Summer on the Nore- Using a River to Explore a Thematic Approach to the Curriculum

This summer course will introduce participants to the River Nore, and familiarise them with the catchment area (physical and political) of the river.

Participants will visit local sites of historical interest to include Gortnaclea Castle, the schoolhouse of Thomas Moloney (uncle of the renowned poet John Keegan) in proximity to Gortnaclea Castle, St. Fintan’s Monastery and St. Fintan’s Well at Cromogue. They will learn about important events related to the history and heritage of these particular historical sites of interest.

Participants will explore water safety on the R. Nore by visiting the Erkina River, tributary of the Nore, in Durrow, working to identify hazards, health and safety, personal safety, rescue techniques and rescue equipment with input from Laois Sports Partnership personnel.

They will be led on a field trip to Dunmore Woods to explore the flora and fauna of the R. Nore and continue to Durrow to explore the history, built environment, architecture and water-based sports amenities of the area.

Participants will plan a unit of work around SPHE, SESE, SSE using a cross-curricular thematic approach based on the River.