The Oldest Man In The Sea

A fascinating interview with an 83-year-old fisherman in Castletownbere, Ireland.

Watch this video with your children, and then try some of our teaching and activity ideas below.

Teaching Ideas and Resources:

English

• Imagine that you were able to interview Pat. What questions would you ask him? How might he respond?
• Write a biography about Pat’s life.
• Create a story using the title ‘The Oldest Man in the Sea’. What might happen?
• Finish the title ‘The Oldest Man in the…’ and write a story based on it.

Maths

• Pat’s boat is 23 feet long. Can you convert this measurement into different units?

Science

• Find out about different types of fish. What fish might Pat catch in his boat?
• Plan an investigation to see which materials float and sink. Which would be best to use when you are making a boat?

Design Technology

• Design a new boat that Pat could use when fishing.

Geography

• Can you find Castletownbere on a map? Could you work out where he might go fishing?
• How far could he travel in his boat each day? Where might he be able to reach by boat?
• Find out about fishing and the impact that it has on the environment. How can we encourage responsible fishing?
• Pat explains that, because of the weather, fishing is one of the most dangerous occupations on earth. What types of weather might be dangerous for fishermen? Why?

History

• Make a timeline of Pat’s life using the information shared in the video.

PSHE

• How can Pat keep himself safe when he is out at sea? What equipment might he need?
• Pat really enjoys his fishing. What are your hobbies? What job would you like to do when you are older?