Bringing nature and local heritage into the classroom
Heritage in Schools visits with Siobhán Sloane.
Exploring built, natural and cultural heritage through hands-on activities and outdoor learning.
Part-funded by the Heritage Council
What is heritage in schools?
Learning beyond the classroom
The Heritage in Schools Scheme connects primary schools with Heritage Specialists who bring Ireland’s natural, cultural and built heritage to life through hands-on learning.
Visits are designed to complement the primary school curriculum and can take place in the classroom, school grounds or a local outdoor setting.
Part-funded by the Heritage Council
Available to all primary school classes
What can a Heritage in Schools visit look like?
Science · Geography · History
Siobhán’s visits encourage children to look closely at the natural world around them and explore how people, plants, animals and landscapes are connected. Through hands-on activities, games, observation and creative exploration, visits bring learning outdoors and can be adapted to different classes and linked to topics in the SESE curriculum, including Science, Geography and History.
Biodiversity
Explore woodland and peatland plants, habitats and food webs through interactive games and hands-on activities. Discover the web of life and the fascinating adaptations that help plants and animals survive.
The Language of Trees
Discover native Irish trees through identification, folklore, stories and hands-on activities. Explore how trees have been used for food, medicine, shelter and craft, and learn about their cultural importance through Ogham, an early Irish writing system. Activities can be adapted for the classroom, school grounds or a local field trip.
Forest School & outdoor classroom
Explore the natural world through nature games, observation, traditional skills and creative activities. Children have space to play, take supported risks and create with natural materials while developing confidence and a connection with nature.
Forest School is offered as a series of visits, allowing children to return to a natural setting and experience it throughout the seasons.
…and every visit bends to fit the class and the place
Meet Siobhán
HERITAGE IN SCHOOLS SPECIALIST
Siobhán Sloane is a Heritage in Schools Specialist with a BA (Hons) in Heritage Studies and training in Forest School Leadership. She has worked as an Environmental Educator with the Burren Nature Sanctuary and is a member of the Irish Forest School Association. She is also a qualified children’s yoga instructor.
Through Creative by Nature, Siobhán combines her background in heritage and environmental education with hands-on, child-led activities that encourage curiosity, creativity and a connection with the natural and cultural heritage around us.
Practical Information
Counties: Clare · Galway · Limerick · Mayo · Roscommon
Classes: All primary classes
Duration: Half day or full day
Setting: Classroom · school grounds · local field trip
Group size: max 30 children
Cost: Half day €60 · Full day €100 / DEIS: €40 · €60
Part-funded by the Heritage Council. Book five visits with the same Specialist in one calendar year and the fifth is free.
Let's get a date in the diary
Interested in booking a visit?
Visits are arranged with Siobhán and then booked through the Heritage in Schools scheme.
Good to know
Which classes can take part?
Visits can be adapted for all primary classes, from junior infants to sixth class.
Where can the visit take place?
Activities can happen in the classroom, on school grounds or at a suitable local outdoor setting.
How long does a visit last?
Half-day and full-day visits are available. The best format can be decided based on the class, topic and setting.
What topics can we explore?
Visits can focus on biodiversity, native trees, local landscapes, habitats, nature connection and outdoor learning, with activities linked to Science, Geography and History.
Can a visit be tailored to our class’s learning?
Yes. Each visit is shaped around the class, the school setting and the topics children are exploring in the SESE curriculum.
Do we need access to woodland or a large outdoor space?
No. Many activities work well in an ordinary classroom or school grounds. A local field trip can be incorporated where appropriate.
What should children bring or wear?
For outdoor sessions, children should have suitable clothing for the weather, including warm layers and waterproof footwear where needed.
How many children can take part?
Visits are designed for groups of up to 30 children.
Is Forest School a one-off visit?
Forest School is offered as a series of visits, giving children time to return to the same natural setting and notice changes through the seasons.
Which areas does Siobhán cover?
Siobhán visits schools in Clare, Galway, Limerick, Mayo and Roscommon.
How much does a visit cost?
A half-day visit costs €60 and a full day costs €100. DEIS rates are €40 for a half day and €60 for a full day. The fifth visit booked with the same Specialist in one calendar year is free.
How do we book?
Get in touch with Siobhán to discuss dates and ideas, then complete the booking through the Heritage in Schools scheme.