New education programme inspired by Seamus Heaney

by Gráinne Connolly

Secondary school students are being given a unique opportunity to get out into the landscape that inspired poet Seamus Heaney, in an innovative new education programme. 

The 'My Place Within the Landscape' programme was launched last week on National Poetry day and features field trips to selected natural heritage sites and activities within the Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy. 

Students will participate in a session at HomePlace and an outdoor learning activity to explore the Nobel Laureate's poetry in the very landscape around Lough Neagh and Lough Beg that inspired so much of his work. 

They'll be taking in the likes of Toner's Bog, Church Island, turf cutting and farming. 

(Pupils from St.Pius X College, Magherafelt attending the launch of the programme on national poetry day)

The pupils will be able to take inspiration from the surroundings and use it to produce their own poetry and portfolio. 

The scheme was developed by Lough Neagh Landscape Partnership, with funding provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund, in partnership with Seamus Heaney Home Place and RSPB NI. 

The year long 'My Place within the Landscape' programme is being piloted among Key Stage 3 students from five local secondary schools: 

St Pius X College, Magherafelt; Sperrin Integrated College, Magherafelt; St Mary's College, Clady; St.Patrick's, Maghera; and Magherafelt High School. 
 

Conor Jordan, Chair of Lough Neagh Landscape Partnership Forum said: 

"This is an excellent example of how partnership working can lead to the creation of a programme that helps promote a greater understanding of our landscape heritage and the literary value it holds for the oberver. 

"The cultural significance of Lough Neagh and Lough Beg has been recognised globally thanks to the poetic eloquence of Seamus Heaney and we are delighted to be part of a project that will encourage young people to look at the landscape with a new heritage awareness."
 

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Kim Ashton, added support to the programme stating, “Seamus Heaney HomePlace is delighted to be part of this exciting project that ensures the inspiration taken from the landscape which is so evident in Seamus Heaney’s poetry is passed on to the next generation. We look forward to reading the work that will be produced by the pupils.”
 

Joanne Sherwood, Director of RSPB NI, commented:

“This excellent programme gives students the opportunity to experience first-hand the very landscapes that inspired poems such as ‘Digging’, ‘Blackberry-Picking’ and ‘The Strand at Lough Beg’.

"They will learn about the value of conservation in their local area, recognising the richness and importance of their natural heritage while exploring topics across the curriculum."