Schools Programme for 2012

The schools programme is mostly aimed at primary schools visiting the centre. However the programme can easily be adapted to fit the needs of visiting secondary schools. Indeed we welcome the visits of secondary schools and can put together a programme to suit each individual school as needed. For further information on secondary school tours please do not hesitate to contact us at the Michael Cusack Centre.

New Primary Schools Programme for 2011

The Michael Cusack Centre is introducing a new programme for primary schools visiting the Centre in 2012.
Prior to a schools visit, teachers will be furnished with an activity pack which they can distribute to children. This pack will include puzzles, word games and other materials based on/connected to their tour of the Michael Cusack Centre. The activity pack will engage children and prime them for their visit to the centre.

The schools visit will be educational, creative and fun and it will be geared to the relevant age group/curriculum. In addition to the audio-visual presentation on Michael Cusack, his life and times and the foundation of the GAA in the cottage, children will also learn about the Burren environment, history, folklore, mythology, native sports, culture and history, amongst other subjects. Time permitting students can also take part in a nature scavenger hunt on the cottage grounds and will enjoy pucking a sliothár at our new hurling skills wall.
Some of the tour will be indoors - including the audio-visual in the cottage and an introductory talk in the Expo room - but the tour will largely be conducted outdoors in the nature environment surrounding the cottage. Of course alterations to the tour can be made for wet days. The overall time of the programme is 60 minutes, however if teachers wish though, the tour can be shortened in length where time is an issue for visiting schools.

Index of subjects covered in the 2012 programme:

Information on the Burren area including:
• The Burren code
• Flora unique to the Burren
• Fauna regularly encountered in the area
• Bio-diversity - Mutualism- when two members of nature help one another--such as a bee and a flower.
• The Famine and the Burren area: including socio-economic effects.
• Typical housing during the famine
• Stone–wall building methods unique to the Burren
• Farming methods in the Burren including winterage including lazy beds
• Hedge schools
Approximate length of time: 10 minutes

Information on Irish place names:
• The origins of county names i.e. Kildare from Cill = Church
• The origins of County nicknames i.e. where did Clare get the name ‘The Banner County’. Where did Cork get the name ‘The Rebel County’?
Approximate length of time: 5 minutes


Information on native Irish trees:
(Example of the Ash Tree):
• one of the seven noble trees of Brehon Law
• Its connection to Irish Folklore – Cuchulainn
• A member of the Olive Tree family
• Its connection to our native sport of hurling
Approximate length of time: 5 minutes

A tour of Michael Cusack’s Cottage:
• Learn about the construction materials used in Michael Cusack’s cottage and similar cottages of the era i.e. straw thatch, stone walls, cob (mud) cottages
• The Penal Laws and windows and chimney size
• See the inside of a typical thatched cottage of the 19th Century
• Experience a revolutionary audio-visual presentation
• Learn about the man himself and the founding of the GAA
Length of time: 20 minutes

The Art of Hurling:
In the green area after a demo by their Michael Cusack Centre guide, students will be invited to take up a hurley and sliothár and try out their skills under the guidance of one of our experienced staff.
Length of time: 15 minutes

A nature scavenger hunt:A nature scavenger hunt will be held in the meadow at the back of the cottage. A nature scavenger hunt is a great way for children to explore the great outdoors and has the added benefit of encouraging creativity and getting children to notice their environment.


*There are a number of other attractions in the area that schools may also wish to visit, including Ailwee Cave, The Burren Centre Kilfenora, Caherconell Stone Fort, Cliffs of Moher and Poulnabrone Dolmen. The Michael Cusack Centre would be happy to work out a package encompassing a visit to one or more attractions in the Burren area.*

** Tours can be conducted through the medium of Irish by prior arrangement with the Michael Cusack Centre**

Further Information
Opening Hours: 10.00-17.00 (last admission 16.30)
Facilities on site: Gift shop, café, free parking, picnic area, toilets, bus parking
Rates: €2.75 per student. Teachers free admission
Appropriate Age : All ages
Maximum/Minimum capacity: Primary/sccondary school students/no minimum
Recommended length of time: 1 hour


For further information and pricing please contact us at 065-7089944 or email Michael Cusack Centre


Testimonials

"On Tuesday 25th October 2011, 4th class from Clarecastle N.S went on an outing to the Michael Cusack Centre in Carron, Co.Clare. Despite the day being very wet, the children really enjoyed the activities planned. The quiz was a great alternative to the outdoor hunt, some of the questions were a little difficult for the age group but it was still fun. The setting in the cottage and bringing the past to life in Michael’s homeplace was well conveyed and the children learned a lot about Michael Cusack and life at that time. The staff at the centre were most helpful ,friendly, obliging and professional and interacted most positively with the children. I definitely recommend this outing as a place to visit locally and capture some of the near local attractions whilst there. A great day guaranteed irrespective of the weather".

Christina Talty,
Class Teacher,
Clarecastle National School