This new course explores the concept of Social Environmental and Scientific Education (SESE).

The aims of the course are to inform, inspire and promote critical thinking from teachers on current practice in classrooms and the potential for future work in this area. The theory, rationale and advantages of integration within the context of the Curriculum will be discussed.  Participants will be guided, by experienced teacher Seán Horgan, through the process of planning and implementing a series of lessons following a single theme across History, Geography and Science. Seán will also highlight the skills of working as historian, geographer and scientist. 

A ‘Heritage in Schools’ expert, Eric Dempsey, will develop a theme: The Lighthouses of Ireland. Using this topic Eric will develop the understanding of participants of the potential to place history, geography and science into a real context. This skill will enable teachers to bring a chosen topic to life for pupils. He will outline the history of lighthouses and their changing roles, epic journeys and conclude by helping participants understand Autumn migration.

The presentations will include links to the Curriculum and interesting, informative and useful web sites.

• 5 fully interactive lessons complete with audio, links and exercises to complete
• A moderated discussion forum to answer course-related questions, share you experiences with your teaching colleagues and communicate with your facilitator
• A Reflective Learning Log where you reflect on your understanding of the course and how you will use it in your day to day teaching
• Completion of a course gives 3 EPV Days.  Your individual entitlement for EPV days should be checked with the DES.
• A course is expected to take 20 hours to complete
• Each course has a facilitator who will be in contact with you regularly and whom you can contact by email with any queries before or during the course

Sean Horgan

Sean Horgan graduated from Mary Immaculate College of Education in 1982. He spent 12 years in Knocknaheey N.S. in Cork city until his appointment as principal of St. Patrick's Boys' N.S. Mallow. He completed an M. Ed in U.C.C.- specialising in History of Education. He has a special interest in SESE and was seconded to the PCSP for 2 years delivering inservice seminars  - SESE History 2005 - 06 and Integration Within SESE 2006 - 07. He delivers teacher summer courses for Cork Education Centre each year.

Eric Dempsey

Eric Dempsey is a professional bird guide, broadcaster, presenter, speaker and writer. He is the author of the best-selling ‘Complete Guide to Ireland’s Birds’ published in 1993 with a revised 2nd edition produced in 2002. He is also the author of ‘The Pocket Guide to the Common Birds of Ireland’ and ‘Finding Birds in Ireland – the complete guide’. His new book, ‘Birdwatching in Ireland with Eric Dempsey’ will be available in the autumn of 2008. All titles have been published by Gill&MacMillan.

Born and raised in north Dublin where he still lives, Eric is a committed and dedicated conservationist. He is now a much sought-after speaker and has hosted workshops and presentations throughout the country including the National Museum of Ireland’s prestigious ‘spring lecture’ on two occasions. Eric has presented adult education courses on birds and their behaviour for the ‘People’s College’ in Dublin since 2004 and is a listed Heritage Specialist with the INTO/Heritage Council’s ‘Heritage in Schools Scheme’. He has worked with student teachers in St Patrick’s College: Drumcondra, the Church of Ireland College of Education: Rathmines, and Coláiste Muire: Marino.

Eric is a team member of the popular ‘Mooney’ show on Radio 1 and has compiled and presented two radio documentaries for RTE’s ‘Documentary on One’ series. He is also involved in the annual night-long Dawn Chorus radio shows. Eric has also contributed to the posters and CD’s produced by the RTE Guide on the ‘Dawn Chorus’, and more recently, ‘Wonderful Waders’. He has also made numerous TV appearances. He has published work on Ireland’s birds in North America, Australia and Europe, was a features writer for Wild Ireland magazine and contributed to the Irish Times supplements on migration and urban wildlife. Eric is also a Fáilte Ireland-accredited bird guide and is the Director of the Birds of Ireland News Service (BINS).

Email Eric Dempsey