressive." - Scoil Náisiúnta Baile an Phiarsaigh, Wexford

• "Thank you for a wonderful day. We look forward to Paddy's next visit!" - Anon.

• "Very informative. A clear, concise presentation delivered at the appropriate level to each group. Children loved the practical element to each session and the endless resources Paddy brought with him. Paddy had a very friendly manner." - Curragh Girls NS, Kildare

• "Paddy is such a passionate speaker. He came with a large array of resources which delighted the students. They were engaged throughout his lesson. Paddy is a very knowledgeable and experienced speaker and is able to pitch his lessons to suit each class level. His enthusiasm was boundless and the children were enthralled." - Sacred Heart BNS, Dublin

• "If only we could have him everyday. Students were captivated and enthralled. Unfortunately I didn't get too meet him but the feedback from the teachers and students was excellent. Will hopefully have Paddy here again soon." - St. Colman's NS, Offaly

• "Paddy has such knowledge of plants and trees and he really connected with the children and brought the subject alive. They engaged fully with the theme of the fruits, seeds and leaves of Autumn hedgerows and he made it so interesting for the children, tapping into their natural curiosity. The workshop was creative, active and fully outdoors and facilitated the children in experiential learning about their local environment. A very enjoyable, informative and successful visit." - Scoil Chéile Chríost Rathmore NS, Kildare

• "We had a fantastic visit from Paddy and all the classes had a great session learning about trees and plants in our school woodland." - Newbridge Educate Together NS, Kildare

• "Outstanding practitioner! Paddy knows his audience and the children had an absolute ball. They learned so much from him and particularly loved the wasp's nest. All year groups were thoroughly engaged throughout and staff found him to be highly knowledgeable and approachable. Paddy also brought the teacher involved in the garden out for a consultation on how best to use the outdoor space. Fully recommend." - Scoil San Treasa, Kildare

• "This was an excellent visit from Paddy Madden. So knowledgeable and fantastic with the children." - St Mary's Senior NS, Wicklow

• "Very enjoyable and informative session from Paddy. Children had an excellent learning experience." - Kilskyre NS, Meath

• "Not just our Pupils but teachers,caretaker,SNAs and Principal alike all greatly enjoyed our School visit from Paddy. We all learned so much and the knowledge passed on to us in such an energetic and entertaining way. A great days fun and fresh air! We are all looking forward to Paddy's next visit in the Spring." - Scoil Bhride, Kildare

• "The children absolutely loved the visit and it really opened their eyes to the wealth of plants and trees on their own school grounds" - S N na Maighdine Mhuire, Kildare