Local Studies Projects
3rd year primary initial teacher education students completing their BEd degree with the Church of Ireland Centre (CIC), DCU, undertook a local study project with their class while on school placement in November 2016 in their home localities. The projects adopted an integrated approach to a locality study and children’s project work encompassed a variety of areas of study. The project is firmly grounded in Social, Environmental and Scientific Education (SESE) with aspects of science, history and geography as well as areas such as mathematics, music, visual arts and Gaeilge in evidence throughout the projects. The displays indicated how student teachers had assisted children to convey information on their local place using a variety of methods ranging from model making and dioramas to brochures, needlework and ICT. The displays indicated how children had collected and recorded information, how they had studied pictorial evidence and worked in collaborative groups. Year 3 students encouraged and motivated learners through the rich project materials, activities and practical work.
During January each student then displayed their local project on the All Hallows Campus. The projects were judged for their overall success in completing a local study and presentation of this. There were also an SEAI supported competition for the projects which were most successful in addressing sustainability. On Wednesday 15th February a local project event was held on the DCU St Patrick's Campus to celebrate the local projects and award the prizes for the best projects. This event, including the overall prizes, was supported by the CIC.
The 1st prize went to Laura Welch for her project 'The English Market'. The judge was highly impressed by how well the project captured the essence of the place, supported by very clear maps with keys. He also praised the range of original aspects of the project, including the climactic scene and game. He noted how the project was very clearly laid out and it was clear that the class (and teacher) gave their all to the project
The 2nd prize went to Louise Gallagher for her project 'Fanad Lighthouse'. Her project was highly praised for the excellent model of the lighthouse and the excellent children's work throughout the the project. It was also noted for its strong integration with music, art, English and Gaeilge and for its originality. There was also ample evidence of the application of SESE skills.
The 3rd prize went to Ann Lundie for her project 'Cootehill during famine times'. Ann's project was commended for the very good project diaries. The judge also noted the excellent 'Famine Diary' and the overall legibility of the project. There was also ample evidence of the application of SESE skills.
The SEAI 1st prize for 'Sustainability in the local project' went to Sarah McGurk for her project 'Bray Seafront'. Her project was highly praised for the simple yet effective bird feeders which her young class made, they also used recycled material in their seafront dioramas. Her project was also noted as having a strong connect between the local area and a range of sustainability themes.
The SEAI 2nd prize for 'Sustainability in the local project' went to Louise Gallagher for her project 'Fanad Lighthouse'. Her project was highly praised for the strong link between the lighthouse and solar power. Her project was also noted as having a strong connect between science and sustainability.
Planning for the local projects is supported by the students SESE lecturer Dr Orla Kelly, School of STEM Education, Innovation and Global Studies as well as the Director of School Placement, Geraldine O'Connor, School of Policy and Practice. However, lecturers across the CIC BEd team support this work and provide guidance on how to integrate the local project across the subject areas