4th & 5th Year 2013-2014 Yearbook

The Institute of Education

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Message from the Principal: Mr Jim Darcy 2

4th Year at the Institute: The Story so Far: Ms. Orla Ní Shuilleabháin 4

My First Impressions of the Institute: By Laura Harrington 8

The Art of Creative Writing: By Isobel Andrews-McCarroll 10

The Great Debate: By Laura Hogan 11

My 4th Year at the Institute: By Rachel Morris 13

Going for Gold: By Deirdre Healy 15

5th Year in Five Words: By Éadair Dolan 16

Music to Our Ears: By Orla Peelo 17

Exploring the Big Questions: By Sobha Singh 18

4th Year Trip to Belfast: By Patrick Acatrinei 19

Down on the Farm: By Hollie Moore 20

Check Mates: By Lenard Adanov 21

Chemistry Practicals- In Their Element: By Clara Kickham 22

A Life Saving Skill for Life: By Sinéad Kinsella 23

4th Year Gaisce Trip to Killary: By Fionnuala O'Brien 24

5th Year at the Institute: By Zoe Palmer 26

We are the Champions: By Matthew O'Kelly 27

Why I Chose the Institute: By Grainne Gallagher 28

Kickboxing in 5th Year: By Harry Crofton 29

ECDL- Learning the Skills to Succeed: By Donal Lyons 30

My Rowing Career: By Aoife Stables 31

Looking Ahead- An Eye on the Future: By Lucy Dowling 33

The Gift of Charity at Christmas: By Christopher Keogh 35

4th Year Trip to Wicklow: By Jason Conroy 36

The Soundtrack to my Life: By Andrea Viani Duggan 38

My Experience at the Institute: By Liam Irwin 40

It’s a Knock out! By Alanna Brunton 41

Project Maths- It all Adds Up: By Yasmeen Bari 42

Food Glorious Food: By Rachel Murray 43

5th Year at the Institute: By Jack Dolan Grealy 44

Work Experience During 4th Year: By Hannah Bristow 46

Hitting the High Notes: By Stephanie McCarthy 47

Moving Off-Line and into the Classroom: By Samuel Berman 48

Medicine Matters- The HPAT Exam: By Fiona Lannon 49

My 4th Year at the Institute: By Heather Croghan 50

Biology- Practicals Make Perfect! By Georgianna Taylor 51

Saxophone Solo: By Alex Strains 53

Getting a Kick out of It: By Hazel Brunton 54

Slip Sliding Away! By Dylan Rowley 56

Find the Motivation to Succeed: Ms. Orla Ní Shuilleabháin 57

1

A MESSAGE FROM THE 5TH YEAR PRINCIPAL

Jon Kabat-Zinn wrote a book called “Wherever You Go, There You Are”. The significance of this title is that it can teach you to stop constantly wishing you were somewhere else. We tend to believe that if we were somewhere else – in 6th year, finished the Leaving Certificate, in University, finished our degree, in the work place – somehow we would be happier, more at ease, content with ourselves and at peace with the world. We wouldn’t. The truth is, if you have bad behaviour or destructive mental habits, are frustrated a great deal of the time, constantly wishing things were different, these tendencies will follow you wherever you go. The reverse is also true. If you are generally happy, content, at ease and at peace with yourself, then you can move from place to place, person to person, with very little negative impact.

Mr. Jim Darcy

Something wonderful happens with the simple realisation that life, like a car, is driven from the inside out, not the other way around. As you focus more on becoming more peaceful and being where you are at the present moment rather than focusing on where you would rather be, you begin to find peace in the here and now.

“Something wonderful

happens with the simple realisation

that life, like a car, is driven

from the inside out.”

As you move from place to place, try new things, meet new people, you carry that sense of peace with you. It’s true that “wherever you go, there you are.”

You have at your disposal a foolproof guidance system to navigate your way through life. This system, which consists of feelings, lets you know whether you are off track and headed towards unhappiness and conflict – or on track and headed towards peace, contentment and happiness.

When you are not caught up in your thinking, taking things too seriously, your feelings will be positive. When your experience of life is not pleasant, your warning system of feelings kicks in like a red light to remind you that it’s time to ease up on your thinking. Instead of fighting life, back off, take a few deep breaths and relax. Life isn’t an emergency unless you make it one. I wish all students every success in the Leaving Certificate in June 2015 and 2016. I hope you will find peace, contentment and happiness in the years ahead. You must decide to be happy and take responsibility for your well-being.

“I hope you will find peace,

contentment and happiness in the years ahead.”

I would like to thank Peter, Andrew and Una Kearns (Directors) for their support throughout the year. I want to acknowledge the leadership given by our founder Mr. Raymond Kearns whose vision continues to guide us.

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My thanks too goes to all those who contributed articles to this book, and to our outstanding teaching staff, Deputy Principals Una Finn, Richard Whealans, Head of 4th Year Orla Ní Shuilleabháin, Administration Staff Mary Boyd and Eimear Carroll, Study Supervisors Maura Parkinson and Elaine O’ Shea, Guidance Counsellors Mary Dorgan and Helen Frewen, Student Liaison Officer Helen Casey, Ancillary Staff Sharon Donnelly and her team and Security Team Derek Dunne, Derek Clarke and Ray Burke, I say a big THANK YOU. Finally to you, the Student Body, I thank you for your help, support, care, concern and kindness towards each other. “Go raibh mile maith agaibh go leir.” Mr. Jim Darcy, Principal

Left to right: Andrew Kearns (Director), Una Kearns (Director), Peter Kearns (Managing Director).

Mr. Ray Kearns, Founder

4th and 5th year support team: Front Row L-R: Eimear Carroll, Maura Parkinson, Elaine O’Shea, Una Finn. Back Row L-R: Helen Casey, Mary Dorgan, Orla Ní Shuilleabháin, Mary Boyd, Richard Whealans.

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4TH YEAR AT THE INSTITUTE- THE STORY SO FAR

Another 4th year comes to a close and once again I can reflect on a year of great achievement, with a truly outstanding group of students. Energy, enthusiasm and camaraderie are the words that spring to mind.

Ms. Orla Ní Shuilleabháin

When we started out last September we did not know what we might achieve and once again I am amazed at the diversity of activity, the thirst for learning and the closeness of the group as they truly bonded over the activities and academic tasks. One of the highlights for any 4th year student is the completion of the Gaisce Presidents Award and we had great enthusiasm and commitment from the group across a range of tasks and voluntary activities. Many voluntary organisations and individuals such as Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin benefited from the generosity of the year. Work experience delivered many interesting opportunities, with most students gaining invaluable experience in many fields from voluntary and medical areas to media, the fashion world, retail and engineering. Students also attended many exciting courses in various third level universities

We brought our group on a number of wonderful adventures. As part of the Gaisce initiative we spent two days in the wilds of Co. Mayo at Killary Adventure Centre and completed a character defining hike over 25km of tough terrain. We discovered the world of the Titanic in Belfast and enjoyed the sense of wonder at the true scale of the great ship as we stared up from the dry dock at the pump house. We also touched history with our recent trip to Wicklow Gaol and finished off a long day with a frenetic paint ball experience. Many thanks to Mary Dorgan, Richard Whealans and Christine Redmond for their wonderful company and amazing support on our adventures.

“As I have said many times to each and every

one of you – you are an inspiration

to us all.”

The key to a fulfilling 4th year is the variety of activities that can be undertaken due to the flexibility of the academic time table during the year. Students can select a number of subjects to help and support their academic goals and at the same time participate in extra curricular sessions such as kickboxing, ECDL, horse riding, life saving, ballet, music and many other interesting areas. Once again I would like to congratulate all the students on an outstanding year of achievement and for showing energy, drive, ambition and courage in taking on some truly brave and character building choices over the past 9 months. As I have said many times to each and every one of you – you are an inspiration to us all. Wishing you all great success in the year ahead. Ms. Orla Ní Shuilleabháin, 4th Year Head

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5th Year Class of 2014

Front Row L-R: Amelia O’ Mahony Brady, Angela Peng, Niveta Ramakrishnan, Weronika Alshamkhany, Breen McGeough, Nurul Faizah Mohamad, Kessia Vista, Lynn Nguyen, Yasmeen Bari, Shandana Khan, Ayushi Anna

Dinesh, Aysha Israr.

Second Row L-R: Christopher Keogh, James Wareham, Oran McVeigh-Keeling, Chloe Kirwan, Naomi Bourke, Orlagh Banahan, Grace Mooney, Florence McLoughlin, Ciara Lynott, Isobel Andrews McCarroll, Connor Mac Andrew, Christopher Kestell, Benhur Benjamin, Abdul Haq Shaik, Mohammad Saad Rizwan, Alison Turner, Hazel Brunton, Lilia Corrigan, Emma Quinn, Anne Cowan, Nicole Parvu, Hazel McCabe, Cliona

Carroll.

Third Row L-R: Hamza Malik, Daniel Rizwan Uddin, Isobel Digby, Alison Beggs, Eunice Collins, Laura Harrington, Luke Maloney, Reyan Jaimon, Orla Peelo, Anna Murray, Emily O’ Reilly, Sheila Gargan.

Fourth Row L-R: Heather Humphreys, Fiona Lannon, Aoife McCormack, Ian McDonald, Ali Moloney, Sarah

Lordan, Grace Sherry, Georgianna Taylor, Jason Conroy, Alexander Strains, Clara Kickham, Saw Yu Beh, Declan Hayes, Sophie Browne, Eva Tyrrell, India Delaney, Julieann Nolan.

Back Row L-R: Rian Lacey, Ronan McGrath, Niall Alsafi, Robert Fitzsimons, Jack Dolan Grealy, David O’

Connor, Joseph Shanley, Sobha Singh, Liam O Cearbhaill, Danyal Khan, Darien Wai Kuok Chang.

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5th Year Class of 2014

Front Row L-R: Tatiana Tyulkina, Aoife Shanahan, Chloe Hui, Evie O’ Connor, Sarah Salim, Declan Hayes, Prapti Setty, Muhammed Talha Sultan, Mohamed Jaber, Nouran Karim, Yi-Jan Lim, Rachel Murray.

Second Row L-R: Benita Maria Joy, Chin Ling, Fahd Aziz Shiwani, Bhadrajee Hewage, Lea Conway, Luke

Maloney,Colin Huddleston, Keren Chinaka, Nurin Hannah Zainal, Adam Hanley, Ronke Oladele.

Third Row L-R: Laurence Shannon, Jack Gallagher, Saif Shakeel Ahmed, Matthew O’ Kelly, Sarah Mohamed, Zoe Palmer, Emma-Jane Grant, Sarah Grimes, Yasmine Tadjine, Abby Bowden, Saba Mohammad, Tireni

Komolafe, Caoimhe Dalton.

Fourth Row L-R: David Yakubu, Ibaad Khan, Dylan Rowley, Sean Lowney, Ross Merriman, Sam Mastoory, Brian MacCourt, Ali Ravanparvar, Julianne Glynn, Matthew Smith, Jade Rasmussen Lane, Hazel Brunton, Katie O’ Brien, Kate McGonagle, Hollie Moore, Aoibhin Kilduff, Ben Nolan, Ellen Kelly, Sinead Kinsella,

Daniel Pereira, Ross Deegan, Ciaran Tynan.

Back Row L-R: Reyan Jaimon, Bart Fryc, Michael Moriarty, Stephen Coyle, Jamie Walsh, Ciaran Clarke, Mohammed Yagoub, Harry Crofton, Roisin O’ Doherty, Samuel Berman.

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4th Year Class of 2014

Front Row L-R: Lenard Adanov, Zainab Abdul Jalil, Sarah Al Saji, Heather Croghan, Melissa Barrett.

Second Row L-R: Athena Barrett, Hannah Bristow, Alanna Brunton, Andrea Viani-Duggan,

Fionnuala O’ Brien.

Third Row L-R: Abbey Lothian, Beth Dunne, Edie Connors, Rachel Morris.

Back Row L-R: Eric Reynolds, Robert Lynch, Daniil Stepenny, Jason Conroy, Aoife Stables, Donal Lyons, Kate Gibney.

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MY FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE INSTITUTE

Having skipped 4th year I was really nervous coming into the Institute. I knew nobody and thought it would be really hard to make friends.

I came from a small all-girls school and thought I wouldn’t get as much individual attention at the Institute. From the moment I came here the school has been nothing but supportive and genuinely interested in what I want to do in the future. The classes are a great size and any help I’ve needed was always available.

There are so many things I love about the Institute, one of the most obvious ones being the outstanding teachers they have. Every teacher is so enthusiastic about their subject that it’s easy to keep engaged in class.

“The teachers have truly given me the

confidence I needed to face the Leaving Cert with

a positive outlook.”

By Laura Harrington

My history teacher Susan Cashell literally lives and breathes history. Her sheer passion for the subject encourages her students to want to study and get the best grades that they can get. I have a lot more motivation knowing that the teachers genuinely want me to succeed.

Guidance Counsellor, Mary Dorgan with students at the Institute of Education’s annual Careers Fair in October 2013.

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What’s great about this school is that every student who’s moved here is looking for something they didn’t have in their old school. I’ve met so many like-minded people who I have most of my classes with. Making friends is really easy and you will find a lot of people you have so much in common with. Another thing I love about the Institute is the amazing support system they have. I am possibly one of the unluckiest people alive and at the start of the year I had some ridiculous accidents from injuring myself to drowning myself in coffee on the way to school. The women in the office were always so helpful no matter what situation I had gotten myself into. The study supervisors, Maura and Elaine, are always there to help with any timetable problems and keep you focused during study. There is a great online Moodle service that the Institute offers. It really helps me focus on what areas I need to study and all of my French oral recordings are there for me to listen to which is so helpful for oral preparation.

“Moving to the Institute has

been one of the greatest

decisions I’ve ever made.”

In short, moving to the Institute has been one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made. I've made some of my best friends here that I’ll have for life and the teachers have truly given me the confidence I needed to face the Leaving Cert with a positive outlook. I’m really looking forward to next year and I can honestly say I really enjoy school life even if it means early mornings and constant Chemistry exams. I’m confident that anyone who decides to come to the Institute will thoroughly enjoy their time here too.

4th year students fund raising for Crumlin Children’s Hospital in November 2013.

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THE ART OF CREATIVE WRITING

The creative writing group focuses primarily on developing and sharpening creative writing skills from all angles. Every Tuesday from 3:30pm to 4:30pm, Room L22 (where the group meets) becomes a place full of alert and buzzing minds.

The group is always open to new ideas, new suggestions and, of course, new members. While the class is always productive and attentive, there is a positive, relaxed, informal atmosphere, as all students attend voluntarily out of personal interest. The hour mainly involves interactive writing activities or assignments. Students are also invited to share drafts of their work (relevant to the topic under discussion or otherwise) with the rest of the class to gain constructive feedback on their writing. By Isobel Andrews-McCarroll

Many classes are themed. We have spent classes discussing aesthetic language use, writing from pictures, song lyrics, poetry, even memos in order to broaden and extend our writing skills.

“The group is always open to new ideas, new

suggestions and, of course, new

members.”

The combination of all these elements of the class results in a definite improvement in creative writing skills and many of the students have come to find the medium of writing which they enjoy and suits them best through the class.

I would definitely recommend this class to any student with an interest in English or writing in any form. Many thanks to David O'Halloran for organising and patiently coordinating the creative writing classes this year.

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5th year Creative Writing Team 2014: Evie O’ Connor, Sarah Salim, Laura Harrington, Eunice Collins, Ciaran Tynan, Lea Conway, Isobel Andrews-McCarroll, Ibaad Khan.

THE GREAT DEBATE In the past year the Debating Society in the Institute has gone from strength to strength in competitive schools debating. Despite our small number, the achievements in regional, national and even international competitions have been incredible.

Many of us had really enjoyed debating at our previous schools and in the beginning it was fantastic to see how style has been taught in all of the different schools and to be able to learn from each other. Debating is something that has really improved my confidence and given me the ability to speak in front of a crowd. There is nothing more nerve wracking than going up to a podium and speaking to an audience for between five and eight minutes at a time, with a sheet of paper with only a few words on it, but it's also one of the most rewarding experiences and you have a real sense of accomplishment once you've finished.

By Laura Hogan

There are two types of debates that the school has competed in this year: schools style and mace style. In school debates, students usually have one week to prepare a motion on a given topic as part of a team consisting of two debaters or as an individual, and rounds take place over the course of the year.

“Debating is something that has really improved my

confidence and given me the ability to

speak in front of a crowd.”

Mace is quite different: you enter as a team of two and there are generally four rounds in British parliamentary style over the course of a day, ending in a final for the top four teams. Mace is probably the most difficult form of debating because you only have 15 minutes to prepare a speech that must last up to seven minutes.

5th year Debating Team 2014: Ross Merriman, Sarah Salim, Laura Hogan, Alasdair Donovan.

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We had four teams enter into the Leinster Schools Debates and we enjoyed great success in the early rounds with one team, Alasdair Donovan and Ross Merriman reaching the semi-finals.

It was Mace Style Debates that we really focused on this year. We had many teams enter all of the various competitions that were held this year including The Trinity Historical Society Mace, The Philspeaks Competition, The Trinity Pro-Am, where Alasdair Donovan reached the final, The UCD L and H mace- where Ross Merriman and I reached the final and the CCC Mace.

“In early March we travelled over

to Cambridge University for three days to

compete against teams from all

over the world.”

Other notable achievements during the year were the trials for the Irish Debating Team, where a team of five were picked from across Ireland to compete in the World Schools Debating Competition. Two speakers from the school, Alasdair Donovan and I both progressed from the Leinster trials to national trials and then on to the final. Although neither of us made the team, being ranked amongst the top eight speakers in the country is quite an achievement!

Probably one of the highlights of my year was the opportunity to represent Ireland in an international debating competition in the Cambridge Union along with Alasdair Donovan. The Irish round was held in Dublin in January and we won the final after competing in four debates over the course of a weekend. In early March we travelled over to Cambridge University for three days to compete against teams from all over the world. It was an absolutely fantastic experience and a great opportunity to see the Colleges and faculties of one of the world's top universities. I'd finally like to thank our teacher David O'Halloran for all his support during the year, and of course the rest of the debating team for giving up their Saturdays to compete and for earning the school a tremendous reputation for debating at a high level in Ireland.

5th year students at the Share a Dream Ball in Clontarf Castle in November 2013.

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MY 4TH YEAR AT THE INSTITUTE My name is Rachel Morris, I'm 15 years old and participating in 4th year at the Institute. Coming to the Institute was a change from the all-girl secondary school I attended previously in Stillorgan. I decided to do 4th year in the Institute as I knew I would get laid-back and find it very difficult to get back into studying the following September, at the start of 5th year. Improving on my academics was a major part of my decision, as I aspire to study in NCAD and I knew my previous school wouldn't offer me great art facilities to do so. My art teacher Kathleen in the Institute is magnificent, and provides help and support in her classes which I really acknowledge.

By Rachel Morris

The Institute was offering a great programme in preparation for 5th year with a flexible schedule. I started last September with four 5th year subjects - Maths, Art, French and Economics. After Christmas I decided to change two of my subjects from Economics and French to Biology and Irish.

“Changing subjects between terms is fantastic as it provided me

with an opportunity to try

new subjects.”

Changing subjects between terms is fantastic as it provided me with an opportunity to try new subjects. Just before the February midterm I then decided to change from Biology to Business. During 4th year I also participated in parts of lifesaving in the Mespil swimming pool and kickboxing which I really enjoyed.

4th year Gaisce Awards participants 2014: Front Row: Abbey Lothian, Beth Dunne, Lenard Adanov, Alanna Brunton, Aoife Stables, Heather Croghan. Middle Row: Rachel Morris, Edie Connors, Andrea Viani-Duggan,

Hannah Bristow, Athena Barrett, Melissa Barrett. Back Row: Eric Reynolds, Donal Lyons, Robert Lynch, Jason Conroy, Fionnuala O’ Brien.

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For my GAISCE award I played hockey and took part in lifesaving and art classes. Taking part in GAISCE meant going to Killary, Co. Galway in November 2013. During our two days there we all hiked 25km which was a great experience even though the weather was very wet for the first day. During December, the 4th years went on a day trip to Belfast where we visited the Titanic and had a tour of the city. We had a really nice day. 4th year also provided me with time for work experience. I worked in Supervalu Churchtown and GANT Dundrum. I have yet to complete one week’ work experience in LA College of Creative Arts in June of this year.

“During December the 4th years went on a day trip to

Belfast where we visited the Titanic and had a tour of the city. We had a really nice day.”

As I mentioned before, 4th year provided me with a flexible timetable which was great as hockey plays a major part in my life. I play hockey for Genesis Hockey Club as a goalkeeper. As I started playing for the Senior 3rds this year along with the Under 16 As, there was extra training compared to last year in my previous club Three Rock. I always train on Wednesdays and I also was coached by the Irish international goalkeeper David Fitzgerald for parts of the year. I also play matches on Saturdays and Sundays. Having a flexible timetable enabled me to participate in extra training throughout the year, which has provided me to take part in the Leinster Under 18 development trials during April and May. I am also attending the Rabobank Hockey World Cup with my team in the Hague this June. Overall I have thoroughly enjoyed my 4th year experience in the Institute and have made great friends along the way. I am really looking forward to next year and I would highly recommend it to other students. This year has given me the opportunity to select my subjects for next year, given me a head start for 5th year and has enabled me to participate in work experience and GAISCE at the same time.

Deputy Principal, Richard Whealans and 4th Year Head, Orla Ní Shuilleabháin, get ready to go paint balling during the 4th year trip to Wicklow in April 2014.

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GOING FOR GOLD I started athletics in my local athletics club when I was ten years old. At the time I also played camogie and football and did swimming but I soon realised that I would have to give up these sports to focus on athletics as it required so much time and energy.

Since the beginning of the school year I have won the Under 18 Leinster cross country, the Leinster Indoor 1500m and I came fifth in the All Ireland Under 18 cross country which was 4000m. The All Ireland Under 18 cross country was run in conjunction with the junior race (Under 20) and I finished 9th overall. The top eight were selected for the Irish squad to compete in the European cross country held in Serbia. My greatest achievement to date has been representing Ireland in the Schools’ International Cross Country. By Deirdre Healy

At the end of January, the East Leinster Schools’ Cross Country took place in Avondale, Co. Wicklow. Regan McGlynn ran excellently in the intermediate girls race to finish fifth while Lucy Dowling, Rachel Murray and I finished 3rd in the senior girls team event. Everyone qualified for the Leinster Schools’ Cross Country to be held in Santry a week later. The standard was much higher at the Leinsters but Regan, Rachel and Lucy all ran very well. I came fourth in my race and qualified for the All Ireland Schools’ Cross Country in Cork IT on the 8th March. I finished third in the All Irelands. The track season will be starting soon and hopefully it will be a successful and enjoyable season for everyone.

“My greatest achievement to date has been representing Ireland in the

Schools’ International

Cross Country.”

5th year Athletes Team 2014: Regan McGlynn, Kate Doherty, Lucy Dowling, Rachel Murray, Colin Huddleston, Ibaad Khan.

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5TH YEAR IN FIVE WORDS 5th year for any 17 year old today is a true challenge. While enduring heaps of study, we’re still young, naïve and under the pressure of modern day society. The Institute of Education has given me a further insight into what it’s like to live in the real world and to be independent.

I honestly couldn’t think of a better place to have decided to spend the year. Here’s my experience in five words: Educational: The teachers here put so much passion and dedication into our learning. Day in and day out I found myself amazed by their knowledge of their subjects and their clever, strategic approach as to how the Leaving Cert works. They put our best interests at heart and make each student strive to achieve the best they can. The confidence they have in us makes us put confidence in ourselves. By Éadair Dolan

Independent: The sensible, flexible and realistic approach to how our daily timetable was laid out allowed me to have an appropriate school day that suited me. For example, starting at 8.30am or 9.30am and having flexible study and lunch periods that gave me a day to look forward to. I felt more grown up and individual. I had the opportunity to become more like myself and to become aware of my likes and my dislikes.

Motivating: Every day I would set myself a goal and I would be motivated to complete it. No matter how little (a homework task) or how large (Summer exams, Christmas exams), there were no days I slacked off. Each day motivates you to do the best you can for your teachers, your family and most importantly, yourself. This school allows you to be totally optimistic and to see a bright future ahead.

“This school allows you to be totally

optimistic and to see a bright future

ahead.”

Fulfilling: My week was filled with action packed days from the moment I got the train in the morning until the moment I stepped back on in the evening. I was content in the fact that I had a hard working day. The Institute never fails to have a delightful atmosphere that quietly contributed to my learning. Each day I was never left unoccupied. Having a fulfilling week allowed me to relax and unwind at weekends.

“The teachers here put so much passion and dedication into our

learning. Day in and day out I found myself amazed

by their knowledge of their subjects and their

clever, strategic approach as to how the Leaving

Cert works.”

Enjoyable: For future students this word is key to your understanding of what the Institute of Education is all about. Not only did I learn the most I ever have, but I actually enjoyed learning for the first time in my life. Everyday I wanted to soak up as much knowledge as I could and I also had the opportunity to choose from a delightful range of after school activities and make many new friends. I enjoy coming to school everyday and work hard, which is all any 17 year old could want!

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MUSIC TO OUR EARS From an early age, music has been a very big influence in my life. I have always been interested and enjoyed performing music.

My love began when I got my first guitar one Christmas morning. I am currently playing Grade 5 guitar and Grade 2 singing. As music is such an important part of my life, I was very pleased to be able to take part in the 5th year Christmas Choir. In preparation for the Christmas Concert, a lot of hard work was put in, in both our music classes and after school practice sessions with our Music teacher Fiona McManus.

The concert was in aid of the ‘Share a Dream’ foundation, an amazing organisation that dedicate their time to helping children with terminal illnesses, in making their final wishes come true.

“The night was a complete

success, very enjoyable and

for a very worthwhile

cause.”

By Orla Peelo

We prepared for the concert together by learning and practising new carols as Ms. McManus accompanied us on the piano. The night was a complete success, very enjoyable and for a very worthwhile cause. I am so pleased I was able to contribute to it!

The Institute of Education Choir 2014: Front Row: Andrea Vianney Duggan, Kessia Vesta, Chloe Hui, Tatiana Tyulkina, Alexander Strains, Laura Hogan, James Carey, Ross Merriman, Isobel Andrews McCarroll.

Back Row: Aoife Shanahan, Kate McGonagle, Sheila Gargan, Hazel Brunton, Emma-Jane Grant, Hollie Moore, Aoibhin Kilduff, Abby Bowden, Stephanie McCarthy, Jason Conroy, Kate Doherty, James Wareham, Lucy Dowling,

Christopher Kestell, Laura Grimes, Rian Lacey, Georgianna Taylor, Liam O Cearbhaill, Zoe Palmer.

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EXPLORING THE BIG QUESTIONS Philosophy, derived from the ancient Greek philo (loving) and sophia (wisdom) is a seemingly simple concept to understand. Yet it is anything but.

It is an absolutely mind boggling contraption which questions the very essence of our existence. It asks the tough questions, it tests our most fundamental ideals and completely morphs our understanding of them. Things which we took for granted to the point at which we forget to even consciously think about them are examined thoroughly, and from every possible angle. What is ethicality? What defines a person's national identity? What is the difference between music and sound? Is democracy truly the best form of government? Which components of a particular emotion distinguish it from any other emotion?

By Sobha Singh

These are all burning questions to which there is no definite answer, one way or another. In philosophy we try to analyse these issues, both objectively and subjectively. We learn to think independently, and support our views with logic and rational thinking.

“We learn to think

independently, and support our views with logic

and rational thinking.”

Our teacher, David does not in any way impose his beliefs or authority on us in any way. Instead he actively engages us in the class, instructs us on how we should structure our responses, and observes our reactions in an unbiased manner.

4th year students at Powerscourt Waterfall in April 2014

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4TH YEAR TRIP TO BELFAST I found that the 4th year Belfast trip was a very good experience and I am delighted that I got the opportunity to participate in it.

It helped me to get closer to some of the friends I don’t get to see very often because of the different subjects we are taking. Upon arriving in Belfast we firstly went to a very well presented museum which had many interesting details and exhibits about the Titanic and the crew and what life was like back then. The museum was a great experience which was very impressive. It felt great seeing how the ship was built and what the problems were and what led to the infamous sinking of the Titanic on its first voyage. The museum was extremely interesting and I would recommend it to anyone. By Patrick Acatrinei

We then went to the actual dock dating from the time which the Titanic was in it. We learned many interesting things there as well. The dock was absolutely huge. We had pictures shown to us of the Titanic in the exact place in front of us which was great to see and quite jaw dropping to see how something so big was built back then.

“It felt great seeing how the ship was

built, what the problems were and

what led to the infamous sinking of

the Titanic on its first voyage.”

We then went down into the dock which was closed off from water by these huge metal gates. When we got down to the bottom you could really see how big the dock was. We had a great guide who was very enthusiastic to explain every detail that he knew about the Titanic which added to the experience.

In conclusion I really enjoyed the trip to Belfast - it was very interesting and well worth going on.

4th year students at the Titanic Exhibition in Belfast in December 2013.

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DOWN ON THE FARM We arrived on the farm at 11.00am on Saturday 8th February. As we all began to spill out of the bus, there were quite a few complaints to be heard about the smell. This was obviously a new experience for some in the class!

Once we were out of the bus we pulled on our wellies and our wet gear. As soon as we were ready we began trudging through the mud to begin our tour. We began with the animal feeds and the farm machinery. Everyone was scribbling furiously on their notepads trying to document everything Donal, our teacher, was saying. We then moved on to the cattle. We were now becoming slightly distracted by the heifers as we watched them attempting to eat our schoolbags! By Hollie Moore

We were told about the different feeds that are given to the heifers throughout the year such as silage and concentrate feeds and how to practice good animal husbandry. At the time of the visit the heifers were being kept inside sheds because the grass had not begun to grow.

“We were now becoming slightly distracted by the

heifers as we watched them

attempting to eat our schoolbags.”

We then proceeded onto the last portion of the tour: the sheep. What we learned most from these sheep was the difficulty farmers have with keeping infection in check, especially foot rot. This became very obvious as while we were watching the sheep we noticed that some were limping around the pen. Needless to say the sheep got a lot of sympathy from the class.

We finished the day with a lovely lunch, before filing back into the bus. It was really nice to step outside the classroom to experience the practical aspect of what we had been learning. It was also a bit of a test to see how we could put what we had learned in school into real life. We also got the opportunity to see and appreciate the amount of work that goes into a farm.

5th year students at Dublin Zoo in November 2013.

20

CHECK MATES An ancient game, played by all, young and old, rich and poor. It is a battle of wit, strategy and logic where nothing but that matters. This is a game one can take up at any moment of their life. It is easy to learn, but not so easy to master. Chess is indeed this marvellous game that can take your breath away. Every Friday at 2.30pm a group of us join our teacher, Frank Scott, for an hour of chess puzzles and games in the 1st floor lunch room. For a change, this year we also decided to enter the inter-school competitions with a team.

By Lenard Adanov

We picked out the five brave warriors, ranked them by boards 1 to 5 and then arranged and played matches with other schools.

It was all great fun and it was an amazing experience! We made good friends and good memories. If you can, I suggest you take a shot at playing chess. It is a hard, mental game, but if you manage to learn it and start playing in competitions for international rankings I assure you, you will love it as much as I do!

“A battle of wit, strategy and logic.”

Members of the Institute of Education Chess Team 2014.

21

CHEMISTRY PRACTICALS - IN THEIR ELEMENT Chemistry Practicals are an integral and very enjoyable part of the Leaving Cert Chemistry course. In the Institute, one practical is scheduled per week in the labs. During these weekly sessions we generally cover one to two experiments under the direction of Mr. Joe Rice. In total there are 28 mandatory practicals on the Leaving Cert syllabus. The practicals do exactly what the name suggests - they put into practice much of the theory learned in the three 1 hour classes each week. Unlike many other subjects where a portion of the Leaving Cert result is based on practical / project / oral assessment, the chemistry practical does not count directly towards your final result. It is a requirement for the Leaving Cert however that the practicals are satisfactorily completed, and in doing so I have developed a far greater understanding of the concepts and theory covered in class.

By Clara Kickham

The practicals & experiments are also important because:

They develop practical skills in important areas such as setting up and manipulating apparatus and making measurements and observations. They give an appreciation of the errors inherent in practical work, the sources of the error and the precautions that should be taken to reduce such errors. They provide invaluable experience of working in a laboratory, including awareness of the hazards and precautions, safety requirements and standards for the chemicals and equipment used.

“It is very likely that many of us in our future careers will

have some interaction with fundamentals

learned in our chemistry practicals

this year.”

Much of the practical work completed in the laboratory is a subset of activity that is happening in industry all over the world from R&D to the manufacture of medicines, chemicals, domestic and commercially used products and so much more. As chemistry is such a broad subject, it is very likely that many of us in our future careers will have some interaction with fundamentals learned in our chemistry practicals this year.

22

A LIFE SAVING SKILL FOR LIFE This year, I was delighted to learn that the Institute of Education was offering 4th and 5th year students the opportunity to take part in a lifesaving programme run by St Colmcille’s Lifesaving Club. Furthermore, I was thrilled to learn that the course would lead to a qualification from the Royal Life Saving Society, an internationally recognised body.

Through completing this course I have been given a great opportunity for self-improvement. The confidence I have gained simply from knowing I am able to save someone else's life has not only made me more confident in my ability in the water, but in life in general. To me, this course has not only been a test of my physical ability to swim, dive, and correctly carry out a rescue, but a test of my will power, my ability to stay calm and perform under pressure.

By Sinéad Kinsella

Without the support of the school it would have been much more difficult for me to pursue a course like this. As the course was scheduled to fit in with the school timetable it was feasible to participate and it provided a welcome break from school and study. Participating in the course has also been a brilliant way of getting to know people outside of the classroom environment.

“The confidence I’ve gained from knowing

I’m able to save someone else's life has not only made me more confident in my ability in the water, but in life

in general.”

I would highly recommend the course to anyone who has the interest and commitment to learn a new life skill.

5th year Life Saving Group 2014. Laura Grimes, Sinéad Kinsella, Aine O’Donoghue, Alanna McDonald, Isobel Andrews McCarroll.

23

4TH YEAR GAISCE TRIP TO KILLARY As part of getting our Gaisce medal, we had to complete a 20k walk. So we set out for Killary adventure centre on the 10th of November.

It was a two day trip and we left on the Sunday morning on the 8am train to Westport in Co. Mayo. The train journey took about three hours and we arrived in Westport just in time for lunch. From there we took a mini-van to the adventure centre and the road was quite bumpy. When we got to the Killary adventure centre we were greeted by their lovely staff and got settled into our rooms and had a quick bite to eat. We then changed into our walking gear and set off as we had to complete some of our walk that day.

It had been raining a lot that day so as you can imagine the fields were muddy. We had to walk through bogs up the hills but we soon got to a dirt road. As we were walking we could take in the beautiful scenery of Killary.

By Fionnuala O'Brien “We didn’t have to go

through bogs that day, thank

God!” Our leaders then decided to take us through a forest on a slope and this was so difficult and took us quite some time! But we made it through and it was time to head home, just as it started to rain again so you can imagine we were very muddy.

4th year students on the trip to Killary Harbour in November 2013.

24

As soon as we got back we showered, got changed and then it was time for dinner. We had a lovely roast dinner with potatoes and chicken and lots of vegetables. After, we had evening games and this turned out to be so much fun as we were all in stitches of laughter by the end. We then went to bed as we had another early start in the morning. For the second day we had to complete 12k so it was going to be a long day. We had breakfast at around 9am and packed our lunches and headed off. We didn’t have to go through bogs that day, thank God! We were on a road most of the time and it was such a gorgeous day out so it was very pleasant. We were able to take loads of pictures because the weather was so good.

“We had a lovely roast dinner with

potatoes and chicken and lots of vegetables.”

We had to climb a steep hill during the walk but it wasn’t that bad compared to the day before. I loved this trip as you were able to talk to people you hadn’t had a chance to speak to yet as well as getting closer with the friends you already made. We were all really tired by the time we got back to the adventure centre but had to quickly pack our bags as we were getting the train that night. We thanked the staff at Killary and got back into the mini-van and were a little sad to go. We made our train in time and were all exhausted by the time we got back to Dublin. Despite that we all had a great trip and had a chance to bond with each other.

Guidance Counsellor, Mary Dorgan and 4th Year Head, Orla Ní Shuilleabháin on the 4th year trip to Killary Harbour in November 2013.

25

5TH YEAR AT THE INSTITUTE From my first day at the Institute, I've had a better time than I could ever have imagined.

By Zoe Palmer

Our first couple of days served to acquaint us with our classmates. Some of those acquaintances have stuck like glue to become firm friends. Once the friendships were made and our timetables established, we set to the hard work. Not a day has passed in my time at the Institute that I feel I haven’t learnt something new. Chemistry, Maths, Irish, you name it - I leave every class having been enriched with newfound knowledge. Being very academically orientated in my personality, I love a good mental challenge, and classes here certainly whet my academic appetite!

It's certainly not all work and no play here, though (the trip to the zoo and our outing to go ice skating spring to mind!). The 5th year students have definitely had a wonderful time both in class and in extracurricular activities.

“Not a day has passed in my time

at the Institute that I feel I

haven’t learnt something new.”

I'm studying music as one of my seven Leaving Cert subjects, and I have to say I've enjoyed music classes enormously. The carol service and CD launch at Christmas time were definitely one of my highlights of the school year.

Although I was initially a bit frightened by the prospect of coming to a new school environment, I can't say that I regret a single moment of my time here. 5th year in the Institute has given me new friends that I will stick with for years to come and a strong foundation for my Leaving Cert. I look forward to building on it when I enter 6th year in September!

5th year students at Dublin Zoo in November 2013.

26

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS Most associate the Institute with just academic excellence, however this could not be further from the truth, as sport takes on an important role in our lives here too.

As an incoming 5th year it is an excellent way to make new friends and settle into your new surroundings, and as a 6th year it is a welcome break from a hectic week of school and study. The matches this year between the 5th and 6th years were fairly tense affairs. We split into four 6th year teams and two 5th year teams, operating in a Round Robin system until only two 6th year teams remained.

It should be noted though that both 5th year teams made it past the first round, although in the end, the 6th years’ superior experience prevailed!

“The highlight for many of us each week is when we get on the coach to Sportco for a

kick about with our coaches Keitho and

Jean.”

By Matthew O'Kelly

The highlight for many of us each week is when we get on the coach to Sportco for a kick about with our coaches Keitho and Jean and on behalf of everyone involved in football this year, I would like to thank them for making it all possible.

The Institute of Education Football Team 2014: Front Row: Ross Merriman, Stephen Coyle, Ibaad Khan, Michael Moriarty, Reyan Jaimon. Back Row: Sean Lowney, David Yakubu, James Carey, Jack Gallagher, Cathal Corr,

Matthew O’ Kelly.

27

WHY I CHOSE THE INSTITUTE I think it was after spending a month or so in hospital that I realised I wanted to pursue a medical-based career. I was due to begin 5th year in my old school in Boyle, Co. Roscommon, but because of the set-back, my Senior Cycle was already off to a rocky start.

When I eventually got back to school in October 2012, I found it very hard to settle in to studying, and it wasn't long before I realised I had chosen the wrong subjects for my aspirations. I continued on a standard I knew myself was below my true capability. Early in 2013, while torn between choosing Medicine and Veterinary to aspire to, I decided to do a week of work experience with my local vet. While discussing possible career prospects, he offered me one piece of advice: whatever path I decided to take, it was top grades in the Leaving Cert I needed and the Institute on Leeson Street was the place for me.

By Grainne Gallagher

I'll be honest, I'd never heard of the school before, but after a bit of research, I realised he was right. I made up my mind soon after, that I would repeat 5th year in the Institute, to give myself the best opportunity I possibly could. Luckily, my parents were in agreement that it was a good choice. With the decision made, I had to get my head around leaving home, moving to the city and moving away from friends and family. It was a big change in every aspect, and I won't lie, it was daunting!

I was surprised at how quickly I adjusted to the Institute, the way it was run, the teachers, and the other students. I realised very quickly that I had definitely made the right decision and this school was the right environment for me to be in.

“I was fully accommodated for

the subjects I needed to study, and it was

even viable for me to take up an extra

subject.”

“It's one of the best

decisions I've ever made.”

I was fully accommodated for the subjects I needed to study, and it was even viable for me to take up an extra subject, something I could never have done in another school. Everything slotted into place thankfully, and I have to say, it's one of the best decisions I've ever made.

28

KICKBOXING IN 5TH YEAR

At the start of the year I was delighted to see kickboxing on the list of extra curricular activities offered by the Institute to students. I found it a great way of making friends and as the year progressed we bonded and now are more like a close knit family. I've had many coaches throughout the years in various sports and martial arts, but I found our kickboxing coach Declan was by far the best. He is very passionate about what he does as well as having a wealth of experience and knowledge. He is extremely patient and makes his classes interesting for everyone regardless of experience with martial arts. Declan veers away from the regular kickboxing syllabus and incorporates various other fighting styles such as Kempo Karate, Mixed Martial Arts and Thai Boxing. He also includes Cardio Kickboxing ,Strength and Conditioning and Self Defense in his classes. He gives everyone personal attention to help us perfect our techniques , no matter if its as simple as a jab or as complex as a tornado round house kick Declan makes it interesting for everyone.

By Harry Crofton

Kickboxing is a fantastic way to exercise and keep fit. It provides the opportunity to try something new or brush up on your skills. I would recommend everyone to try it. I intend to continue kickboxing in the future.

Members of the kickboxing group practising their techniques.

29

ECDL- LEARNING THE SKILLS TO SUCCEED I participated in the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) course as a 4th year in the Institute of Education. ECDL taught me how to use computer programmes such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Going into this course I thought that I already knew all about these programmes, but I discovered that I was wrong. ECDL teaches you how to be proficient in the use of computers and during the course I discovered features of these programmes that I never knew about. I think that everyone can benefit from taking the course. In the ECDL course you cover many different modules. You are tested at the end of each module through an online system. You must pass all of these tests in order to get through the course.

By Donal Lyons

ECDL is internationally recognized as an ICT qualification. You can put it on your CV, or simply use it to improve your competence when using a computer. Personally, I greatly enjoyed ECDL and recommend it to all 4th year students in the future.

“…during the course I

discovered features of these

programmes that I never

knew about.”

4th year ECDL Group 2014: Front Row: Hannah Bristow, Alanna Brunton, Aoife Stables, Heather Croghan. Middle Row: Zainab Abdul Jalil, Andrea Viani-Duggan, Athena Barrett, Melissa Barrett. Back Row: Donal

Lyons, Robert Lynch, Jason Conroy, Fionnuala O’ Brien.

30

MY ROWING CAREER I began rowing in the summer of 2012. I was bored with the long summer holidays, and decided I wanted to get fit, so joined a rowing club in Chapelizod, Neptune RC. Inspired by the Olympics, I thought it would be a great sport to be involved in, from both a competitive and social aspect. And, as it turns out, I was right!

At first, it was easy, just rowing once a week, learning the basics, and getting used to the boats. Then, in October, we began winter training, which was slightly tougher, as we were building up strength and fitness. All of this paid off however, as the racing season began in March, and we had our first race. Although not coming first, it was a success and certainly fed an appetite for competing. This was just as well, because just a few weeks later, a few of my friends and I were selected to join the more experienced crew, and race at a higher level.

By Aoife Stables

“…an

activity that fuelled my desire to succeed.”

After that, training became my whole life, as seven sessions, six days a week, became the normal routine. This is when rowing really became the love of my life; spending all my time with some of my best friends, an inspiring coach, and an activity that fuelled my desire to succeed.

5th year students collecting for the St. Vincent de Paul in December 2013.

31

I spent any time I had preparing for races, much to the worry of my parents, who were concerned over my lack of preparation for the Junior Cert. Everything turned out ok though, and as summer rolled around, so did the biggest race of the season, the National Championships. Our boat came second, which was brilliant, considering how far we had come since moving up to a competitive standard. However, it only made us more determined. This year we will win gold. Rowing has taken over my life in more ways than one. Granted, I have very little time for any other activity, from seeing friends, to studying for the weekly chemistry test, but it has brought so many positives to my life, it’s hard to see the negatives. I’m more confident, fit, competitive, and happy with rowing in my life. I am certain I would be lost without it!

“I’m more confident, fit,

competitive, and happy with

rowing in my life.”

4th year at the Institute has definitely contributed to my success in the sport. One of the main reasons for coming here this year was that I could spend a lot more of my time training. The programme has really allowed me to fit in my sport, which has been really great. Coming here has meant I can train every day, without missing school, and could meet amazing new people, and get a taste for 5th year. Any rower will tell you that the sport instantly consumes your life, and it does, definitely. But the rewards, like a healthy appetite for competition, experience travelling around Ireland to race, a great set of friends, and hopefully, a gold medal at the Championships, is enough to make me love it!

5th year Film Studies Group: Evie O’ Connor, Lea Conway, Sarah Salim, Prapti Setty, Siobhan Boland.

32

LOOKING AHEAD - AN EYE ON THE FUTURE The future is all about change. As Charles Darwin said “it is not the strongest of species that survives nor the most intelligent, it is the one that is most adaptable to change.”

Our Leaving Cert is just around the corner and for many of us these exams will have a major role in deciding our future. Coupled with CAO deadlines, HPAT examinations and college applications this next year may seem daunting, although it doesn’t have to be. I am grateful for my excellent education and confident in my academic abilities come exam time. I see all these decisions as an exciting opportunity to mould my own life. I know that a lot of work must be put in between now and June 2015 but nothing worth having comes easy. By Lucy Dowling

Our generation are extremely blessed: most people these days go on to third level education. I believe going to college is an excellent way of maturing while also broadening your horizons.

“I would love to experience the hustle

and bustle of the street markets in Bangkok, the breath-taking beauty of the geysers of Iceland

and to explore the depths of the Amazonian

Rainforest.”

For those who don’t know what they wish to study, there are many courses which allow you to experience a selection of fields before ultimately deciding your career path. For those who do know what they want to do, it’s an excellent way to further their knowledge in their field of interest and obtain qualifications for the working world.

5th year students at the Institute of Education’s annual Careers Fair in October 2013.

33

This is exactly what I intend to do. My main interests lie in the Health Sciences so my college of choice would be UCD as it offers Medicine, Veterinary and Biomedical, Health & Life Sciences. My future dreams extend to more than education. I wish to discover and learn from the different cultures of our world. There’s a lot on my list. I would love to experience the hustle and bustle of the street markets in Bangkok, the breath-taking beauty of the geysers of Iceland and to explore the depths of the Amazonian Rainforest. I also believe in learning from our past and a tour of the concentration camps in Europe is a definite must for me.

“I know that a lot of work must be put in between now and

June 2015 but nothing worth having comes

easy.”

The Irish economy is stabilising and jobs are definitely obtainable close to home. Working abroad would still be my preferred choice although not just anywhere. During 4th year I went on an immersion programme to France which was an invaluable experience. It left me head over heels in love with the country, the language and culture. I have been inspired by the dedication of the staff and my fellow students here in the Institute. I hope to take the virtues they have taught me with me for the rest of my life along with the memories. I try to learn from the past, but I plan for the future by focusing exclusively on the present. The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time giving us the opportunity to enjoy the present.

5th year Chess Team 2014: Lea Conway, Siobhan Boland, Sarah Salim, Seema Salman, Sobha Singh, Prapti Setty, Saba Mohammad, Ibaad Khan.

34

THE GIFT OF CHARITY AT CHRISTMAS Coming up to Christmas, the 5th year students and Maura, one of the study supervisors, got together to arrange the annual St Vincent de Paul Christmas appeal. The St Vincent de Paul is a voluntary charity whose aim is to help those who are less fortunate and are struggling to make ends meet throughout the year but especially at Christmas time. Last Christmas, we invited all students to contribute whatever they could, e.g. toys, food and money. By making regular announcements over the intercom and also visiting classes and study halls, we informed students how to donate.

The response was overwhelming and the generosity of the students and their parents was certainly highlighted by the amount of boxes we were able to fill. It was a great reflection on our school.

By Christopher Keogh

“It was great to be involved

with such a hardworking and dedicated

team.”

For me personally, it was great to be involved with such a hardworking and dedicated team. We achieved what we had set out to do. Through this memorable experience, taking part in the annual appeal made me proud to be a student in the Institute of Education.

St. Vincent de Paul Committee 2014: Sean Lowney, Chloe Hui, Abby Bowden, Christopher Keogh, Declan Hayes, Colin Huddleston.

35

4TH YEAR TRIP TO WICKLOW On Monday the 7th of April, the 4th years of the Institute of Education went on their third, and possibly our last, school trip together. While the main event was to go paint balling, we would also be visiting Wicklow Gaol, Powerscourt waterfall and the German Military Cemetery near the Reconciliation Centre in Glencree.

As always, Orla (our Year Head) and Richard (Vice-Principal) gave us some informative sheets on Wicklow Gaol before quizzing us on what we had read. We were given a short tour by a woman dressed like a 19th century prison matron, followed by some free time to look around the prison. After many selfies and a couple of group photos, we all went down to the shops in the town for a short while. Then it was off to the waterfall. It really is a very scenic waterfall, in a valley surrounded by trees and steep rocky slopes.

By Jason Conroy

Next, the military cemetery… I found it really interesting to see that even Ireland was involved in some ways with the war, and I think everyone else did as well.

“It really is a very scenic waterfall, in

a valley surrounded by trees and steep rocky slopes.”

Finally, we were on our way to the main attraction (yes, better than the prison or the graveyard), the paintball! As we arrived, you could tell that everyone was excited. We all got dressed in camouflage jumpsuits, painted with the wounds of many battles, and with big cool ammo belts and helmets.

4th year students at Wicklow Historic Gaol in April 2014.

36

There was a short introduction by the two guys running the place, and we all had a chance to test-fire our weapons, before it was game on. Two teams of roughly eight people, alternating between attacking and defending. The first thing to get used to were the paintballs themselves - those things really sting! There were stand-offs, dashes for cover and flanking manoeuvres - even Richard, once he was out of ammo, threw himself as a sacrifice for his team!

“We came out of that trip a more closely

cemented (and painted) group than we were

before.”

Definitely, the hardest/best part was the bridge - the only way to cross a ditch with a river. It was practically impossibly to cross it without getting absolutely destroyed by a hail of painful paintballs, and even then there was very little cover to hide behind! In the end, though, everyone really enjoyed the whole gaol-grave-war experience, and we came out of that trip a more closely cemented (and painted) group than we were before. I think we’ll all still be great friends well into 5th year, 6th year and beyond.

4th year students get ready to go paint balling during their trip to Wicklow in April 2014.

37

THE SOUNDTRACK TO MY LIFE For as long as I can remember, I have always had a keen interest in music. When I was a baby, music was one of the few things that could stop me crying. I was surrounded by the sounds of classical, oldies, and contemporary music through my childhood, so I have a sentimental attachment to many songs for that reason. According to my mum, when a pop song was playing on the radio, I used to tap my foot to the beat!

Although I loved to listen to music, it was a dream of mine from a young age to play an instrument, to become part of the music as opposed to always listening to it. I realised quickly that my key into the musical world was in the form of the violin, as I can recall imitating violinists I saw on the television with a pair of toy drumsticks! Esteemed violinist Vanessa Mae was my favourite, and I stared in awe at the television as she played ‘presto’, the final movement of Summer in Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons.’ (I am delighted to say I am learning this piece now!)

By Andrea Viani Duggan

I was accepted into Leeson Park School of Music in Rathmines at the age of four. Although the teachers said that my hands needed to develop more before I could start to play, such was my enthusiasm that they gave me a place with my first violin teacher, Liobhán, in September 2001. It was from there that my simple hobby began to develop into a serious passion!

“It was a dream of mine from a young

age to play an instrument, to

become part of the music as opposed to always listening

to it.”

After being with numerous other teachers, I left Leeson Park in 2012, studied with a private tutor in Monkstown, County Dublin. Last year I was accepted into the Royal Irish Academy of Music under the tuition of Michael D’Arcy, where I am now currently preparing for my Grade 8 exam (and my Grade 5 theory exam!).

Members of the Institute of Education Choir performing at the Christmas Concert 2013.

38

I was also a member of the Dublin Youth Orchestra, where I got to meet loads of musical people and travel to different places to play concerts.

“I got to meet loads of

musical people and travel to

different places to play

concerts.”

Aside from all this moving about, there is simply one feature of being a musician that I enjoy: performing. Even if I am having a bad practice day, playing a piece for my family can completely change my mood (cheesy as that may sound!). Being able to spread my passion for music with others is amazing, and it is only when I perform that I fulfil my potential as a violinist. I can assure you, I’m always smiling when I’m playing! Music has become an even larger part of my life recently, as I have started to teach myself the guitar, which I also enjoy immensely. At the moment I am unsure of what my career will be, but I will not rule out pursuing music, as it is an essential part of my identity!

Members of the Institute of Education Choir carol singing at Connolly Station in aid of the Make a Wish Foundation in December 2013.

39

MY EXPERIENCE AT THE INSTITUTE My name is Liam Irwin and I’m a 5th year student at the Institute of Education. When I first arrived, I knew not a single person here. However it took absolutely no time to find a group of friends I hope I'll keep for life!

By Liam Irwin

If you’re wondering or questioning whether you'll be able to fit in and feel comfortable here at the Institute, you needn't worry. There are over 200 students in 5th year and so many different groups of people, you will not be alone. The Institute has many great facilities for the students. In my opinion the study hall here is among its most valuable entities. Supervised all day, every day, by Elaine and Maura, remains silent which makes it so much easier to study.

As well as that, you've got Orla Ní Shuilleabháin. She's the student counsellor and is an expert in study skills. She is incredibly helpful when you're finding it hard to concentrate on study or lack motivation, which at some stage you will!

“It took absolutely no time to find a group of friends

that I hope I'll keep for life!”

The teaching staff here are incredibly easy to deal with. None of them have any problem answering any questions, no matter how stupid they might sound. Some of them will have tutorials where you can ask more detailed questions which is incredibly useful, especially for maths!

I heard before I came here that students have no identity and are just numbers. I can tell you now that there is not even an ounce of truth in this rumour. Jim Darcy, 5th year Principal, knew every student’s name within a couple of days and the rest of the staff followed suit very shortly after. I thought that classes would be like lectures and school would be more like college, but this is just another rumour. Classes are actually quite interactive and personal.

“The Institute has many great

facilities for the students. In my

opinion the study hall here is among its most valuable

entities.”

Overall, I've had an amazing 5th year here at the Institute. I've made new friends, while remaining close to my old ones. I've worked hard and enjoyed myself. I look forward to another great year here, hopefully one ending in a successful Leaving Cert.

40

IT’S A KNOCK OUT! Kickboxing for 4th year students was an entirely new activity provided as part of 4th year at the Institute. There were several students with former martial arts training of various types, but there were also many beginners among the group, including myself.

It proved to be the most popular of all activities provided for 4th year students, giving us the opportunity to bond with each other and integrate into the group in a more relaxed environment. Many students joined kickboxing for many different reasons, some as part of the Gaisce awards, others for fitness, to explore their interests or even to socialise with friends. Kickboxing took place every Monday afternoon at 12:30pm, each class lasting an hour. Throughout the year our kickboxing coach Declan Kidd taught us a large array of punches, kicks, blocks and everything in between.

By Alanna Brunton

We also managed to incorporate some yellow belt syllabus material into each class, which included various punching, kicking and blocking sets. Many of us hope to receive our yellow belts by the end of the year.

“Many of us hope to receive our yellow belts by the end of the

year.”

Each class never failed to provide something new, allowing us to expand our knowledge and become more advanced. It was popular and enjoyed by all students. I believe without a doubt that many of us will continue our kickboxing training next year.

4th year Kickboxing Group 2014: Front Row: Rachel Morris, Beth Dunne, Lenard Adanov, Aoife Stables, Heather Croghan, Andrea Viani Duggan, Kate Gibney, Middle Row: Edie Connors, Fionnuala O’ Brien, Melissa Barrett, Back Row: Robert Lynch, Donal Lyons, Eric Reynolds, Athena Barrett, Hannah Bristow,

Alanna Brunton.

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PROJECT MATHS- IT ALL ADDS UP Project Maths is a new development in Irish education. The initiative began in September 2008 with an initial group of 24 schools. Its goal is to enhance students’ problem-solving skills by relating mathematics to the real world.

Project Maths is designed to give students skills that will be useful in later life. Designed to improve students’ understanding, thinking skills and exam results, Project Maths also hopes to increase the number of students taking higher level maths by 30%. This is imperative as mathematics is essential for working in fields such as science, technology, engineering and finance.

The aim of Project Maths is to move away from the old system of memorizing by repetition and solving problems in a fixed way.

“The goal of Project Maths is to enhance students’ problem-

solving skills by relating mathematics to the real world.”

By Yasmeen Bari

It hopes that students will develop skills in analyzing, interpreting and presenting mathematical information; in logical reasoning and argument, and in applying their mathematical knowledge and skills to solve familiar and unfamiliar problems.

Students from the Institute of Education Class of 2013 who were awarded UCD Entrance Scholarship in November 2013.

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FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD I started this year with very little cooking experience. I always wanted to learn to cook but had never really turned my mind to it. When I found out cooking practicals were part of the Home Economics course it made my decision to study Home Economics a lot easier, knowing I would be studying something I have an interest in and also that I would be picking up a new skill.

At the beginning I found the practical’s challenging, due to the journal and the difficult dishes such as chocolate éclairs. Making the éclairs was one of our earliest assignments. The hardest part of making them is the success of the dish relies on gelatinisation. Sandra Cleary, our Home Economics teacher, was a great help and gave us confidence when it came to both cooking and writing the journal. Soon we all felt much more capable both in the kitchen and classroom.

By Rachel Murray

During the year we also made a dish for a student, a dish for an adult on a low sodium diet and a dish using commercially prepared pastry (a type of bread).

“Our home economics teacher

was a great help and gave us confidence

when it came to both cooking and writing

the journal.”

Our next challenge was our journal. The course requires us to complete five journals. This work amounts to 20% of our overall grade. To complete each journal you must research each dish you have prepared. I found this very helpful as it allowed me to understand the science behind the food. The completion of the journals was made much more manageable by Sandra as she was very helpful at explaining the complex parts of the journals. Most importantly she has shared her passion for cooking with us.

“I found

myself looking forward to the

class.”

I would recommend the study of Home Economics as although it is a very challenging course it is also a very interesting and rewarding one. Although I did not study Junior Cert Home Economics this did not hold me back. A student choosing Home Economics should be interested in Biology, Food Science and Nutrition. I have really enjoyed Home Economics this year. I found myself looking forward to the class due to the interesting discussions and topics we studied, together with Sandra’s enthusiasm for the subject. I feel confident for the Leaving Cert even though I have another year to do and it is comforting to know I have finished my journal.

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5TH YEAR AT THE INSTITUTE I joined 5th year here at The Institute at the start of the current academic year. Although I enjoyed my time in my last school, I lacked focus in my studying. I was also aware of how Transition Year can drift into 5th year, leaving you to playing catch up in 6th year and I was eager for this not to happen in my case.

For a lot of people, the question of what you want to do in college once you have left school is a daunting one. Firstly, you’re not alone in these thoughts. My main reason for leaving my last school was because I don’t know what I want to do once I have left school but I do not want to limit my options so my aim is to get as many points as I can. When thinking about the Institute from an outside perspective it can seem very mechanical. You have no problem imagining the work load but it’s difficult to imagine the people.

By Jack Dolan Grealy

“Everyone was new and eager to make

friends. People joined as individuals,

not as groups.”

On my first day I knew I wouldn’t have a problem making friends but regardless, I was apprehensive. Then I walked into the hall and realised everyone was in my situation. Everyone was new and eager to make friends. People joined as individuals, not as groups. You meet new people from different parts of the country and from other countries and you find your social circle expanding.

5th year Kickboxing Class 2014: Christopher Keogh, Hazel Brunton, Liam O Cearbhaill, Stephen Coyle, Harry Crofton, Roisin O’ Doherty.

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With this expansion comes an expansion of ideas - as you talk with like minded people it can give you ideas of what you want to do. For me personally, this is the best feature of the Institute. We are all aware of what the teachers of the Institute have to offer, but a huge amount of the credit belongs to the other members of staff, such as secretaries and study supervisors, who help make the transition comfortable. With dedicated members of staff such as the student advisor and careers guidance counsellor you will be supported and directed to better your learning

“With dedicated members of staff such as the student advisor and careers guidance counsellor you will be

supported and directed to better your

learning.”

I believe the Institute is a good place to go, as you are surrounded by dedicated staff and good friends - a great place to get a good Leaving Cert!

Students at the Institute of Education’s annual Careers Fair in October 2013.

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WORK EXPERIENCE DURING 4TH YEAR One of my favourite parts of 4th year was all the opportunities I had to do work experience. I did work placements in two nursing homes, the Gardai and St James's Hospital.

During my week with the Gardai I had the chance to sit in the courts, learn about community policing, juvenile legislation and was shown an autopsy. I was also taught what real crime scenes are like and how forensics work. It was an amazing week and really opened my mind to the idea of following that as a career. I got work experience in St James's Hospital through the Trinity Mini-Med program. It is an amazing opportunity for anyone considering medicine as a career. We were shown around the Trinity campus, including the old anatomy building which is currently under excavation, and shown several items old students and professors had brought back from their travels, including an elephant femur which had spent the last few years holding up the main staircase of the building!

By Hannah Bristow

For the rest of the week I shadowed the Vascular Surgery Team in St James's Hospital. It was such a hands-on week, I got to sit in on patient exams, open clinics, pre-surgery briefings and visit the OR. It was such an exciting week!

“4th year is an amazing chance to try out a variety of possible careers.”

I'm so happy I seized all the opportunities I did this year. 4th year is an amazing chance to try out a variety of possible careers and I'm so glad I did!

4th year Life Saving Group 2014: Front Row: Lenard Adanov, Aoife Stables, Heather Croghan, Back Row: Edie Connors, Robert Lynch, Alanna Brunton

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HITTING THE HIGH NOTES From a young age I have always loved music. I play the drums, the guitar and I also sing. I chose music for the Leaving Cert because I wanted to able to study music in school, as well as performing.

By Stephanie Mc Carthy

In November, Fiona McManus our music teacher told us that she was going to set up a 5th year Christmas Choir. I felt that it would be really nice to get the opportunity to perform with the other music students in the Institute, so I decided to participate. Any other students who were also interested joined. After mid-term we began to rehearse every Wednesday after school as well as during class, so that we would be well prepared. We worked very hard learning new material every week for our Christmas themed programme.

The choir was accompanied by our teacher Fiona McManus on the keyboard and by other students who played instruments such as the guitar, the flute and the saxophone. A couple of students also volunteered to sing solos for some of the songs.

“It was a nice way to share a bit of the Christmas spirit!”

After school on the 11th December we all made our way to the bus, which took us to Connolly Station. We were collecting for the Share a Dream Foundation. We sang for all the commuters and there was a great atmosphere at the station. It was a nice way to share a bit of the Christmas spirit!

Members of the Institute of Education Choir performing at the Christmas Concert in December 2013.

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MOVING OFFLINE AND INTO THE CLASSROOM The transition from online education to regular education has been an interesting one.

Before coming to the Institute of Education, I attended school online. I had previously attended a regular school, however it was decided that some of my high school/secondary education would be spent online, in the American education system. Online education was an interesting experience. It requires you to be hugely self motivated to succeed, as there is less pressure to keep deadlines from teachers. This can be more challenging as you have to motivate yourself to study, but it definitely teaches you responsibility, and self-motivation. You are given an outline as to when assignments should be finished, but you are responsible for your own timetable. By Samuel Berman

One of the main differences I have noticed between online and traditional education is the amount of interaction you have with teachers. The online courses are structured so that you must contact your teacher every week or two, however it can't compare to the traditional system in terms of teacher interaction. There is a big difference between reading over a lesson yourself, versus being able to put your hand up during a lesson and ask a question. It has also been a welcome transition from being in front of a computer screen to being in a classroom. A classroom is much more engaging, and staring at a computer screen for the majority of the day can definitely take its toll.

“One of the main differences I have noticed between

online and traditional education

is the amount of interaction you have

with teachers.”

Overall I am very happy to have come to the Institute, although online education has its advantages, the regular school system is much better for me.

Students from the Institute of Education Class of 2013 who were awarded a Trinity Scholarship in November 2013.

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MEDICINE MATTERS - THE HPAT EXAM 5th year is often the time when teachers start to encourage their students to seriously consider their career options. It can be difficult to gain a clear perspective of what different professions involve.

By Fiona Lannon

Take medicine for example, TV shows tend to glamorise the life of a doctor and perhaps this is the reason that many are eager to put medicine as their first choice on the CAO form. I understand that the reality can at times be somewhat different, due to long working hours and the need to pass multiple exams. Of course, there are rewards too. Doctors are in the privileged position of being able to truly make a difference to many aspects of people’s lives. In recent years the HPAT exam has been introduced. As result of this, entry into Irish medical schools is now determined by a combination of points acquired in the Leaving Cert and in the HPAT exam.

HPAT stands for Health Care Professional Aptitude Test. It requires a different skill set to the exams most Irish students are accustomed to. “Doctors are in

the privileged position of being

able to truly make a difference to

many aspects of people’s lives.”

I recently attended the 5th Year HPAT course in the Institute of Education. This provided a good overview of the three sections in the exam, namely: Section 1, which assesses logical reasoning and problem solving. Section 2, assesses interpersonal understanding. Section 3, assesses non-verbal reasoning.

The presenter of the talk is a recently qualified doctor who himself achieved the 99th percentile in the HPAT. The course focused on good timing and possible approaches one could take to tackle the different types of questions. I felt the course gave a good insight into the HPAT and I would recommend it to anyone contemplating studying medicine in Ireland.

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MY 4TH YEAR AT THE INSTITUTE Starting in a new school after being so accustomed to another, is as nerve wracking as it is daunting. Coming into the Institute I can honestly say I knew nobody.

However within the first week I had settled into an easy pattern, with new classes, new teachers and a totally different set of friends. It was startlingly different to my old school, as the teachers here at the Institute are so obviously passionate about their work. I felt motivated do well. Being surrounded by a group of hardworking, like minded friends encouraged me, as I knew they were as ambitious as I am. 4th year is a lot smaller in size to 5th year and I found it gave me the opportunity to become closer with the students in my year. Sitting in on 5th year classes was a help. I feel I have become adjusted and that I can now confidently tackle 5th and 6th year, having formed such a strong foundation with 4th year.

By Heather Croghan

Starting 5th year no longer feels like a daunting task. I have had a productive year, both socially and academically and I have also achieved many goals outside school. I can safely say that moving to the Institute was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

“The teachers here at the Institute are so

obviously passionate about their work.”

Deputy Principal Richard Whealans with copies of the Charity CD recorded by 5th year music students from the Institute of Education.

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BIOLOGY- PRACTICALS MAKE PERFECT! The Biology practicals are the highlight of the Leaving Cert Biology course in the Institute. They are conducted in purpose built labs and we wear lab coats and safety goggles at all times which gives an authentic lab experience.

The experiments are conducted in groups of three and cover a variety of different aspects of the course. These range from using the microscope and simple food tests, to the effect of enzyme activity and heart dissection. Although heart dissection may not be fun to those with squeamish tendencies, it is undoubtedly one of the favourites.

The experiments are always prepared in advance to save time and to allow a maximum possibility of independent learning for everyone involved. The Biology practicals are very interesting, comprehensive and would appeal to anyone who remotely enjoys all things scientific. They support many aspects of the course and tie into the other sciences as well.

“Although heart dissection may not be fun to those with

squeamish tendencies, it is

undoubtedly one of the favourites.”

By Georgianna Taylor

Students paint balling during the 4th year trip to Wicklow in April 2014.

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SAXOPHONE SOLO I started playing the saxophone when I was 10. I had previously been playing the trumpet in the school band. I changed to the saxophone because I wanted to try something new.

At first I played in private tutoring sessions, learning the ropes and improving my skills. I got my Grade 1 that year and passed. I felt great at my accomplishment and happy that I was actually good at playing this instrument. When I moved to secondary school I changed music teachers and continued improving and practising. Every year I would get the next grade which was always very nerve wracking!

In 4th year my teacher suggested I take part in a competition organised by the local primary school. I was competing against more experienced people but the judges still praised my performance. This encouraged me to move forward in my musical career.

By Alex Strains

“I was competing against more experienced

people but the judges still praised my

performance.”

When I came to the Institute I took up music as a subject which I hadn’t done previously. It was a new experience which I found very interesting as the rest of the class play a variety of instruments.

At Christmas time the music class and members of the choir performed at the Christmas concert. I sang and also performed ‘Frosty the Snowman’ in a saxophone solo. We had a great time and everyone performed really well. I am currently preparing to get my Grade 5 in May.

.

Members of the Institute of Education Choir performing at the Christmas Concert in December 2013.

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A TRIP TO THE ZOO

On the 8th of November at exactly 2:30pm, myself and my fellow 5th year classmates headed off to Dublin Zoo. We all set down Leeson Street to meet the coaches, and after our teachers managed to get us all on board, we set off in the direction of the Phoenix Park. Although the November air hung heavy with icy dew, the rain managed to stay away for most of our trip.

By Lilia Corrigan

When we arrived at the entrance to the Zoo, Keith Hannigan gave us a quick talk on which of the animals would be taken in first and the time that we should meet up again. From this, several groups of us ran off in different directions in an attempt to find our favourite animals. The group that I had found myself in decided that we would like to see the elephants first, but of course our idea didn’t exactly go to plan.

On our journey around the zoo we managed to stumble across every animal that possibly lived there, except for the elephants! After staring at the large and seemingly lazy lions for a good ten minutes, we all ran to the monkeys which didn’t seem too happy to see us. As we waved through the glass at them they decided that it would be hilarious to throw food at us, which to be perfectly honest made us all laugh.

“The trip to the zoo gave me a chance to meet people that I

hadn’t met during school hours

yet.”

The trip to the zoo gave me a chance to meet people that I hadn’t met during school hours and without that time I probably wouldn’t have made as many great friends.

The trip itself was definitely a day to remember. From attempting to reach over the wooden railings to pet the adorable penguins, to simply talking to people that I hadn’t spoken to before - everybody had a great time. The bus ride back to school was spent telling funny stories of the animals, and making plans to go out to eat once we got back with our new-found friends. The trip to the Zoo was extremely worthwhile and a great start to 5th year at The Institute of Education.

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GETTING A KICK OUT OF IT

Last year when I first started in the Institute in 4th year I started kickboxing as part of my Gaisce award. I originally thought I would barely stick it out for the required 13 weeks. However, surprisingly I found that I really enjoyed the hour a week with Declan and the rest of the group. As a result I decided to keep kickboxing up in 5th year.

By Hazel Brunton

The class is pretty strenuous and tiring, especially after a long Thursday of school when most of us on the kickboxing team lack energy and enthusiasm.

Somehow however we all manage to march across the road to the kickboxing room, where Declan our coach is eagerly awaiting us, with a whole new list of kicks, punches, jabs and blocks for us to try out. Once we’re in there our spirits lift and soon the time is flying! Our kickboxing class is probably one of the most unique you will ever attend. Declan mixes various techniques from all aspects of fighting like kickboxing, Karate and Taekwondo which he combines with cardio exercises. So every day we walk out of the class exhausted but the hour is always rewarding.

“Declan our coach is eagerly

awaiting us, with a whole

new list of kicks, punches, jabs and blocks for us to try out.”

Members of the kickboxing group practising their techniques.

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The class may be physically demanding but it’s a great way to wind down at the end of the day. Kickboxing helps you maintain a work-play balance which can be hard to keep up throughout the school year especially around exam times. Declan is really relaxed with all of his students and is always quick with a joke or a story when the workouts get too intense. The entire atmosphere and class itself is very laid-back. You’re never forced to do certain routines or drills and if you get too tired (which we all do at some point) it’s okay to take a break. Kickboxing is a great way to stay fit during the year. Usually classes consist of doing aerobic style mixed martial art techniques and drills intertwined with strength and conditioning exercises. One day we even did self-defence.

“It’s a great way to wind

down at the end of the day and

distress.”

This year as only a small number of us did kickboxing regularly, we all became incredibly close. After attending the kickboxing classes all year we’ve all found that our strength, agility and flexibility have greatly improved. Balance... well maybe not so much!

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SLIP SLIDING AWAY!

In December the Institute kindly brought us to Ireland's premier indoor ice skating rink, Dundrum on Ice. When I first heard about the event the school had organised I was reluctant to go but all my friends and many more of the students jumped at the opportunity to see their friends crash and slip into each other, so I said "why not" and in the end I was taken back by how much fun I had. When classes had finished at 2.30pm on Friday afternoon two buses awaited us to take us to our destination. We arrived shortly after and everyone rushed to get their skates on.

The ice skating, for some (ice slip, slide and crash, for many!) lasted about 45 minutes, which was the perfect amount of time. After it had finished the school kindly let us stay in Dundrum Shopping Centre if we wished and make our own way home. It was the icing on the cake as you didn't have to worry about rushing home and you could have some fun with friends.

It was an experience that I'd recommend to anyone and everyone and I wouldn't hesitate to try it again.

By Dylan Rowley

5th year students at Dublin Zoo in November 2013.

“Ice skating for some… Ice slip, slide and

crash for many!”

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FIND THE MOTIVATION TO SUCCEED

I would like to congratulate you all on being an amazing group of students, not only for your great academic focus but for the endless enthusiasm and boundless energy which you have consistently shown throughout this academic year.

Ms. Orla Ní Shuilleabháin

Now that you are coming to the end of the year it is important to look back and then plan ahead for September. Thinking back over the last eight months, what did you do well? What could you have done better? These are important questions to ask yourself, as they can help you identify areas to work on when going forward into next year. One thing which is always important is having the motivation to get the most from our studies. So let’s look at a simple definition for the word motivation: It is the reason or desire within a person to achieve a particular goal or objective. Self-Motivation- only you can realise your full potential!

When it comes to school and study, motivation is the drive we have to achieve our academic targets or goals and this will come from two main sources:

Internal sources such as the satisfaction or enjoyment that we all feel when we complete a particular task.

External sources which, in the context of our studies, could be the achievement of exam

grades and the “goal” of getting our CAO choice. What drives you more? Those internal or external sources of motivation? Despite the pressures of the CAO, the key to great motivation is that it is something that we must build from within ourselves – although others can certainly help us achieve it. As part of your overall approach to study skills this coming year, you should decide on what things you are trying to achieve and how you go about achieving these. It is vital to believe in yourself. If you don’t, how can you expect to succeed? Even a small bit of self-belief can work wonders! Believe in your ability to achieve what you want and bring a positive attitude to your learning. Begin to make it happen; plan small, realistic goals. Always visualise the end goal; what do you want to achieve in your exams? Your achievements can be endless if you choose to let it happen. When you’ve decided exactly what you want, make it happen!

Make the change! Be proactive, stay focused and remain positive!

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DESIDERATA

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly;

and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons;

they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labours and

aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann

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