Navan Centre and Fort and Palace Stables Education Brochure

Education

@ Navan Centre & Fort & Palace Stables, Armagh www.armagh.co.uk

Food In The Past

FOUNDATION STAGE | KEY STAGE 1 | Navan Centre & Fort Pupils will participate in a food and cooking workshop and meet characters from our award-winning Living History department. Pupils will learn to categorise different kinds of food, places where food is bought and different types of packaging. They will get a chance to make bread using techniques used by the ancient Celts and then have their bread baked in a pre-Christian dwelling while meeting them. They will learn how the Celts hunted for, cooked and prepared their food and compare and contrast food in the past with food in modern day.

CURRICULUM LINKS: The World Around Us KEY SKILLS: Language and Literacy, Mathematics and Numeracy, The Arts, Personal Development and Mutual Understanding

1:2 education programme @ navan centre & fort | palace stables

‘What an amazing experience to visit the Navan Centre with a school group. The staff are friendly and welcoming and every aspect of the day is well organised and stimulating for the children. A wonderful educational experience for both children and teachers - I book for the next year as soon as I return to school and even took an extra trip without the children in summer so I would have time to listen and enjoy! I would recommend Navan Centre as a visit not to be missed.’

Helen Craig, All Children’s Integrated Primary School, Newcastle

From Stone Age To An Early Christian Dwelling KEY STAGE 2 | Navan Centre & Fort

Through a number of interactive activities students will be transported through the changes from Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age to an early Christian settlement in Ireland . Students will visit an early Christian dwelling and meet a character from the Celtic era who will display hunting, weapons, cooking methods, clothing and the role of men and women in early Christian times.

They will also have the opportunity to take on the role of an archaeologist discovering some of the unique archaeological finds from the fort and surrounding area delving deeper into the mysteries and historical significance of Navan. Finally, with our award winning Living History Interpreters students will be involved in a dramatisation of the mythical legend of Cu Chulainn.

They can also learn about the ancient legend of the Loughnashade Dragon who lives in the magical lake guarding the treasure of King Conor MacNessa.

CURRICULUM LINKS: The World Around Us KEY SKILLS: Language and Literacy, Mathematics and Numeracy, The Arts, Personal Development and Mutual Understanding ‘The Stone Age programme was a very enjoyable experience. The children loved meeting the Celtic man and woman. They experienced what housing was like through seeing inside the house. The Timeline activity was excellent as it showed children the different periods of time. A very enjoyable and worthwhile programme enjoyed by teachers and children alike.’ Thomas McKane, Millington Primary School

The Vikings And The Monks Visiting The Past KEY STAGE 2 | Navan Centre & Fort

This activity involves an exploration of Early Christian Ireland by examining the impact of both Monastic and Viking cultures.

Students encounter real life Vikings and visit a Viking trading post, looking at Viking weaponry and way of life. Students have the opportunity to dress up in Viking costume and act out a Viking shield wall.

An additional workshop involves looking at timelines and time capsules. Students learn about Saint Patrick and his impact on the monasteries that were established all across Ireland. They learn about the book of Armagh and dress up as monks and learn to write with a quill and ink as well as working with runic writing when making a special Viking craft.

CURRICULUM LINKS: The World Around Us KEY SKILLS: Language and Literacy, Mathematics and Numeracy, The Arts, Personal Development and Mutual Understanding ‘Each year I take my P6 class to the Vikings programme at the Navan Centre. Without fail, we are always treated to a fantastic standard of hands on educational activities.

The programme is always expertly delivered, engaging the interests of every child and provides a firm basis for further crosscurricular work back in the classroom.

Highly recommended.’ Kenny Qua, Markethill Primary School

3:4 education programme @ navan centre & fort | palace stables

Justice Past and Present

KEY STAGE 2 | Navan Centre & Fort During the first part of this two hour visit students learn about the similarities and differences between the justice system employed by the Vikings and that used today. They then have the opportunity to dress in costume and to interact with two living history ninth century Viking characters and participate in a Viking trial. Pupils train as Law Speakers and one student as Eric the Legless will stand trial at the Thing Mote for a serious crime! 12 students will act as jurors and the rest of the students will help represent the accused and the victim.

Afterwards, pupils will assemble a Viking craft and participate in a Viking workshop which will involve them handling artifacts from the times of the Vikings and the Monks. They will consolidate their learning experience through means of a Viking and Monk timeline.

Storytelling

KEY STAGE 1 & 2 | Navan Centre & Fort Pupils will have the opportunity to meet and interact with our award winning Living History Characters from the Georgian period representing both the gentry and servant classes. The characters will dramatize and narrate traditional stories, nursery rhymes and songs. Each pupil will also partake in a themed craft activity.

A special Storytelling programme can be performed with reference to Celtic myths and legends and delivered by a Celtic character.

BOXES IN THE ATTIC KEY STAGES 1 & 2 | Palace Stables

Key Stage 1 pupils discover aspects of life in the recent past through a variety of memory boxes containing household artifacts. Children will also dramatise life in the big house and follow a mystery trail to discover aspects of life from the past. Students will also have the chance to meet and interact with our Living History in the person of a School Master or Butler. This programme can also be offered with a special focus on Victorian toys and games.

Please contact us for further details.

Key Stage 2 pupils delve deeper into the past focusing on the Victorian era, considering the effects of inventions through time and the benefits to society. Victorian artifacts are used to look at life in the Big House. There is drama and a Victorian school room to attend. Guidance sheets are available if you wish to dress in Victorian style.

CURRICULUM LINKS: The World Around Us KEY SKILLS: Language and Literacy, Mathematics and Numeracy, The Arts, Personal Development and Mutual Understanding 5:6 education programme @ navan centre & fort | palace stables

Our Senses

FOUNDATION | KEY STAGE 1, NURSERY - P3 | Palace Stables This multi-sensory activity allows our youngest visitors to explore the sights, sounds, smells, touch and tastes of the past whilst meeting our Living History Interpreters. Pupils will be engaged in discovery, using nursery rhymes, storytelling, games, singing and dressing up to stimulate all their senses. This visit can also include activities in the Garden of the Senses.

CURRICULUM LINKS: The World Around Us KEY SKILLS: Language and Literacy, Mathematics and Numeracy, The Arts, Personal Development and Mutual Understanding

Tree Tales And Teddy Bear Trails Palace Stables

FOUNDATION | LOWER PRIMARY | NURSERY | PRIMARY 2 This experience encourages pupils to be aware of and value the natural environment. It combines storytelling, with discovery, investigative and practical activities including a study of animals, their habitats, and a woodland trail.

KEY STAGE 1 | PRIMARY 3 | PRIMARY 4 Pupils look at conservation and preservation of trees and wildlife in greater depth and use their senses in tree identification and woodland games. All pupils have the opportunity to dramatise a woodland story.

CURRICULUM LINKS: The World Around Us KEY SKILLS: Mathematics and Numeracy, The Arts, Personal Development and Mutual Understanding, Physical Education

7:8 education programme @ navan centre & fort | palace stables heritage centre

WORLD WAR II

KEY STAGE 1 & 2 | PRIMARY 4 & 5 Palace Stables

This unique experience involves our education staff working along side a Living History Interpreter to give an insight of ‘Life During World War 2’.Pupils will examine The Blitz, Evacuees, rationing and much more during World War 2. School children will also meet with an American ‘G.I’ based in Armagh. Each pupil will create their own Identity Card in preparation for evacuation. Pupils will also visit an air-raid shelter and explore the role of an Evacuation Officer CURRICULUM LINKS: The World Around Us KEY SKILLS: language and Literacy, Mathematics and Numeracy, The Arts, Personal Development and Mutual Understanding, Physical Education

Habitat And Woodland Trails

KEY STAGE 2, UPPER PRIMARY | Palace Stables These trails have been designed to develop an understanding of ecological issues relating to the woodland in summer and winter. Pupils will be involved in a range of progressive activities during the active seasonal trails. Activities introduce ecological concepts, observation, identification and recording techniques extending environmental awareness and the concept of a sustainable environment through hands on experimental learning. Children will also partake in a study of habitat.

CURRICULUM LINKS: The World Around Us KEY SKILLS: Mathematics and Numeracy, The Arts, Personal Development and Mutual Understanding, Physical Education

9:10 education programme @ navan centre & fort | palace stables

Orienteering

KEY STAGE 2 & 3, PRIMARY & POST PRIMARY Palace Stables Pupils will have the opportunity to enhance their self confidence and map reading skills through a range of progressive exercises. This will involve tuition using specialist orienteering equipment, basic map skills, progressing to successfully completing a basic orienteering course by the end of their first session.

A new Palace Gardens Orienteering Course has recently been launched to further enhance his popular programme. palacestablesorienteering.blogspot.com CURRICULUM LINKS: The World Around Us KEY SKILLS: Mathematics and Numeracy, Physical Education Newtownhamilton students have been frequenting the Palace Stables for the last five years now, preparing for the annual Orienteering Festival which is an anticipated event on our school calendar! The year 8 students thoroughly enjoy applying their new found skills to the orienteering course, and their success has been rewarded on every occasion with medals and certificates. The Palace Stables offers an excellent educational experience outside of the classroom, for pupils to explore and appreciate their local surroundings, whilst developing new geographic skills in a kinesthetic and visual way.

Emma Devlin, Newtownhamilton High School

Orienteering G.C.S.E | Palace Stables A 3 day Orienteering Assessment for pupils taking GCSE P.E.. The structured development of Orienteering skills includes an introduction to Orienteering, -equipment, navigation and compass work. Each session comprises a mix of theory and practical sessions with pupils’ progress monitored throughout each session. Pupils will also be offered the opportunity to participate at the annual Orienteering festival with results acceptable for assessment AREAS OF LEARNING: Mathematics and Numeracy, Physical Education ‘I have been involved with the Armagh Schools’ Orienteering Festival’ for the last 4 years and am constantly impressed with the organisation of the event and the enthusiasm of the staff. I have used the festival as an example when encouraging other councils to introduce orienteering. Rain or shine it is wonderful to see so many children and young people enjoying the challenge of an inter-school event and I would encourage all schools to put the Festival in their calendar’ Helen Baxter, Regional Development Officer, Northern Ireland Orienteering

‘We have taken our GCSE PE students to the Palace Stables in Armagh for many years now. We have always received a warm and friendly welcome and the students have enjoyed immensely the course offered by Armagh City and District Council’s Education Department.

The two main tutors are excellent and the course is expertly delivered. They have been flexible in tailoring the course to our needs and have provided our school with great assistance in preparing our students for this part of the GCSE course. The facilities are perfect for beginning orienteerers and allow for both indoor and outdoor tuition. We are looking forward to the teaching and the competition in 2012.’

Mr. Jody Kelly, St. Patrick’s Academy Dungannon.

11:12 education programme @ navan centre & fort | palace stables

Other Programmes Viking Outreach KEY STAGE 2 | Palace Stables

A Viking character visits schools taking groups of between 20 - 40 students at a time in three 40 minute sessions. An introduction on the Vikings takes place with a brief look at a time capsule containing Viking and monastic artifacts. In the Viking area, students witness a variety of Viking tools, weaponry and dress and are shown how to spin, weave and make clothing.

Students are taught how to become a warrior as well as the importance of the slave trade to Viking culture.

Students get the opportunity to dress up in Viking clothing and re-enact a Viking shield wall. Schools also participate in a writing workshop, working with quills and ink as well as runes while making a Viking craft.

CURRICULUM LINKS: The World Around Us KEY SKILLS: Language and Literacy, Mathematics and Numeracy, The Arts, Personal Development and Mutual Understanding ‘The Viking visit was excellent. The children were shown weapons and how exactly the Vikings used them. They will remember this and be talking about meeting two Viscous Vikings for years to come.’ Thomas McKane, Millington Primary School

The Normans KEY STAGE 33 Designed for Key Stage 3 students of history, pupils meet with our award-winning Living History characters dressed in full Norman costume with authentic weapons and artifacts bringing the past to life. Students are entertained by William Fitzsavage our living history interpreter, a contemporary of Hugh de Lacey and great grandson of Hugh Fitzsavage who fought alongside William of Normandy at the battle of Hastings With the Education department, pupils have the opportunity to participate in a workshop to decide ‘who should be king?

The above programme can be performed with strict reference to the 1066 period AREAS OF LEARNING: Environment and Society, Language and Literacy, the Arts 13:14 education programme @ navan centre & fort | palace stables

Ulster Plantation Outreach KEY STAGE 3 Designed for Key Stage 3 students of history, pupils meet with our award-winning Living History characters dressed in full period costume with authentic weapons and artifacts bringing the past to life.

Pupils meet two characters from the time of the 1641 rebellion and learn about the fight of the Earls and the subsequent plantation period.

A demonstration of weaponry is followed by a short drama entitled: ‘Who would you rather be?’ involving characters as diverse as King Phillip II of Spain and a Scottish tenant farmer.

The Education Department of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council provides a unique educational experience to schools and community groups visiting Navan Centre & Fort to learn about their shared past.

Calendar Of Events October • Poetry Week

• Apple Week

• Halloween Club* November • National Tree Week [Habitat & Winter Ecology]

• Viking Month of Fire December • Christmas Through The Ages

January • World War 2 February • Boxes In The Attic March • Science Week

• Food In The Past April • Orienteering Month May • Orienteering Festival July • Action Grasshopper Summer Club*

* For Family Bookings Throughout The Year BTEC Visits For Leisure And Tourism Students.

MOY LEADING TO DUNGANNON

For additional information or to make a Booking please contact:

Education Department,

A29

Navan Centre & Fort,

RICHHILL LEADING TO PORTADOWN-BELFAST

B77

81 Killylea Road, Armagh, B115

BT60 4LD

St Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral

t: +44 (0) 28 3752 9648 f: +44 (0) 28 3752 6431 textphone users: 18001 3752 9648

w: www.armagh.co.uk

Navan Fort

NAVAN CENTRE A28

St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral

A3

A28

*

The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre

KILLYLEA LEADING TO OMAGH

St Patrick’s Trian

THE PALACE STABLES

e: education@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk A3

LEADING TO MONAGHAN

Observatory & Planetarium

A28

County Armagh Golf Club

MILFORD

A29

HAMILTONSBAWN LEADING TO TANDRAGEE

B31 MARKETHILL LEADING TO NEWRY-DUBLIN

Details in this brochure are correct at time of printing, please check our website for more information.