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Suggested Approaches to Local Studies

1. Aim: To make the children more aware of their own surroundings.
2 Method:
  1. Ask the pupils to note certain aspects of what they see on their journey to school.
  2. In the next lesson, they should record in map, drawing and written form what they saw on their journey.
3. In Classroom:
  1. Form composite map of the town from the pupils' drawings
  2. What buildings attract attention?
  3. What functions do these buildings have?
  4. What particular buildings stand out?
  5. Any new buildings, changes or recent improvements ?
  6. What colours and textures are noticeable?

Making a Town Trail

1. Aim: To develop an understanding of the local environment through enquiry, investigation and the making of a town trail.
2 Method: Prepare a short trail which would explain the town to visitors.

Main Aspects:

1. St Colmcille's Well: The well of pure water consecrated by St Colmcille in 560 A.D. marks the origin of Swords as it gives the town its name - Sord meaning     "pure". The water in the well is supposed to be particularly effective as a curative for sore eyes. Well was refurbished in 1991 by Swords Historical Society.
2. Old School House: Coolbanagher was opened in 1835. The children attended this school prior to being enrolled in the Borough School
3. Old Constabulary Barracks: Well Road
4. St Columba's Church, Belfry, Round Tower and Clock Tower: The Abbey at Swords was founded by St Colmcille in the 6th Century. The only surviving feature of the original settlement is the 75  foot high round tower. The cross was added in the 17th century. In April 1014, the body of Brian Boru was carried by the monks of Swords to the church of St Columba where it rested overnight en route to Armagh for burial. The only remaining relic of the medieval church is the Belfry. St Columbas's Church was built in the early 19th Century. Its architect was Francis Johnston (same person designed Old Borough School
5. The Old Vicarage: Dates back to the early 17 Century. Modernised in 1872.
6. Swords Castle:

Oldest parts of Castle date from 1183.

7. The Courthouse Designed by Tate in 1845.
8. 42 and 44 North Street:

Teachers' Residences.
9. New Borough Girls' School:

Built in 1889.
10. Carnegie Library:

Andrew Carnegie stated that a rich man should distribute his surplus money for the general welfare. He provided money for libraries to be built in the United States, Great Britain, Ireland and other English speaking countries. Library in Swords was opened in 1908.
11. Swords Town Park:

Swords Town Park  was opened in 1987. It was the site of Swords House, the home of the Taylor family from the early 15th century. A member of this family, Francis Taylor was beatified on 27 September 1992. It is now the location for Fingal County Council Offices (opened in 2000)
12. St Columbkille's R.C. Church: Site was donated by James Taylor of Swords. Built in 1827.
13 Site of RIC Barracks Site of RIC Barracks - Was captured by the Fingal Flying Column in 1916. [Was Swords Leisure Centre until sold in 2000].
14. Dispensary: Built in 1898. [Now called Health Centre].
15. Old Borough School Opened in 1809 and sold in 2000. Pupils and teachers have moved to a new school opposite St Columba’s Church

Trace the Development and History of the Town through its Buildings

1. The type and size of the buildings; the dates when the various estates were built. Building styles. Building materials.
2. The Traffic in the town
  1. Identify and record bottlenecks
  2. the effect of the bottlenecks on traffic
  3. the effect of the traffic on the town
  4. the speed of the traffic through the town
  5. the density of the traffic - traffic count
  6. traffic restrictions which are in force
  7. traffic hazards

Suggested Methodology and Approach

  1. Choice of area or topic
  2. Teacher's visit. Note features of interest.
  3. Introduce topic to pupils. Discuss.
  4. Plan a visit. Questionnaire
  5. Reports on findings.
  6. Follow up work - Reading, writing, Maths, Art and Crafts.
  7. Display of the recorded findings - charts, topic books.

Questionnaire on Streets

  1. Name of street. How did it get its name? Irish name.
  2. Roads or streets adjoining it. Is street straight or curved?
  3. How long is the street?
  4. Is the street lit at night ? Write a description of the street at night.
  5. What materials were used in making the street?
  6. Are cars allowed to park on the street?
  7. What road or street signs are there on the street?
  8. Any flowers, plants or trees on the street?
  9. Is the street a main street, an avenue or a cul de sac?
  10. Rough plan of street - draw in main buildings.
  11. Oldest building on street.
  12. List of street furniture - pillar boxes, fire hydrants, telephone boxes, man hole covers, street name plates.
  13. Read about first roads; roads in other lands; roads in the desert.

Shops

  1. Name of shop. Who owns it?
  2. What kind of shop is it?
  3. How many people work there?
  4. Working hours?
  5. Main articles sold?
  6. Articles in highest demand?
  7. Manufacture of goods - Irish made or imported?
  8. How are goods delivered?
  9. Collection of wrappers of goods sold in shop.
  10. Make a poster advertising some article.
  11. Follow up the story of Bread, the story of Sugar, Butter, tea.
  12. Story of coins.

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