While it is hard to believe we have another academic year kicking here in Ireland, the cogs are already turning over here at the Irish Family History Centre for another round of GENEius Pathways.
Pathways is our extended Transition Year programme, and it introduces students of both Irish and international roots to the core skills of family history research and analysis, as well as themes of cultural diversity, social history and personal identity. The programme itself runs for 8 weeks in total and is fully supported throughout.
Your class groups start with an introductory bootcamp session, which can either be delivered in your school (no matter where you are in Ireland!) or here in the Irish Family History Centre. In this workshop we use discussion and activities to teach the fundamentals of family history – from interpreting and verifying sources, to avoiding pitfalls and obstacles.
For 8 weeks after the initial boot camp, the teacher or co-ordinator of the group receives a weekly pdf work pack. This printable pack is curriculum-focused and includes teacher guidelines and discussion points, student activity sheets, website and archival tutorials and project suggestions for the class. Each week is a different theme and revolves around different resources and records types, so the building of the family tree is at a steady pace and allows plenty of room for questions and assistance along the way.
The 8 week programme is divided into 2 parts:
- Part 1 (6 Weeks) Researching and Developing the Family History Portfolio
- Part 2 (2 Weeks) Creative Project
The Creative Project allows students to choose an area they found most interesting throughout their family history research, and put their own spin on it! Previous students have made short films about a particular ancestor or branch of the family. We have also had short story and poetry submissions, art-works, slide shows and more. This part really is focused on the individual interests and skills of the student, so anything creative goes! Whether they are budding film directors or web designers, it’s really up to them. I always love seeing the finished projects after the programme has come to an end – there has been such a variety and it’s wonderful to see such diversity from all of our students.
At the end of the programme, the students receive a certificate of completion for their hard work, as well as a new perspective on family history and the world around them!
To further enquire about GENEius Pathways, please send an email to education@irishfamilyhistorycentre.com and I would be delighted to answer any questions you have.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Claire Murray
Education and Outreach Officer
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Pricing (one-off payment and includes all materials)
Workshop at the Irish Family History Centre (CHQ Building, Dublin 1)
Less than 20 students: €8.00 per student
More than 20 students: €6.00 per student
SPECIAL: Make a day out of your visit to Dublin! Combine your GENEius Pathways programme with a tour of EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: €12.00 per secondary school student.
Workshop in your School
Dublin rate: Same pricing as above
Outside of Dublin: €10.00
FAQS
Q: I have some students from outside of Ireland – is it suitable for them?
A: Absolutely! Our programme is fully catered to students from inside and outside Ireland.
Q: I would like the workshop to take place in my school – do we need access to a computer room?
A: You don’t need access to a computer room for the workshop. We just need access to a projector and screen to show our slides.
Q: What numbers do you take?
A: We generally take about 25-30 per workshop, so if you have larger groups we can deliver multiple workshops. Whether you want all of the workshops on the same day or spread out over the year. Some schools have had us come back a few times throughout the year to ensure each class gets to carry out the programme.
Q: I have a large group and I want to come to the Irish Family History Centre in Dublin. How would this work?
A: If you are visiting us here in CHQ, we highly recommend doing the Combo visit (Special Price of €12.00 per student) which also includes a tour of EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. It is a fantastic way to make a day out of your visit to Dublin! Students really engage with the museum’s incredible technology and content, which links heavily into the curriculum and features emigrants such as Isabella McDougall and Thomas Quinn.
Q: How long is the workshop?
A: The bootcamp workshop lasts for about 1 hour but can easily slot in to your class schedule if you have limited time.
Q: How does the free access to FindMyPast World work?
A: Your group will receive a batch of access codes when we move into Week 3 and will get 4 weeks free when they sign up using the code. No credit card details are required for this.
Q: I’ve never done family history research myself – how will I help my students?
A: Don’t worry – the Pathways programme is structured for absolute beginners! You will receive teacher handbooks each week to help guide you through the programme and I am always available by email if you need further assistance.
Q: My students have questions on the programme – who do they contact?
A: The easiest way is for you to gather a list of questions from your students and email them to me in a document.