School Buildings

Old Buildings: Monaghan National School

Old Buildings: Monaghan National School

Old Buildings: Monaghan National School

Old Buildings: Monaghan National School

Old Buildings: Monaghan National School

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When was your school built? Is it a modern school do you think?

Many new national schools were built after the Education Act of 1831 which gave free primary education to children in Ireland.
Architects had to design new school buildings.

Bailieborough Model School

This photograph shows Bailieborough Model School, built in the nineteenth century. Many new national schools were built after the Education Act of 1831 which gave free primary education to all children in Ireland. Architects designed these new 'Model Schools', which were often used to show teachers how to teach. Image taken from Buildings of Irish Towns: Treasures of Everyday Architecture by Patrick and Maura Shaffrey, published by The O’Brien Press Ltd, Dublin,© Copyright.

Bailieborough Model School

Bailieborough Model School

This photograph shows Bailieborough Model School, built in the nineteenth century. Many new national schools were built after the Education Act of 1831 which gave free primary education to all children in Ireland. Architects designed these new 'Model Schools', which were often used to show teachers how to teach. Image taken from Buildings of Irish Towns: Treasures of Everyday Architecture by Patrick and Maura Shaffrey, published by The O’Brien Press Ltd, Dublin,© Copyright.

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This picture shows an example of a school built in the nineteenth century, called Bailieborough Model School . Model schools were often used to show teachers how to teach.

Does this building look like a school?

Do you think the design is interesting?

Examine the picture of the model school in Bailieborough.

• Is the school on flat or sloped land? Do the grounds of the school look like a safe place to play?
• Do you notice any traffic barriers? Why do you think this is?
• Do you notice any cables which might show evidence of electricity being used?

Look at the design of Bailieborough Model School:

Is the building made of concrete or stone? Is the outside of the building in good condition or has it been damaged?

Can Buildings Be Damaged By The Weather?

Over time the weather can affect the structure and appearance of a building. Damage caused by weather is called weathering.
Rain, frost and heat can do damage to any surfaces that are out in the open.

School buildings can be damaged by weathering. Some stone on buildings, like limestone, wears down more easily than harder stone like granite.
Can you see examples of weathering on the Bailieborough model school building?

Older buildings can also be damaged by vandalism. Do you see any damage caused by vandalism in the picture?