GCSE English Literature Lecture Series
Overview
Led by Mrs Shelagh O’Brien, these lectures address the CCEA specification and focus on Seamus Heaney’s poems which feature in the anthologies ‘Relationships’, ‘Identity’ and ‘Conflict’. A comparative analysis with the work of other poets will draw out key themes and literary devices.
Dates for 2026/2027:
If none of the dates listed are suitable and you have a group of 35 or more students, please get in touch. We may be able to arrange an alternative date for a lecture or workshop.
Schedule for the day:
10.00am – 10.30am: Schools arrive
10.30am: Lecture in Helicon Theatre
11.30am: Nobel Prize short film (if not included as part of exhibition)
11.45am: Break
12.00pm: Exhibition tour
1.00pm: Space provided for packed lunches.
1.30pm: Schools to depart
Please refer to our Teacher Guide for information on our cancellation policy.
Booking Information
Arrival Time
10am - 10.30am
Departure Time
1.30pm
Price:
£7 per pupil
Maximum number of students per day: 90
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
The venue itself is inspiring – students are immersed in a celebration of poetry and, in particular, words! The visual impact of the displays is highly effective and educational. The environment has given us so many ideas for our own display boards and our plans for our new library design. We are keen to improve our students’ awareness of other environments and to provide experiences that enhance motivation for learning, and our visit to HomePlace fulfils this goal! Students really enjoyed the space and the chance to enjoy refreshments. Staff were so kind and encouraging.
St. Joseph’s College, Belfast
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.
