A-Level Lecture Series
Heaney and Frost A-Level Lecture Series – Key Stage 5
Our popular Key Stage 5 Heaney and Frost Lecture Series includes an exhibition tour, lecture and seminar. As in previous years, lectures will be delivered by Professor Fran Brearton of Queen’s University or Dr Frank Ferguson of Ulster University.
We are also delighted to have Mrs Shelagh O’Brien lecture again this year. Mrs O’Brien was Vice Principal in St Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt where she taught both English and Theatre Studies to A-level. Mrs O’Brien has worked as an Examiner, Moderator and Visiting Moderator for both English and Theatre Studies with a number of Examination Boards, including CCEA, AQA and Edexcel.
The seminars which follow each lecture are facilitated by PhD students from Queen’s University and Ulster University and explore key themes through comparative readings of poems from the A-level syllabus. We will run one lecture day on the WJEC specification, focusing on Heaney and Owen Sheers. This will also include a lecture, seminar and exhibition tour.
Dates for 2026:
| Tue 20 Jan | AS Level | Mrs Shelagh O’Brien |
| Thu 22 Jan | AS Level | Mrs Shelagh O’Brien |
| Tue 17 Feb | AS Level | Prof Fran Brearton |
| Wed 18 Feb | AS Level | Dr Frank Ferguson |
| Fri 20 Feb | AS Level | Prof Fran Brearton |
| Tue 24 Feb | AS Level | Prof Fran Brearton |
| Wed 25 Feb | AS Level | Dr Frank Ferguson |
| Fri 27 Feb | AS Level | Prof Fran Brearton |
| Tue 3 Mar | AS Level | Prof Fran Brearton |
| Wed 4 Mar | AS Level | Dr Frank Ferguson |
| Thu 5 Mar | AS Level | Dr Frank Ferguson |
| Fri 6 Mar | AS Level | Prof Fran Brearton |
| Tue 10 Mar | AS Level | Dr Frank Ferguson |
Due to the demand for places on these days, we require at least 7 days’ notice to avoid a cancellation fee. Less than 7 days’ notice will result in a 25% cancellation fee.
Booking Information
Arrival Time
10am
Departure Time
2pm
Price:
£12 per pupil (includes exhibition tour and light lunch)
Your booking will be confirmed when the completed Booking Form has been returned to our Education Officer. Please state if there are any pupils with additional learning needs, access requirements or food allergies.
Pupils should bring writing materials.
There is no charge for school staff.
A great day! The programme was engaging, interactive and very well-paced. Thank you for having us!
Bangor Academy
What a super informative and hands on ‘experience’! Pupils engaged fully- facilitators were fantastic. Thank you!
Loreto and St. Joseph’s, Coleraine
Excellent experience for all pupils. Staff were phenomenal. Very helpful, very easy and well thought through experience
St Patrick’s Keady
An absolutely wonderful day out- the staff, the activities, the exhibition- all superb!
Saintfield High School
Excellent experience! Very personable and professional staff. Outstanding lecture! We will be back
St Patrick College, Banbridge
Lecture was really excellent- wonderfully pitched- students were really impressed
Methodist College
Excellent from start to finish. Keep Going!
Assumption Grammar School
Book an Educational visit to
Seamus Heaney HomePlace
If you would like to arrange a visit to HomePlace for your pupils or if you have questions about visiting, please fill out the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.
