Geography
We endeavour to ensure that a broad, balanced and relevant Geography curriculum is delivered in the school. We ensure that equal emphasis is given to local, regional, national and international Geography. We had a Curriculum Evaluation in Geography conducted by the Inspectorate from the Department of Education in November 2023. We were very pleased with the findings, particularly that the quality of teaching in Geography was described as being 'very good' and that 'teachers prepared high quality lessons and placed commendable emphasis on the provision of active and engaging learning activities'. We were also very pleased that the quality of Whole School Planning for Geography was described as being 'very good'. A copy of the Curriculum Evaluation Report from the Inspectorate can be downloaded below.
Environmental Awareness & Care Posters
June 2026: As part of their cross curricular (Geography & Science) unit of work on the Strand: Environmental Awareness & Care, Mr. Whelan's 5th & 6th Class designed and created eye-catching posters to promote civic-minded practices in relation to sustainability in its broadest sense.
Fieldtrip to Abbeyleix Bog
May 2026: In May 2026, Mrs. Cahill middle room pupils and Mr. Whelan's senior room pupils enjoyed a fieldtrip to Abbeyleix Bog under the guidance and direction of Heritage in Schools expert and former primary school teacher, Ms. Fiona Dunne. They got to explore the three sections of the bog namely the cutaway bog, the raised bog and the wet carr woodland, together with getting to experience the rich flora and fauna therein. A very informative and engaging session was had by all in attendance.
Senior Room Projects on Italy, Italian Life & Culture
April 2026: The senior room prepared (on Google Slides) and subsequently presented their projects on Italy and various aspects of Italian life and culture.
Working in the style of Michelangelo
May 2026: 2026: As part of their unit of work on Italy and its culture, 5th & 6th Class learned about Michelangelo and his painting of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. 5th & 6th Class replicated Michelangelo’s modus operandi of of painting the ceiling lying on his back on scaffolding by lying on their backs and drawing pictures affixed to the underside of their desks!
The Great Italian Bake-off!
April 2026: As a follow on to their savoury Italian culinary experience prior to the Easter holidays, as outlined below, 5th & 6th Class were tasked with creating Italian sweet treats and desserts at home which they would then bring into school to share with their peers. They baked up a proverbial Italian storm and their fabulous culinary creations included Tiramisu, bombellinis, chocolate and fruit pizza, lemon and almond cake and lemon sorbet. They would certainly give Italian ‘Bake Off’ contestants a run for their money!
MEP Visit: Ms. Cynthia Ní Mhurchú
March 2026: As part of the Institutional element of the Blue Star Programme, Scoil Fionntáin Naofa welcomed a very special visitor to the school when Ms Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Member of the European Parliament (MEP), visited Shanahoe on Friday, March 27th 2026. The visit provided pupils with a valuable opportunity to learn first-hand about the role and work of the European Parliament and the importance of European democracy.
Ms Ní Mhurchú was joined by Mr Seán Fleming TD and Councillor John-Joe Fennelly, ensuring that pupils experienced representation from local, national, and European levels of government. The school community proudly displayed EU member state flags throughout the school grounds, while infant pupils warmly greeted the visitors by waving European flags at the school entrance. Pupils from 2nd to 6th Class also performed a lively musical welcome led by teacher, Mrs Kris Cahill, creating a celebratory atmosphere for the occasion.
During an engaging question-and-answer session in Shanahoe Community Hall, pupils asked thoughtful questions about European politics, policymaking, and the work of elected representatives within the European Union. Ms Ní Mhurchú explained how decisions made in Europe can directly impact the daily lives of Irish citizens and highlighted the importance of active citizenship and participation in democracy. She also encouraged pupils to work hard, believe in themselves, and pursue their ambitions, speaking about how her varied career experiences helped prepare her for political life. The visit greatly enhanced pupils’ understanding of the institutions of the European Union and Ireland’s role within them, while also helping to bring the aims of the Blue Star Programme to life in a meaningful and memorable way.
Ms Ní Mhurchú was joined by Mr Seán Fleming TD and Councillor John-Joe Fennelly, ensuring that pupils experienced representation from local, national, and European levels of government. The school community proudly displayed EU member state flags throughout the school grounds, while infant pupils warmly greeted the visitors by waving European flags at the school entrance. Pupils from 2nd to 6th Class also performed a lively musical welcome led by teacher, Mrs Kris Cahill, creating a celebratory atmosphere for the occasion.
During an engaging question-and-answer session in Shanahoe Community Hall, pupils asked thoughtful questions about European politics, policymaking, and the work of elected representatives within the European Union. Ms Ní Mhurchú explained how decisions made in Europe can directly impact the daily lives of Irish citizens and highlighted the importance of active citizenship and participation in democracy. She also encouraged pupils to work hard, believe in themselves, and pursue their ambitions, speaking about how her varied career experiences helped prepare her for political life. The visit greatly enhanced pupils’ understanding of the institutions of the European Union and Ireland’s role within them, while also helping to bring the aims of the Blue Star Programme to life in a meaningful and memorable way.
An Italian Culinary Experience
March 2026: As part of their unit of work on Italy, 5th & 6th Class had an ‘Italian Experience Afternoon’ where class teacher, Mr. Whelan provided various Italian foodstuffs. These included various types of pizza, lasagne, green and black olives, prosciutto ham and Italian cheeses. Buon appetito!
Senior Room Projects on the Factors affecting the Climate in Ireland
February 2026: Mr. Whelan's 5th & 6th Class worked in collaborative groups to research, prepare and present PowerPoint projects on G-Suite, outlining the factors that affect the temperate, oceanic climate in Ireland to include the following:
1. General Location and Latitude;
2. The Gulf Stream/North Atlantic Drift;
3. The Atlantic Ocean.
3.Prevailing South Westerly winds;
4. Relief (Mountains & Hills);
5. Air Pressure Systems & Storms,
1. General Location and Latitude;
2. The Gulf Stream/North Atlantic Drift;
3. The Atlantic Ocean.
3.Prevailing South Westerly winds;
4. Relief (Mountains & Hills);
5. Air Pressure Systems & Storms,
Space Exploration in the Junior Room
January 2025: Mr. Watson's Junior Room pupils boldly went where no infant in Scoil Fionntáin Naofa, Shanahoe had gone before, as they engaged in space exploration as their theme for learning through play in January 2026. They explored the Strand Unit: Planet Earth in Space in a playful, cross-curricular and thematic manner and had lots of fun along the way!
Environmental Awareness & Care: Green Schools Creative Christmas Challenge
Creative Christmas Challenge: Many thanks to the Green Schools committee under the guidance of Mrs. Cahill, for organising the ‘Creative Christmas Challenge’ where pupils across the school were tasked with creating a Christmas themed constructions using recycled materials . Fantastic entries were submitted and extremely high levels of creativity and imagination were evident. Tabhair bualadh bos mór dóibh go léir. Green Schools comes under the Strand: Environmental Awareness and Care, which is cross-curricular in nature as it features in both the Geography and Science curricula.
Senior Students' Shadow Shenanigans
December 2025: Mr. Whelan's 5th & 6th Class integrated the Strand Unit: Planet Earth in Space (with specific emphasis on the sun) in Geography, and their unit of work on the Strand Unit: Light in Science, to explore how shadows are formed when light rays hit an opaque object. They investigated this by creating their own shadows in the school yard and in turn making them bigger/smaller, longer/shorter etc. . They then drew around each others shadows using chalk. In this respect, the school yard resembled a scene from CSI! They concluded by playing a game of 'Shadow Tag' in teams where one was caught when their shadow was jumped on by a person from the opposing side.
Senior Room participate in the 'Heritage Keepers' programme with Burrenbeo Trust
November to December 2025: Following an application submitted by Mr. Whelan, his 5th & 6th Class were delighted to be selected to participate in the national 'Heritage Keepers' programme with BurrenBeo Trust. The 'Heritage Keepers' programme is an engaging learning experience for 5th and 6th class pupils that helps them explore and protect their local built, social and natural heritage. Through hands-on activities, pupils learn about built and social heritage, biodiversity, climate action, and the importance of caring for their local environment. The programme encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility for the natural and built heritage in their local area. It empowers children to become active 'heritage keepers', making positive changes in their local area.
Week one of the five week programme, focused on the Geography of our local areas with 5th & 6th Class being asked in follow-up learner experiences to session 1, to explore their local area using OSI maps on Scoilnet. 5th & 6th Class were asked to look at landforms, place names, waterbodies, roads, woodlands etc. in the area and make two lists – one for anything that they saw on the OSI Map that they didn’t know about before they observed it on the map, and a second list for any features that they feel may have changed over time and to justify their choices or decisions in this regard. They then proceeded to compile a Taxonomy/A to Z of Shanahoe with 'M' for 'Mash', 'N' for 'Nore', 'C' for 'Clash Cross' and everything else before, after and in between.
Week one of the five week programme, focused on the Geography of our local areas with 5th & 6th Class being asked in follow-up learner experiences to session 1, to explore their local area using OSI maps on Scoilnet. 5th & 6th Class were asked to look at landforms, place names, waterbodies, roads, woodlands etc. in the area and make two lists – one for anything that they saw on the OSI Map that they didn’t know about before they observed it on the map, and a second list for any features that they feel may have changed over time and to justify their choices or decisions in this regard. They then proceeded to compile a Taxonomy/A to Z of Shanahoe with 'M' for 'Mash', 'N' for 'Nore', 'C' for 'Clash Cross' and everything else before, after and in between.
The Senior Room 'Say Yes to Languages'
October to December 2025: Mr. Whelan's Senior Room pupils participated in the 'Say Yes to Languages' programme in term 1 of 2025-2026. The aims of the 'Say Yes to Primary Languages' programme are to:
This was a very worthwhile experience for 5th & 6th Class and integrates very well with their participation in the 'Blue Star' programme on the European Union.
- Raise awareness of the importance of modern foreign language education to build transversal skills;
- Prepare the ground for the implementation of the redeveloped 'Primary Language Curriculum';
- Encourage uptake of languages at post-primary level;
- Support implementation of 'Languages Connect, Ireland's Strategy for Foreign Languages in Education 2017-2026'
This was a very worthwhile experience for 5th & 6th Class and integrates very well with their participation in the 'Blue Star' programme on the European Union.
5th & 6th Class playing the traditional French game of boules with Ms. Aurelie LeMoine
Senior Room Visit to Castlecomer Discovery Park
November 2025: Mr. Whelan's 5th & 6th Class visited Castlecomer Discovery Park during Science Week 2025. Part of their visit had an emphasis on the geology of the area that was synonymous with coal mining under the direction of the local landlord family, the Wandesfordes for over 250 years from c. 1700 to about 1969. The class looked at different rocks and fossils and sorted and classified these in terms of their provenance i.e found inland or in maritime locations. They also explored how these different rocks and fossils were formed by consulting an illustrated table. They then collected natural objects in the woodland setting and used these to create their own fossils in the medium of clay. The class got to experience what conditions were like for the local miners in times past by going through a mock mine-shaft.
Exploring the World of Rocks
October 2025: Junior and Senior Infants have been busy exploring the fascinating world of rocks! As part of their learning in Geography, the children examined different rocks, comparing their sizes, shapes, colours, and textures. They discovered that some rocks are smooth while others are rough, and that no two are exactly the same. To make their learning even more exciting, the class went on a rock scavenger hunt around the school grounds, collecting interesting samples to study. Afterwards, the children used their rocks to create beautiful and imaginative pictures, showing great creativity and teamwork. It was a fun, hands-on way to learn about the natural world around us! Well done to the Junior Room!
Working as Meteorologists
September 2025: Mr. Whelan’s 5th & 6th Class are studying weather and climate in Geography at the moment. This week they are keeping a weather journal using the live weather updates provided on the Met Éireann website. Headings in their weather journal include general description of the weather, temperature, chance of precipitation (%), amount of precipitation in mm, wind speed in km per hour and the gust number. They then cross reference the wind speed in km per hour to the Beaufort Scale to determine the type of wind in question. Mr. Whelan acquired a copy of ‘The Great Irish Weather Book’ by meteorologist, Joanna Donnelly which is a fantastic resource for learning about the Irish weather and the class are very much enjoying reading a double page per day from this fabulous book
Rain Gauges in the Junior Room
September 2025: Mr. Watson's Junior room have been learning about the weather in Geography this month. A pupil is nominated to be the local weather person and update the weather chart on the wall underneath the Interactive Whiteboard. They also spent time learning about correct clothes to wear in various types of weather but in particular during the season of Autumn. In keeping with the theme of weather, Mr. Watson's Junior room made rain gauges, recycling old plastic bottles, cutting the tops off to make funnels and creating a personalised sign to adorn them. These are placed around the school grounds and will allow us to measure the rain fall and compare the days in a week to see which was the wettest day. Well done to the Junior Room geographers.
Fieldtrip to ‘The Mash' nature sanctuary for the middle and senior rooms with Dr. Paddy Madden
June 2025: On 18th June 2025, Mrs. Cahill’s 2nd to 4th Class and Mr. Whelan’s 5th & 6th Class went on a Geography and Science fieldtrip to the local, nature sanctuary ‘The Mash’ under the guidance and direction of environmental educator extraordinaire, Dr. Paddy Madden under the ‘Heritage in Schools’ scheme. The Mash is located adjacent to the river Nore and there is a diversity of rich flora and fauna to be fund there. Both classroom groupings undertook a variety of active, hands on learner experiences during their fieldtrip and a great time was had by all concerned.
Fieldtrip to the Gloreen Stream
June 2025: Mr. Whelan's 5th & 6th Class went on a fieltrip to the Gloreen Stream. The Gloreen Stream is the river on our cyclical plan (year 3) for Geography for the school year 2024-2025. The Gloreen Stream is a tributary of the River Nore, which flows very close to our school. The mouth of the Gloreen Stream (i.e. the location where it enters a larger river) is located in close proximity to Poor Man's Bridge near to the school. 5th & 6th Class decided to combine our fieldtrip with their Active Schools agenda and to cycle to Gloreen Bridge in the townland of Blackhill, which is a distance of 4.7km from the school. They accessed the stream through a lush meadow and enjoyed collecting and analysing the flora and fauna of the stream and the adjacent river bank. Many thanks to Miss. Sharkey, Lisa (SNA) & Rebecca (SNA) for accompanying 5th & 6th Class on their fieldtrip.
Rocks & Soils Workshop Take 2
June 2025: Below is Mr. Whelan's 5th & 6th Class engaging in their Rocks & Soils workshop with Ms. Una Halpin during her visit to the school under the 'Heritage in Schools' scheme. The workshop was both informative & engaging Many thanks to Una for sharing her knowledge and expertise with us.
Rocks & Soils Workshop Take 1
June 2025: Ms. Una Halpin from 'Wildways Adventures' visited the school under the 'Heritage in Schools' scheme to provide rocks and soils workshops for 2nd to 6th Classes. Una is an environmental scientist and geologist. The workshops that she provided were very much 'hands on' and activity based, as the pupils got the opportunity to work as geologists to handle and explore different types of rocks (namely igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic) and and to explore soil samples from different locations around the school grounds. High levels of interest and engagement came to the fore. Here you can see Mrs. Cahill's 2nd, 3rd & 4th Class during their engaging, half day workshop with Una.
'The Real Map of Ireland'
May 2025: Mr. Whelan's 5th & 6th Class visited the 'Irish National Powerboat & Sailing School' which is a 'Science Foundation Ireland' discovery centre. During their visit there, their facilitator, Ms. Muriel Rumball, (former Primary School Principal) showed them them 'The Real Map of Ireland' which she has on loan from the Marine Institute in Galway. The map shows the different continental shelves which lie off the coast of Ireland.
Alma Jordan from 'AgriKids'
May 2025: Alma Jordan from 'AgriKids' visited 2nd to 6th Classes in the school and gave a very informative and insightful presentation around farm safety, which is very relevant to us in our rural location where farming is a very important industry. Many thanks to Alma for taking the time to visit us. Following Alma's visit, we were delighted to receive the 'Farm Safety Ambassador Accreditation' for being recognised ambassadors of farm safety, awareness and practice at school level- a knowledge base which will undoubtedly stand us in very good stead going forward. Many thanks to Mrs. Cahill for organising this very worthwhile visit in conjunction with local charity 'Embrace Farm'.
Ballacolla Group Water Scheme Visit
May 2025: Elaine Hyland & Ann-Marie Callan from 'Ballacolla Group Water Scheme' gave a very interesting presentation on the water treatment process to Mr. Whelan's 5th & 6th Class. The school receives it water from the scheme as do many of the households in the area. Many thanks to both ladies for taking the time to visit and to upskill the senior room pupils on the provenance of their local water supply!
Kahoot Quizzes for the 'Blue Star Programme'
May 2025: As part of their participation in the 'Blue Star Programme' on the European Union (E.U). Mr. Whelan's 5th & 6th Class worked in pairs and trios to undertake the 'Element Quizzes' on the digital quiz platform 'Kahoot'. These quizzes are set by the 'powers that be' in the 'Blue Star Programme' and are an excellent way of revising and consolidating what has been learned across the year in relation to all things European. There are four quizzes for each of the four elements of the 'Blue Star Programme' namely
1. The Geographical Element;
2. The Historical Element;
3. The Cultural and Creative Element;
4. The Institutional Element.
High levels of determination and competitiveness came to the fore as the different groups endeavoured to top the class leader board. It was a high stakes task given that we have the reigning champions of the Credit Union Quiz in our midst in the Senior Room this year!
1. The Geographical Element;
2. The Historical Element;
3. The Cultural and Creative Element;
4. The Institutional Element.
High levels of determination and competitiveness came to the fore as the different groups endeavoured to top the class leader board. It was a high stakes task given that we have the reigning champions of the Credit Union Quiz in our midst in the Senior Room this year!
Dutch Culinary Creations
April 2025: As part of their unit of work on the Netherlands and in tandem with the project which they researched, prepared and presented in relation to the country itself, these great chefs from 6th Class 'baked up a storm' to create delicious 'stroopwafels' (a delicious traditional Dutch dish) for their classmates. Their culinary creations certainly went down a treat! Míle buíochas to the chefs from Rang 6.
Presenting Projects on the Netherlands
April 2025: Mr. Whelan's 5th & 6th Class prepared projects on various aspects of life in the Netherlands. They worked in collaborative groups to research their assigned topics and then prepared their projects on Google Slides. They presented their projects to the whole school at the 'Teacht le Chéile' in the hall on the day of the Easter holidays. Great presentation skills were evident.
India Day in the Junior Room
April 2025: As part of their unit of work on India in Geography, Mr. Watson's Junior Room pupils had an 'India Day' in school. They got to sample traditional Indian fare including samosas, onion bhajis, naan bread and poppadoms, together with traditional Indian 'spicy' sauces which complemented the aforementioned foodstuffs. Some of Mr. Watson's pupils also brought in Indian objects and artefacts for an 'Indian Show and Tell'. These included Indian rupees, an Indian newspaper and traditional Indian clothes. Well done to our very enthusiastic Junior Room Geographers!
Weather Forecasters in the Junior Room
January 2024: Mr. Watson's 1st Class gave the weather forecasters in Met Éireann a run for their money, by giving weather forecasts for the rest of the class!
Mapwork: Sketch Maps of the Local Area
October 2024: Mr. Whelan's 5th & 6th Class learned about Ordnance Survey maps. The class consulted Scoilnet maps and located the OSI map for the greater Shanahoe area. They zoomed in on the area in proximity to the school and then drew a sketch map of the 'triangle'. Good integration of Geography with Digital Learning was evident.
Mapwork: Co-ordinates & Grid Referencing
October 2024: Mr. Whelan's 5th and 6th Class played a game to develop their understanding of co-ordinates and grid referencing techniques. They used the analogy 'along the corridor and up the stairs' to develop an understanding of how to use the x and y axes for grid referencing purposes.
Presenting Projects on the Water Cycle
October 2024: Mr. Whelan's 5th and 6th Class pupils worked collaboratively to conduct research on the Water Cycle on the reliable and reputable website Britannica Schools. They applied their digital learning skills to create PowerPoint presentations on Google Slides in their Google Classroom accounts. One group was selected randomly to present their project to the entire school community at the first 'Teacht le Chéile' of the school year. They did an excellent job. It is fantastic to have the excellent new audio visual equipment in Shanahoe Community Hall at our disposal for this purpose.
The Water Cycle in Action
September 2024: Mr. Whelan's 5th & 6th Class were learning about the Water Cycle in Geography. They worked collaboratively to create a simulation of the water cycle in a transparent bag. They added water and blue food colouring to each bag and then drew the different stages of the Water Cycle on the outside of the bags. They placed the bags in direct sunlight in the classroom window and watched the Water Cycle in action!
Trip to Dunmore Woods in Durrow and the River Nore
June 2024: 2nd to 6th Classes visited Dunmore Woods and the river Nore in nearby Durrow in June 2024 where they undertook a variety of active and engaging fieldwork activities with the Una Halpin under the 'Heritage in Schools' scheme. Very high levels of interest and engagement were evident among the pupils as they explored the river and surrounding woodlands and the rich flora and fauna therein.
People in other Lands: South of the border, down Mexico Way
May 2024: Miss. Burnell's Junior Room pupils studied Mexico in Geography. They had a very authentic Mexican Day where they dressed in traditional Mexican costumes and sampled Mexican cuisine including tacos and nachos!
