Ross Cochrane - Heritage Experts | Heritage in Schools

Ross Cochrane

Ross Cochrane
Subject(s):
Science, History, Geography, Arts (including Visual Art and Drama, Film and Theatre Studies)
Counties catered for:
Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Roscommon, Sligo, Westmeath
Classes catered for:
All classes (primary), All year groups (post-primary)

Book in-person visit


Ross is passionate about instilling a curiosity and appreciation through traditions that connect us. Providing lessons inside and outside a classroom setting; workshops are group centred; inclusive of biodiversity, objects from nature and of activities from living traditions; with a strong emphasis on the Irish language where appropriate. Activities can be tailored to suit location, inclusive of worksheets, hands on activities, involve active participation and explorative learning.

Primary school visits

This visit is play-centred; delivered through fun, vibrant and exciting lessons which involve Children exploring and learning about nature in their surroundings. Inclusive of lots of activities and games, including objects from nature, with a strong emphasis on the Irish Language; topics include animal sounds and movements / following animal tracks, woodland crafts, Irish plant names, the stories and folklore associated with them.

Lessons can be delivered on and off-site as a nature walk; identifying plants and trees, discussing their symbolism and how they were used by our ancestors. Topics explore how to identify medicinal, harmful and edible plants and how our ancestors respected and used these plants, living connected to and as part of their environment.

Exploring a 10,000 year old history, discovering the wild bogs of Ireland; children learn how they were formed after the last ice age, their cultural associations and uses, towards gaining an awareness of the climate and ecological impacts of Bogs and their restoration. - As part of classroom learning process’ the pupils will make their own 'Bog in a Bottle', getting their hands dirty, understanding the composition and materials of ‘what makes a bog’.

This lesson also examines wetland wildlife; plants, creatures, mammals and insects as well as insectivorous plants, wading birds and cranes which inhabit the environment. – This lesson is also available as a guided walk along a local bog, where netting, catch and release and the sampling for aquatic organisms are examined and identified through explorative activity sheets and visual aids.

Discover the ocean through fun experiences and curiosity, hunting for seashells, rock-pooling and dipping for coastline dwellers. Inspirational learning activities are designed for children to expand their knowledge of our oceans, coastline environments and causes and effects of climate on the marine life that calls it home. Topics include; ecology and habitat food webs; pollution, and climate change; as well as meditative sand sculpture and sounds of the sea activities.

Lessons are inclusive of fun and informal learning, examining the ever-changing seascape environment; sea cusps and sea foraging as well as stories of peoples and islands; mermaids and creatures that inhabit and surround the sea.  A visit can be delivered through visual aids in the classroom, or as an on-site visit to a coastal area and / or beach session, where they can examine creatures in their natural habitat.

Post-primary school visits

This engaging workshop explores our relationship with the natural world through a combination of nature awareness, plant and species identification, games, practical activities, and mindfulness-based practices. Blending hands-on learning with wellbeing, participants are encouraged to reconnect with their local environment and develop a deeper understanding of the natural landscape around them.

Participants learn to identify native plants, trees, and wildlife species while exploring topics such as medicinal, edible, and potentially harmful plants. Discussions examine the traditional uses of plants, their symbolism in folklore and culture, and the ways in which our ancestors lived in close connection with the natural world.

Workshops can be delivered on-site or off-site and may take the form of field studies, nature walks, landscape investigations, or explorations of ancient sites and traditional crafts. Learning is enriched through connections with history, geography, geology, archaeology, and environmental studies.

Programmes can be delivered as a single-day experience or over multiple days, allowing for an in-depth exploration of specific habitats, landscapes, or topographical environments.

Maximum group size: 15-16 participants per day

Workshop topics include the history and traditions of ceramics, design development, drawing and template creation, idea generation, clay preparation, construction techniques, and decorative surface treatments. Participants will explore a variety of finishing methods, incorporating texture, pattern, and decorative detail into their work.

Traditional firing processes form a key element of the programme. Participants will investigate historic firing methods and, through a collaborative group activity, will assist in the construction of a simple kiln, gaining first-hand experience of the firing process and its creative possibilities.

The workshop is primarily practical and skills-based, providing participants with the opportunity to develop confidence, creativity, and technical competence in ceramics. It can be tailored to suit different experience levels, from beginners to those wishing to expand their existing skills.

Duration: Five-day programme
Maximum group size: 6 participants per day.

This hands-on workshop introduces participants to traditional log-building techniques and the craft of creating a kuksa (a traditional wooden cup). Drawing on historic woodworking traditions, participants gain practical experience in both timber construction and carved wooden objects while developing an appreciation for vernacular architecture and traditional craftsmanship. 

Participants will learn the principles of traditional log construction by helping to cut, prepare, and assemble sections of a small dovetailed log structure. Through this process, they will explore the methods and techniques used in historic timber-framed buildings and gain an understanding of the role of log construction within traditional architecture.

Workshop topics include the history of log building, project planning and design, technical drawing, log scribing, timber preparation, and construction techniques. Participants will have the opportunity to use a range of traditional hand tools, including axes and carving tools, alongside modern power tools commonly used in contemporary woodworking.

The programme combines practical, hands-on learning with theoretical instruction, allowing participants to develop an understanding of both the historical context and technical processes involved in traditional woodcraft. As part of the workshop, participants may also create a carved wooden kuksa, learning essential shaping, carving, and finishing techniques. (A kuksa is a hand-carved wooden cup, traditionally made from burl, shaped and hollowed using axes, knives, and spoon gouges.)

While all necessary skills will be taught during the workshop, some prior experience with woodworking tools would be beneficial. All tools and materials are provided.

Please note: Participants should wear suitable work clothes and sturdy footwear appropriate for a practical woodworking environment.

Duration: Five-day programme

Maximum group size: 6 participants per day.

Testimonials

  • "A lovely day exploring our school grounds. The children were actively engaged all day and gained lots of information about the natural environment around our school." - Barnacogue NS, Mayo
  • "Ross was fantastic with the children and kept repeating things and asking the children questions to ensure they were learning. Ross visited the school beforehand and checked out the environment he would be working in and was therefore very familiar with the surroundings. I would highly recommend Ross to other schools and it was a pleasure working with him." - Killygarry NS, Cavan
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  • "A very worthwhile and enjoyable day. Ross was very, very knowledgeable indeed. Thank you!" - St Daigh's NS, Monaghan
  • "A lovely day exploring our school grounds. The children were actively engaged all day and gained lots of information about the natural environment around our school." - Barnacogue NS, Mayo
  • "Very informative and highly educational, kept the children engaged and was thoroughly enjoyed." - Corliss NS, Cavan
  • "The pupils had an amazing day exploring the great outdoors!" - St. Attracta's NS, Roscommon
  • "Very enjoyable. Ross was very well informed." - St Daigh's NS, Monaghan
  • "Something really different and interesting . Children took a real interest in this out door learning" - Farnham NS, Cavan
  • "Ross was fantastic, absolutely brilliant! The children and the class teacher loved him." - Model School Bailieborough, Cavan
  • "This was an excellent informative visit. The children really enjoyed learning about plants and animals around out school grounds." - Miltown NS, Cavan
  • "Excellent, all classes thoroughly enjoyed the visit." - Knockconan NS, Monaghan
  • "The Heritage expert Ross Cochrane was excellent on the subject and spoke to the children on their level." - Bunscoil Lughaidh Naofa, Monaghan
  • "We thoroughly enjoyed the day and learnt a vast amount about the tress and plants in our hedgerow and our school yard. Ross had an excellent rapport with the children and maintained their interest throughout the tour. Thank you Ross." - Killeevan Central NS, Monaghan
  • "Ross is a wealth of knowledge and the children and staff thoroughly enjoyed the sessions. Everything was child friendly and age appropriate and we all learned so much from him. We are working towards our Green-Schools flag on Biodiversity and Ross visit tied in nicely with this. It also brought in folklore too. Thoroughly enjoyable. Ross was also very flexible and worked around our lunch times and covid procedures." - St. Michael's NS, Monaghan
  • "This was a wonderful visit. The children learned so much about the biodiversity within their own school grounds before we even went further afield...we definitely look forward to a future visit to further explore our natural world around us!" - Clogher NS, Mayo
  • "Ross was a fantastic facilitator, all the children were engaged and lots of fun games and activities." - Foxford NS, Mayo
  • "Excellent tutor" - Kilnaleck NS, Cavan
  • "We were very impressed by the vast knowledge of the heritage officer and delivery of the content using a range of methodologies." - Curravagh NS, Cavan
  • "An extremely informative and enjoyable experience" - Killeshandra NS (C. of I.)
  • "Excellent Heritage in schools visit. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed it." - St. John's NS, Mayo
  • "Ross was fantastic with the pupils. Every pupil was engaged and listening at all times. Really great content too!" - Killeen NS, Mayo
  • "Ross was excellent. The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience, found loads to fire their interests in nature and our local environment." - Callystown NS, Louth
  • "The visit went really well and the children really enjoyed the day. Ross was very good with the pupils ad they responded very well to him. We look forward to having Ross back again soon." - Fatima NS, Leitrim
  • "Very informative and practical visit that was an enjoyable experience for all." - St Bernard's NS, Longford
  • "Ross was very easy to deal with and the children found him to be very interesting and engaging." - Robinstown NS, Meath
  • "Excellent from start to finish, from booking to consultations with the expert and the actual week. Ross was really flexible and so helpful, working with both teachers, visiting teachers and pupils. He researched the area before he came and was able to recommend locations. When it was raining torrentially on one of the days he completely changed to an indoor programme with more fantastic activities. Highly recommend" - St. Paul’s NS, Meath
  • "The children enjoyed the interactive part and the games" - St Baithin’s NS, Donegal
  • "Extremely knowledgeable expert who created a wonderful learning experience for the children." - St. Peter's NS, .Meath
  • "Lovely Presentation. Thank You Ross" - St Colmcille NS, Longford
  • "Ross was just fantastic - he gave 110% to the pupils from start to finish. He made a genuine connection not just with pupils but with our school and our history." - Leckaun National School, Leitrim
  • "Very happy with how Ross interacted with the children. The content of the programme was very good." - Coronea N.S. Arva, Co. Cavan
  • "A very informative and enjoyable day. The children engaged well and gained a deeper appreciation of the complexity and fragility of their natural environment." - Drumacruttin National School, Monaghan
  • "A fantastic and very enjoyable day with Ross. The children really enjoyed learning about their local school environment and the visit was a very worthwhile experience for all the pupils thanks to Ross' knowledge and expertise." - Scoil Chroi Naofa, Westmeath
  • "It was a lovely experience for all classes. Ross was very engaging and kept the children's interests all day." - Drumraney NS, Westmeath
  • "Yesterday's Heritage Visit at Emper N.S and its environs from Ross was very successful. The children really benefitted from Ross' knowledge that he so generously shared with us. Much was learned about our local flora & fauna. The day's programme complimented our SESE learning objectives. Míle Buíochas!" - Emper NS, Westmeath
  • "Very enjoyable and informative visit. The pupils were very engaged." - St. Ernans N.S.
  • "Very happy with visit, Ross had great knowledge and interacted very well with all age groups." - Scoil Mhuire, Westmeath
  • "Ross was extremely professional with the excellent use of gaeilge. His content was engaging and the children thoroughly enjoyed their session." - Kilmore Central National School, Cavan
  • "Great experience for the kids and Ross has a great manner with the children and a great personality" - Streamstown NS, Westmeath
  • "Fantastic experience." - Scoil Mhuire, Clontibret, Monaghan
  • "Our school had 2 wonderful days with Ross. Th pupils really responded to his sessions and enjoyed them. We all learned plenty during the two days." - Scoil Mhuire Naofa, Leitrim
  • "A very well organised and enjoyable day thanks to Ross' knowledge and expertise. The pupils gained a great amount of knowledge about their local environment. A very worthwhile experience." - Scoil Chroí Naofa, Leitrim
  • "Ross was an excellent heritage expert who fully engaged with all classes.The classes were all active during the session and were fully focused at al times. Ross had a great way with the children and the sessions were enjoyed by all classes." - Scoil Treasa Naofa, Donegal
  • "The Heritage visit was amazing. Both children and teachers thoroughly enjoyed it. Ross was super with the children and they learned so much." - St. Michael's, Westmeath
  • "Would recommend disposable blindfolds for teachers during bat activity." - St. Mary’s, Westmeath
  • "The pupils had a wonderful day with Ross. The workshop was very interactive, informative and fun." - Fatima NS, Leitrim
  • "Excellent, all classes thoroughly enjoyed the visit." - Scoil Cholmcille, Monaghan
  • "Excellent, extremely engaging for all ages. Great use of Irish Language inter woven. Very knowledgeable specialist. Lovely use of playful and educational activities for the students." - Killeevan NS, Monaghan
  • "An excellent visit enjoyed by both children and teachers alike." - Ratoath Senior National School, Meath
  • "Ross was absolutely brilliant with the children, maintaining their interest at all times with insightful facts about the forest park we visited. The teachers learned a lot from Ross which we will use in our own planning for the SESE curriculum." - Kilmore Central National School, Cavan
  • "Ross has a great way with the children; mixing up activities to keep it engaging, informative and fun." - Ballinlough National School, Roscommon
  • "Enjoyable visit!" - Killeshandra N.S, Cavan
  • "Everyone really enjoyed the visit and found it very informative." - Milltown National School, Cavan

Additional Information

  • Primary school visits
  • Post-Primary school visits
  • Provides in-person visits
  • Caters for special needs
  • Provides practical/hands-on activities
  • Provides field trips
  • Visits as Gaeilge

Contact Details

Mobile:
085 1621352
Email:
rosscochrane@gmail.com