This cross-curricular project involves a detailed study of Life in Norman Times with particular reference to King John’s Castle and Life in Medieval Limerick. The timeframe for the project is approximately six weeks. The use of ICT is integrated and the project covers strands from History, Social, Personal and Health Education, English and the Visual Arts. During the project the children will work as historians, researching and investigating aspects of life in Norman times.

The project may be implemented as follows:

1. Preliminary visit to King John’s Castle: Children will view the present building and ask questions about it – site, building materials, size, shape, function, the people who built it, King John, …
The Class will be divided into groups. Each group will draw the castle from a different angle.
(If a preliminary visit is not possible, the children could examine a selection of postcards, pictures and photographs of a Norman castle and ask questions about them.)

2. Children will explore aspects of 'Life in Norman Times' under the guidance of the teacher.

3. The class will be divided into groups of two. Each group will perform a more detailed investigation of at least one aspect of Life in Norman Times. Children will retrieve information from a variety of sources – books, brochures, internet.

4. Each group will organise its information and prepare an oral and written presentation. (Use of a multimedia presentation package is recommended.)

5. Each group will create 5 questions and answers based on its own topic.

6. All presentations will be presented to the whole class. Following each presentation there will be a question and answer session. (The presentations will be combined to create a comprehensive account of Life in Norman Times.)

7. This will be followed by a Table Quiz – Life in Norman Times

8. The Class will visit King John’s Castle and St. Mary’s Cathedral. (Digital Photographs will be taken.)
(Note: A visit to a local medieval site may be more appropriate!)

9. Children will write and illustrate an account of their visit for the School Magazine.

10. The class will be divided into groups of two. Each group will perform a more detailed study of at least one aspect of Life in a Medieval Town, King John’s Castle or St. Mary’s Cathedral.

11. Each group will organise its information and prepare an oral and written presentation. (Use of a multimedia presentation package is recommended.)

12. Each group will create 5 questions and answers based on its own topic.

13. All presentations will be presented to the whole class. Following each presentation there will be a question and answer session. (The presentations will be combined to create a comprehensive picture of Life in Medieval Limerick.)

14. This will be followed by a Table Quiz – Life in Medieval Limerick

15. If possible, the Class will study “Clothes through the Ages” by participating in The Hunt Museum Costume Workshop.

16. The children will present “Clothes through the Ages” in multimedia format.

Notes:
A local Norman site or the ruin of a local Norman Castle should be used to arouse interest in this project. If possible, the children’s investigation and research should focus on the local site.