A Level Lectures
Heaney & Frost 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.
This year we are pleased to welcome Mrs Shelagh O’Brien as an addition to our lecture roster. 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 led by PhD students and explore key themes through comparative readings of poems from the ‘A’ level syllabus. A light lunch is provided.
Please note: We will run one lecture day on the WJEC specification, focusing on Heaney and Owen Sheers. This will include a lecture, seminar and exhibition tour.
| Monday 24th January | Shelagh O’Brien |
| Tuesday 25th January | Professor Fran Brearton, Queen’s University Belfast |
| Tuesday 1st February | Professor Fran Brearton, Queen’s University Belfast |
| Monday 7th February | Shelagh O’Brien |
| Tuesday 8th February | Dr Frank Ferguson, Ulster University |
| Tuesday 22nd February | Dr Frank Ferguson, Ulster University |
| Thursday 24th February | Dr Frank Ferguson, Ulster University |
| Tuesday 1st March | Dr Frank Ferguson, Ulster University |
| Wednesday 2nd March | Professor Fran Brearton, Queen’s University Belfast |
| Tuesday 8th March | Dr Frank Ferguson, Ulster University |
| Wednesday 9th March | Professor Fran Brearton, Queen’s University Belfast |
| Tuesday 22nd March | Professor Fran Brearton, Queen’s University Belfast |
| Tuesday 15th March | WJEC Heaney/Sheers Lecture Day, Dr Frank Ferguson |
Price: £10 per pupil
For the visit, all participants should bring:
- Writing materials
- Enthusiasm and a willingness to work with others
On Arrival:
- Participants will be greeted at reception and directed to one of our learning rooms. They will be given a short Health and Safety briefing and an overview of our facilities, toilets and location of the First Aid room.
- Participants can avail of a short break at this stage. This should be communicated when the booking is being made.
During Visit:
- All pupils will participate in a tour of our interactive exhibition space lead by our Visitor Experience Guides. The tour includes the opportunity to listen to Seamus Heaney reading his poetry via electronic audio devices. These devices, along with interactive artefacts and puzzles on display, should be handled with care under the advice of the Visitor Experience Guides. Participants should not touch any other items on display.
- Participants will also visit the Creative Learning Zone where they can express their own creativity. It is important that this area is left tidy and that interactive displays and games are handled with care.
- A light lunch is provided but if participants require additional food, it is recommended that students bring their own snacks with them. If participants plan to buy lunch from the HomePlace café, this must be arranged with the Education Officer in advance.
Arrival Time: 10am
Departure Time: 2pm
Please Note:
- Times may be changed as necessary via timely communication with Seamus Heaney HomePlace prior to the visit.
- Your booking will only be confirmed when the completed Booking Form has been returned to Seamus Heaney HomePlace.
- At the time of booking, please state if there are any children with disabilities or food allergies.
- There is no charge for school staff.
Make an Enquiry
If you have any questions about the exhibition, an upcoming event or anything else happening at HomePlace, you can write to us or give us a call. We’re here to help.
