section 5 final

THE ALEXANDRAN 2010-2011

First Day Back.......................................................................................................141Delphi....................................................................................................................142River Dargle...........................................................................................................143Articles............................................................................................................144-145Student Enterprise Awards...................................................................................146Log On Learn........................................................................................................147Performance Night..........................................................................................148-149National Mock Trials.............................................................................................150Fresh Fiml Festival................................................................................................151 Alexandra College Film Festival.....................................................................152-153Yoga for Hope.......................................................................................................154Wicklow Way Hike...............................................................................................155TY Prizewinners....................................................................................................156TY Diaries.............................................................................................................157TY English............................................................................................................158

SECTION V - TRANSITION YEARFirst Day Back

All Transition Year students arrived back to school on September 3rd after

our extra week off. We all returned ready for this year off work and to see all of our friends again.

We excitedly chatted about all the new and thrilling things we would be taking part in this year from Delphi to Performance Night. We all wore our TY tracksuit uni-forms so we were all warm and comfort-able.

We were divided into new forms and eagerly awaited receiving our new timetables. This year we have modules and new classes that we’ve never done before. The teachers explained to us about 4th Year and gave us forms for Gaisce and Work Experience. The highlight of this day for most of us was receiving our new MacBook laptops!

Hannah Schwartz

Junior Certificate Results

September 15th finally came around. This was the day that

all Transition Years had either been dreading or eagerly awaiting since we had finished 3rd Year - the day that our Junior Cert results came back.

We spent the morning nervously fidgeting through our classes in anticipation until we heard Mrs. Wynne call us all to the gym

where we filed in and lined up in our form classes.

We were surprised to see some of the girls who had moved schools lined up with us again. Our names were called alphabetically and we anxiously shook Mrs. Ennis’ hand and took our big brown envelopes that held the results that we had waited so long for.

We all opened them and disappointed or satisfied, we were all just glad the time had come and we could celebrate. We went out for lunch with our parents and then spent the night celebrating with our friends. The next morning we came to school wrecked but it was worth

Hannah Schwartz

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River Dargle

As part as our geography course we made a trip to the River Dargle in Wick-low to learn about the movement of rivers. My form, 4Y, went along with

another fourth year class. We came into school in our oldest clothes ready to get dirty! We all wore wellies and coats to keep ourselves dry from the river and warm from the weather. We left during first class and got the bus up. When we arrived were divided into our form classes and elected 3 loud leaders who were to keep the class in order.

The aim of our geography project was to study the process of erosion and deposition along the river at two different sights. This involved measuring the cross-section (width and depth) and the velocity of the river as well as examining it’s bed load. To carry out these we we needed equipment which we brought along ourselves. That included: measuring tape and metre stick for the cross section; a small tennis ball and stop watch for the velocity and a key to identify the bed load.

We were comparing the Upper Class to the Middle Class of the river. We started at the Upper Class and carried out our tests which we had to go into the river to do! Some of our wellies weren’t high enough and the flow of the river was too heavy that water filled our boots. However, the tests only took about 20 min-utes at each section. The results were to be added to our projects which we were going to be graded on so our attention and co-operation during the trip was very important. It was good fun getting wet and pushing one another into the river! We were able to do serious work at the same time as being out and enjoying ourselves.

Before we left we were given time to have a little snack and play in the playground near the entrance, even we were now in fourth year and were supposed to be becoming mature young adults! We left soon enough and were back at Alex just in time for lunch. We had triple games for our last three classes so that really topped off our day.

Alix Egan

Delphi

On October 18th, all the 4th years headed to Delphi Adventure Centre. We were all waiting excitedly at the

school at 6am with our pillows and bags full of snacks and warm clothes.

We arrived in Mayo after our long bus journey where and we were assigned rooms where we unpacked. We were then split into different groups and set out on an adventure.

During our week we woke up every morning at 8.00am to a day full of activities including kayaking, pier jumping, hill walking, bog walking, abseiling, Jacob’s ladder, zip wire, archery, high ropes and low ropes, rock climbing and team challenges.

Everyone took part in the activities and because we were randomly assigned to groups we made new friends and grew closer as a year. Everyone was full of encouragement and really motivated one another.

On the last night there was a talent show. Each room had to do a performance for the rest of the people at Delphi, even the other schools. It was a really fun way to end our eventful week especially at the end when everyone sang along while some girls played songs on the guitar.

Like every year, Delphi was a really amazing experience that brought us closer as a year and let us take part in some amazing activities that we would otherwise never have had the chance to do.

Hannah Schwartz



The Culwick Cup

The Culwick Club was held on November 18th. The Culwick consists of solo singing and choir

competitions. First to third years competeagainst each other in their form classes and 4th to 6th years compete as year groups.

This was our first time competing as a year so we needed a lot of preparation to get us all in time and the outfits picked out, but most importantly tolearn our song! We were singing “All That Jazz” form the Chicago, so it was very exciting. We all wore black skirts and fishnet tights, ribbons in our hair and red lip-stick to give us that look from the movie. The conduc-tor wore a long hat and a blazer with a sparkly golden skirt.

There were many prizes to be won. We got the pres-entation prize so we were chuffed! We couldnʼt have had more fun on that stage! It was such a wonderful feeling participating with all the year and knowing that we had all worked so hard together to be there. The sixth years took the cupbut they well deserved it.

To end the day the Jellicoe choir preformed. These are the sixth year boarder girls who do a singing and danc-ing skit on all the years including themselves! They were hilarious, just what we needed after a long day.

Aptitude Tests

On November 13th the whole of fourth year spent the day, up until lunchtime, doing aptitude tests. We were all placed in the gym with a

desk to ourselves with nothing but an answer sheet and a pencil.

The tests were of verbal, numeric and abstract reasoning as well as data checking. They weren’t serious exams in which we had to prepare for, they were merely tests designed to access our logical reasoning or think-ing performance. They were presented in a multiple choice format and strictly-timed. So in order to be successful we needed to work through them as accurately and quickly as possible. We needed speed, knowledge and thinking.

We were also giving a personality questionnaire. Unlike the previous test there were no right or wrong answers and they are completed without a strict time limit.

The tests were able to conclude our skills and experience; enthusiasm and motivation; and our personality and attitude. Neither of the two were that difficult although the maths questions on the first test were fairly tricky and some were unable to answer because of the shortage of time.

The results of both were given in a file format a few weeks later, pages upon pages of results. They concluded all aspects focussed on the tests but the most important of which, to me, was the interests part.

The first page gave a conclusion of which subjects or aspects we choose most and have most interest in. This was great as it helped us to see a logical view on what we were be interested in and might be good at in the future.

Work Experience

For my two weeks of work experience I went to a make-up artist and a hospital. I went to a school called Greasepaint where the makeup artist Jane Maier works. I got a tour of the school and I got to

watch a lesson on how to cut hair. I also learnt about what kind of courses you can do and the different uses for a make-up artist.

I also went shopping for make-up supplies with the artist which was interesting to see the basic essentials that she would use everyday.

She also showed me a new technique called airbrushing where make-up is sprayed onto your face. This gives a lighter yet more flawless finish and is a ‘HD effect’ in photographs. She was trying to promote this and she explained the basics of it to me and how make-up applying is a real skill like any other job.

My favourite part of this work experience was when I went to see a client with her. They were going to make an advertisement in aid of children in abusive households or children of divorcing parents. They were trying out the make-up and part of their ad was tattooing phrases that parents might say during divorce onto the children. They used my arm as a practice and they airbrushed letters onto it. It was really interesting to see how they worked with their clients and how they managed to spray paint on the tattoos so realistically. The make-up artist even sprayed a reddish colour around the letters to show the rawness of a real recent tattoo.

While I was working at the hospital I got to see many interesting things. On my first day I was put in a lecture theatre where I listened to some lectures about fire safety, prevention of transmission of diseases and also patient care. It was really interesting and I learned the right way to wash and disinfect your hands. I then had to put my hands under a UV light where I could see how clean they actually were after disinfect-ing them.

On my second day I went to the labs. This was really interesting. I was given a white coat and I was shown around the different types of labs. I got to see how they tested all the blood work and how they reported it back to the doctors. I even saw where they tested flesh and skin for things like cancer. I went to where they tested bacteria and infections in blood and I got to see different things growing in agar dishes. This day was very interesting as I got to see different parts of the hospital.

On my third day I went to the Cath Lab which is where the heart surgery and heart treatment goes on. This was my favourite day as I got to watch a surgeon put a stint into two different peopl’s arteries. He explained everything to me and I really learnt a lot.

On my fourth day I went to the wards. I got to follow around the nurses and learn about how they work. It was really interesting to see the ward in action in real life. I really enjoyed this and found it so interesting.

Hannah Schwartz

Work Experience

For my first week of work experience I was helping out a Senior Infants teacher at my Primary school, Sutton Park. My nails were

unpainted and kept well, make up was to a minimum, tan was abandonedand there wasnʼt a knot in my hair! All the girls knew to make our school proud.

I loved the idea of teaching so I decided to do it in my old school. I was working with a teacher who had taught me before and I already knew my way around the school so the job was a lot easier than those working in somewhere totally new. My job was just like the teachers - I read with the children, corrected their homework, helped and encouraged them with their work and helped them sort out problems between each other at play times.

The girls loved the idea of having a teenager in their class so they were endlessly giving me flowers and asking me to play with them, they were so cute and it was such an experience getting to know them! The boys on the other hand were slightly more tricky and seemed to get into a lot more quarrels than the girls but I enjoyed teaching and helping them just as much as with the girls.

We went on a school trip to an art museum in town one of the days. It was great being able to mind the children when they were out and seeing them so fascinated by the stories behind the art work. They all partici-pated in answering questions without the help of me or Mrs. Hoy.

I also had to do a few jobs around the school such as cleaning out art supplies, cutting, laminating and printing - all the boring teachers jobs..

What i enjoyed the most was knowing I was helping the children and see-ing them learn and enjoy themselves at the same time. It really helped me to see how much patience a teacher has to have and their love towards their job and their students.

Alix Egan


THE ALEXANDRAN 2010-2011146 147 THE ALEXANDRAN 2010-2011

Log On Learn Student Enterprise Awards

Ms. McMahon, Rosa Gomez Barrachina, Mario Blanco, Macarena Gonsalez Natalie Pullen and Ms.McMahon


Performance Night

Performance Night is one of the most important things that the Transition Year students do every year and often the highlight of the year. Every student takes part whether they do Drama, Music, Videography, Form and Fusion, Dance, Stage Management, Animation/Filmmaking or Set Design.

After a week full of rehearsals and sound checks the night finally arrived. We all waited in the Music Block where we rushed around changing costumes and doing make-up. The night began with the Form and Fusion girls who wowed the crowd with their amazing outfits made of recycled material. Then came the dance module who were great with their different routines.

This was followed by the music module performance of ‘The Sound Of Music’. Afterwards the drama students performed many different scenes under the theme of ‘Isolation.’

We were then shown the animation/filmmaking groups’ hard work. At the end the whole year came out together and sang our Culwick song: ‘All That Jazz.’

All in all the night was a huge success enjoyed by all. It ran smoothly with the help of the stage management girls and the set looked beautiful. The year could not have done it without the help of all the teachers involved so we would like to thank them again. After the night was finished the whole year went to T.G.I Fridays in celebration!

Hannah Schwartz



National Mock Trials 2011

On April 9th, 2011, a group of barristers, solicitors, witnesses, court staff and jurors from Transition Year made their way to the Criminal Courts of Justice for the Na-

tional Mock Trials. We were placed in a near real court hearing situation.

We had to prepare to prosecute and defend a murder case and an assault case. Between us we decided that Sian Kneafsey and Emma Dickenson would act as our barristers. Everyone was a little bit nervous in our first trial, but despite this we managed to secure a victory over the St. Munchin’s boys by one point! Our morale boosted by the first vic-tory, we went on to win our next two trials, and qualified for the semi-final.

We competed against Holy Family, Newbridge in the semi-final on the morning of the 7th of May. The opposing team were very competitive and a few of the girls were almost sure that we had lost. They were proven wrong, however, when the judges an-nounced that we had won by one point. We were all absolutely thrilled to be in the final - Alex had never got this far in the competition before!

The final took place that afternoon and was adjudicated by judges Peter Kelly, Ter-ence O’Sullivan and Mary Collins. We were against Eureka School from Kells, a team definitely worthy of the final. The trial was very enjoyable and entertaining, not to mention competitive. Sian and Emma were absolutely fantastic and the witnesses were very convincing. In the end, we were narrowly beaten by Eureka, but everyone was still very happy that we had got to the final. Afterwards, we were presented with medals and certificates, and we got our picture taken with the judges. It was definitely an event to remember.

All the girls involved in the Mock Trials would like to thank Ms. Hearns and the 5th year girls for all their help in preparing us for the cases. We would also like to thank the teachers, parents and students who came to support on both days. We really enjoyed both the mock trial and the P.A.L. law module which was facilitated by barristers David Reddington and Mary Bunyan.

Hannah O’Connor

Fresh Film Festival

On the 1st of March four fourth years with Mr Mustafov and Mrs Rycraft travelled down to Limerick for the Fresh Film Festival where our documen-

tary ‘Never Perfect’ had reached the Final.

We arrived at the train station in the early hours of Tuesday morning and waited for our train to arrive. The trip down was nerve wracking and everyone was thinking about the oncoming events of the day.

We then had to take a bus to the Cinema in which the festival was being held. When we arrived we were greeted with the sight of about 150 students from different school all around the Country. After we registered it was time to head on in.

The festival started with a few opening words from Festival director about wish-ing us luck and congratulating us on making it to the finals. There were four sections with about twelve short films, music videos,comedy sketches, and docu-mentaries in each.

Even though our film was in the second section we still had to pay close atten-tion to each film being displayed, as there was an audience award for the one the audience liked the best.

After the second set of showings was over myself, Hayley, Paloma and Rocio headed over to the nearby shopping centre to get something to eat and also to get our photo taken. During the break we talked about some of the hilarious films shown such as the “ Wind busters” by Oatlands College and “ The Magic Headphones” as well as some of the more serious ones like Home Alone, which was incredibly scary for a ten minute short film.

Then it was time for the award ceremony, which was greatly anticipated, and everyone had their fingers crossed. The competition was tough and unfortunately we did not win any awards.

After the closing speech we headed back on the train where we talked about the other films and how good they were. Even though we didn’ t win anything it was still a very enjoyable day and we would like to say a huge thank you our Teachers.

Beulah Lawler



Never Perfect - A Documentary Directed by: Hayley Dowling Filmed By: Rocio Gomez, Christina Rodriguez, Macarena GonzalezEdited By: Paloma MorenoWritten By: Beulah LawlorStarring: Ms Karen Scales and Ruth Ni Eidean

Western Love Story - Short Music FilmDirected by: Hannah O’Connor Filmed By: Caroline HealyEdited By: Clara MillarWritten By: Amy Restan, Emma Skelly, Hannah O’Connor Caroline Healy and Clara Millar,Starring: Amy Restan, Emma Skelly, Hannah O’Connor, Caroline Healy, Clara Millar, Rocio Gomez and Alejandra Sanz.

Be Happy - AnimationDirected by: Iona Campbell Filmed By: Elisa McKennaEdited By: Lia Cowan and Marina ShortWritten By: Ariane McEvoy Bucholz

A Load of Rubbish - A DocumentaryDirected by: Tammy Smal Filmed By: Tammy Smal, Christina Rodriguez, Macarena GonzalezEdited By: Tammy Smal, Marina ShortWritten By: Tammy SmalStarring: Ms Lucia Shelley, Mr Ross Craigie and Mr Keith Young

Welcome to Ireland - Short FilmDirected by: Rocio Gomez, Maria Blanco and Alex Sanz Filmed By: Maria BlancoEdited By: Rocio GomezWritten By: Alex SanzStarring: Rocio Gomez, Maria Blanco, Ms Shirley Hannah, Caroline Healy, Mella Carron, Stephanie O’Callaghan.

Sun Movie - AnimationDirected by: Ellie CameronFilmed By: Ellie CameronEdited By: Bella PurcellWritten By: Hannah Boylan, Ellie Cameron, Hayley Dowling, Bella Purcell and Vicky Gaskin

Unlucky LuckyDirected by: Cliona Beattie, Becky Russell and Isabelle McDonald Filmed By: Cliona Beattie, Becky Russell and Isabelle McDonald Edited by: Cliona BeattieWritten By: Becky RussellStarring: Mr Malachi Friel, Ms Aileen Ivory, Cliona Beattie, Vanessa Connolly, Becky Russell, Clara Millar, Conor Ginty and Thomas Culleton

Friday - AnimationDirected by: Iona Campbell Filmed By: Elisa McKennaEdited By: Lia CowanWritten By: Ariane McEvoy Bucholz

The Alexandra College Film Festival and Oscar Ceremony

On May 10th-12th, 2011, the Filmmaking Department held the second annual Transition Year Film Festival and Oscars Ceremony in the Library. Around 50 students attended the festival each day making the whole thing a great success. Students from every year were invited to the festival and were allowed to eat their lunch in the Library.

The judging panel this year included Dr Wright, Dr Crudden, Mr Murray, Mr Mustafov, Ms McShane, Ms Brehony, Ms Gilna, Flora Pery Know Gore, Zoe Cras and Michelle Bulger.

The following films were screened:

The following awards were presented to the TY Filmmakers at the Oscar Ceremony. Congratulations to all involved.

Best Short Film: Western Love Story, By Amy Restan, Emma Skelly, Hannah O’Connor, Caroline Healy and Clara Millar. Best Documentary: Never Perfect‚ By Hayley Dowling, Rocio Gomez, Paloma Moreno, Beulah Lawlor. Best Animation: Sun Movie, By Hannah Boylan, Ellie Cameron, Hayley Dowling, Bella Purcell and Vicky Gaskin Best Actress: Hannah O’Connor (Western Love Story) Best Director: Hayley Dowling (Never Perfect) Best Cinematography: Western Love Story‚ By Amy Restan, Emma Skelly, Hannah O’Connor, Caroline Healy and Clara Millar. Best Soundtrack: Unlucky Lucky‚ By Cliona Beattie, Becky Russell and Isabelle McDonald Audience Award: Unlucky Lucky‚ By Cliona Beattie, Becky Russell and Isabelle McDonald


YOGA for HOPE

WICKLOW WAY HIKE

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Transition Year Prizewinners

Louise Crosbie Memorial Trophy: Hannah O’Connor

Violet Mollan Cup: Roli Meggison

Barbara Stanley Shield: Tammy Smal


ENGLISH

Job Interview (inspired by Banksy’s “interestinpeople”)You dress in an expensive suit

and shave the scattered stubble on your face.Your wrist bears your best watch;

Time is money, after all, and life a race.

Why would you give to charitywhen you could buy a new car?

Why would you care about your wife’s feelingswhen she’s just there to iron your shirts?

Why would you spend time with your childrenwhen you have important work to do?

Sweating slightly, standing nervously, straightening your tie.He calls you in. You share a firm handshake.

But he fails to notice the invisible sign around your neck,What’s written all over you;

0% interest in people.

by Hannah O’Connor

158 THE ALEXANDRAN 2010-2011

Documents

section 5 final