A-Level Lecture Series
Overview
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 hold one lecture day on the WJEC specification on Wednesday 3rd March 2027 with Dr. Frank Ferguson, focusing on Heaney and Sheers. The day will also include a lecture, seminar and an exhibition tour.
Dates for 2026/2027:
Schedule for the day:
10.00am: Self-guided Exhibition Tour
11.00am: Break
11.15am: Lecture in Helicon Theatre
12.15pm: Space provided for packed lunches
1.00pm: Seminar
2.00pm: Schools to depart
Please refer to our Teacher Guide for information on our cancellation policy.
Booking Information
Arrival Time
10am
Departure Time
2pm
Price:
£10 per pupil
Maximum number of students per day: 80
Your booking will be confirmed once payment has been received. Please see our Teacher Guide and Booking Form for more information about the booking and payment process.
Poems covered in lectures will be communicated in advance, and teachers should ensure these are printed for students.
Students should bring their own writing materials.
Book an educational visit
A great day! The programme was engaging, interactive and perfectly paced. Thank you for having us!
Bangor Academy
What a highly informative and hands-on experience! The pupils were fully engaged and the facilitators were fantastic. Thank you!
Loreto College and St. Joseph’s College, Coleraine
An excellent experience for all pupils. The staff were phenomenal. A very helpful, easy and well prepared experience.
St. Patrick’s High School, Keady
An absolutely wonderful day out! The staff, activities and exhibition were all superb.
Saintfield High School
An excellent experience! The staff were personable and professional and the lecture was outstanding. We will definitely be back.
St. Patrick's College, Banbridge
The lecture was excellent – wonderfully pitched. The students were really impressed.
Methodist College, Belfast
Excellent from start to finish. Keep up the fantastic work!
Assumption Grammar School, Ballynahinch
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.
