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The Journey in the Classroom
When bringing the study of a place into the classroom, there are several matters to be taken into consideration. The Teacher Guidelines of the Geography Primary School Curriculum (1999) provides an extensive list of questions to be addressed by both the teacher and the pupils in terms of an investigation (NCCA, 1999).
With relation to Dunshaughlin Workhouse, it would be ideal to bring the children on a field trip to the Famine Graveyard from which they could view the old workhouse and examine its location in relation to the town. From this, the children could develop their map skills by completing a map of the layout of the workhouse. This field trip would also incorporate the development of analytical, observational and inferring skills, as the children could explore whether the reasons for location still apply today, and why they think the situation may have changed. This work could be continued in the classroom.
When bringing the study of a place into the classroom, there are several matters to be taken into consideration. The Teacher Guidelines of the Geography Primary School Curriculum (1999) provides an extensive list of questions to be addressed by both the teacher and the pupils in terms of an investigation (NCCA, 1999).
With relation to Dunshaughlin Workhouse, it would be ideal to bring the children on a field trip to the Famine Graveyard from which they could view the old workhouse and examine its location in relation to the town. From this, the children could develop their map skills by completing a map of the layout of the workhouse. This field trip would also incorporate the development of analytical, observational and inferring skills, as the children could explore whether the reasons for location still apply today, and why they think the situation may have changed. This work could be continued in the classroom.
![Picture](/uploads/4/5/7/7/45772233/8158707.jpg?292)
My Own Investigation!
On the 18th April, 2015, I completed my geographical investigation with a visit to the workhouse grounds and the Famine graveyard. As part of this investigation I looked at the location of the workhouse in comparison to the historical evidence I had in my possession.
Although the workhouse still stands on the Dublin Road, due to the construction of the M3 motorway which bypasses Dunshaughlin, the road doesn't experience as much traffic. As a result, the workhouse is not visible to as many motorists. The refurbished part of the workhouse, now a private dwelling, is visible from the road, however the ruins of the original buildings are mostly hidden. Without adequate signs it is unknown to many that you can access the ruins.
From this investigation it is easy to see why this location was suitable. The building is near the road for easy access, however it has plenty of open space back from the road which could have been used for work and exercise. It also would have hidden the inmates from view. The Famine graveyard is located 500m to the rear of the building, far enough from the road that passers-by would not have been witness to the estimated 1000 corpses brought there for burial. To complete my investigation, I drew my own map of the workhouse and graveyard as they stand today.
On the 18th April, 2015, I completed my geographical investigation with a visit to the workhouse grounds and the Famine graveyard. As part of this investigation I looked at the location of the workhouse in comparison to the historical evidence I had in my possession.
Although the workhouse still stands on the Dublin Road, due to the construction of the M3 motorway which bypasses Dunshaughlin, the road doesn't experience as much traffic. As a result, the workhouse is not visible to as many motorists. The refurbished part of the workhouse, now a private dwelling, is visible from the road, however the ruins of the original buildings are mostly hidden. Without adequate signs it is unknown to many that you can access the ruins.
From this investigation it is easy to see why this location was suitable. The building is near the road for easy access, however it has plenty of open space back from the road which could have been used for work and exercise. It also would have hidden the inmates from view. The Famine graveyard is located 500m to the rear of the building, far enough from the road that passers-by would not have been witness to the estimated 1000 corpses brought there for burial. To complete my investigation, I drew my own map of the workhouse and graveyard as they stand today.