Forget the blackboard for a while. A day of seminars and workshops later this month will focus on the world outside the classroom. The day, which is organised to give teachers ideas, inspiration and information, has been organised by the Royal Irish Academy's national commission for the teaching of geography.

The course follows the launch of the new primary school curriculum where teachers have been urged to get out and about to explore and investigate the local area. For more information contact Laura Mahoney or Marion Deegan, the RIA, at phone (01) 676 23 46 or fax (01) 676 23 46 or email either (l.mahoney@ria.ie) or (m.deegan@ria.ie)