Famine Dress Up Day in Primary 7
28th November 2025
A famine dress-up day was the perfect way to finish off our topic on HUNGER.
During term 1, the Primary 7 children have been learning about the causes and effects of hunger and famine in today's world. Their case study focused on The Great Irish Hunger of 1845-1852 and a trip to The Ulster American Folk Park this week really brought their learning to life.
Miss McGurk led the art activities where the children used potatoes to make potato-print photo frames for one of their favourite pictures from our potato-gathering experience in October. The children also enjoyed creating their own Mr and Mrs Potato Heads.
Back in Mrs Gormley's room, we did a little bit of cooking using the good old Irish potato to make some fried potato cakes, also known as fadge. The children even had the chance to sample another traditional Irish food: black pudding. This was an important source of protein in the past for families who owned a cow, as it allowed them to get nourishment without harming their valuable animal. The blood used in black pudding came from the occasional bleeding of live cattle — a practice carried out by the character Michael in Under the Hawthorn Tree! ☘️
The classic novel, 'Under the Hawthorn Tree', was a great hit with the children and during our dress-up day the children took part in a fun Kahoot quiz on this much loved book.
It really was a lovely day, full of empathy and fun, but most importantly of all, great memories!
Thank you parents, for helping with the costumes. The children all looked super!
Enjoy the pictures and the short video of our day.
Mrs Gormley, Miss McGurk and Kara
