"Doodle 4 Google"

I interviewed Paulina Vilamaite. We talked to her about her huge success in the Doodle 4 Google competition. 

Power of One

A group of transition year students , for their power of one module  activated a campaign for the 'One Good Idea' Competition. They  feel, that by introducing art into environmental studies, much can be gained with regards to teenagers' understanding of this important topic. Their project had been entered in the Junior Spider's award and they won Best Transition Year Project. The following video explains their experience and the future for the campaign.

Mock Trials 2015

On Saturday the 25th of April the 2015 Mock Trial team trekked out to the Criminal Courts Of Justice in Dublin, to compete in the annual mock trial competition. The team consisted of researchers, barristers, solicitors, witnesses, T.V reporters, legal reporters, tip-staff, a photographer, a sketch artist, a timekeeper and a couple of jury members. 

The team spent many weeks preparing for all aspects of the cases,  with the help and guidance of Mr Daly and Ms O'Neill. The very successful 2014 Mock Trial Team also assisted the girls in their preparation. This year the team prepared for two cases, based on an arson attack and an assault case. The researchers prepared the stories of the witnesses. The barristers used this information to help with their chief and cross examinations. The team were one of the 34 schools competing on the day, for an invitation to World Final in New York.

Although the team performed extremely well at the competition, unfortunately they did not progress into the next round. It was a wonderful experience and great fun was had by all.

Team Members:

Barristers - Tess O Neill, Meaghan Dinsmore and Emily Tierney

Solicitors- Kareen Bohan , Anna Reade and Emma O'Connell

Researchers- Rebecca Hughes-Moore , Laura Cody , Kelly Murphy , Aimeerose Lumsden , Lorna McGuinness and Emma O' Connell

Witnesses- Lubna Arzal , Rhiannon Bradley , EmilyHurley,  Sarah Kearney , Cara Devlin , Ellen Goode

Legal Reporter- Moyin Ade

T.V Reporter - Sinead Meade

Scetch Artist- Kate Brillantes

Tipstaff- Tobi Adeladen

Registrar- Addie Sanni

Jury - Thank you to all of the jury members who came along

Written by Rebecca Hughes-Moore , Moyin Ade and Laura Cody

                           

                            

                                            

                           

Junk Kouture Final 2015

The final of the Junk Kouture fashion competition took place last Friday 24th April. Eighty students donned their creations taking the 3 Arena stage by storm in the show hosted by Xposé's Glenda Gilson. Five dresses from our school's entries got through to the prestige final. It was judged by four judges, including Louis Walsh. 

After months of hard work and dedication, the girls' creations stormed the catwalk and were seen by thousands in the audience. Around fourty TY students went to support the girls on the big night. We couldn't believe the final products, they were so impressive! After much consideration and anticipation, our school's entries were awarded two distinguished and coveted awards! 'Queen of the Forest' by Aurika Syribu, Ruth Moore and Caoimhe Mackey was awarded best hair and makeup. 'Building Blocks' by Aideen Rafferty and Siobhan McCormack was crowned the winner in the Eastern Region! Both designs were without a doubt very deserving winners and blew us all away. All entries from our school were amazing and a huge congratulations to all the teams who took part!

Aideen Rafferty of 'Building Blocks' even got the opportunity to appear on RTE's Saturday Night Show with Brendan O'Connor modelling their dress, while Siobhan watched from backstage! It was a great experience for everyone involved and they made all the supporters and teachers proud as they represented the school so well!

TY Mini Company and Student Enterprise Awards 2015

This is a competition where students come up with a unique business idea and sell their finished product. Business students took part by coming up with an idea and selling their final creation. After months of dedication and effort the students created, designed and sold their products at the Market Day where each team showcased their mini company. Davina, Jasmin and Emily made a 'locker essentials kit; and got through to the final. We spoke to the girls:

                                     

My TY Musical Experience 2015

Singin' in the Rain Slideshow

Cast and Crew 'Selfie' Video

Dance Chorus

Kelly, Laura and I were part of the dancing chorus. We danced in, "Beautiful Girls", "Broadway Melody" and "Singing in the Rain". Dedication, practice and teamwork was required in the making of these dances. We all had a great time creating and performing these numbers.The costume and make up was a fun aspect of our experience and performing on stage was something we had never experienced before. From stressful rehearsal to showtime performance, participating in the dance chorus has been spectacular. It was a great bonding experience for the year as a whole and we will never forget that it was the highlight of our Transition Year.

By: Lubna and Kelly

Costume, Make-Up and Hair Department

During the TY Musical I was member of the Costume, Make-Up and Hair Department.We took care of all the costumes for each character, chorus and scene. We rented out a beautiful Victorian dress for the "Dualing Cavalier" scene.We stitched fringe onto dresses, we made handbags and made so many other essential costume pieces. Each person was either assigned a lead character a certain scene from the play. I was assigned the "Dream of You" chorus scene.On the night we had to ensure that each person was in full costume and that they had their hair and make up complete. 

The entire experience of the musical was wonderful. The atmosphere in the week running up to the show was electric. Everyone was excited. I developed new skills in needlework, organisation and communication. I really enjoyed making new friends and working with new people from my year. It was truly an experience I will never forget. 

By: Rebecca

Cast Members

In September 2014, I began auditioning for a leading role in the transition year musical 2015 "Singing in the rain”. All the girls who were auditioning were put through their paces in a series of singing, dancing and drama auditions in order to claim their leading role.

In the beginning of December the show was cast. I was given the part of Cosmo Brown, it fair to say to say I was absolute thrilled. All along Cosmo Browne had definitely been one of my favourite characters in Singing in the rain and could not believe that I had been given the opportunity to play this comical, dandy, all singing, all dancing lead. From the moment the show was cast there was never a dull moment of a Thursday morning. Everyone began learning songs and really trying to get to know their character. The excitement in the hall on a Thursday morning was immense. At times I felt I was back in the 1920's Hollywood!

As opening night was getting closer and closer.  We then began are all day rehearsals and that's when the really work began. It was time to start learning the endless pages of lines and choreography. Even though it was hard, I loved every minute of rehearsals. I personally got so close with my fellow leads and I think that's what I miss the most about the musical. We had such fun in rehearsals and most of all before the nights of the musical.After two weeks of rehearsals and all day Saturday rehearsals it was time to face the public! I was so nervous on opening night but I think I was excited more than anything. The question that played on everyone’s  mind was would our hard work pay off?...... And indeed it did!

The reaction from the public over the course of the four nights were amazing. I don’t think anything can top the feeling  I got when I walked out by myself to take my final bow. I was devastated to say that the amazing rollercoaster that the musical was was over. It was a feeling of poor joy and also of pride.  I  was so proud to say that our year had achieved such an amazing thing , to such a high standard.  By far the musical has been one of my main achievements and highlights throughout Transition Year and most certainly it will be forgotten!

By: Orla

TY Musical Update

 Opening Night 

Some members of the costume department busy creating and altering the costumes.

The set crew working hard to create and design the sets.

Members of the props team working hard to get the props ready for the show!

'Cosmo' and members of the chorus taking part in intensive rehearsals.

Causey Farm Trip

On Friday, the 27^th of February the Transition Year students went to Causey Farm in county Meath. The day was filled with activities such as milking cows, baking brown bread, catching chickens, Irish dancing, and last but certainly not least, jumping in the infamous bog!

We departed the school gates on buses filled with excited students looking forward to the great day ahead. When we arrived we were split into different groups; some baked fresh brown bread in the kitchen, while others played traditional Irish instruments. We got the rare opportunity to hold new born lambs and it was a very sweet moment.

It's safe to say that the bog was the icing on top of the cake. Although we were hesitant to dive into the muck at first, we soon let loose and jumped into the freezing mud! While some parts were shallow, other students braved the deep depths and catapulted into the bottomless end.

Overall, it was really successful trip and everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It was a great bonding experience for the whole year! 

Forensics Workshop

Last Tuesday, the TY students who had the forensics module participated in a forensics workshop with 'Discover Science'. A forensic scientist came in to demonstrate to us the tasks and work that is undertaken by forensic teams. We took part in a workshop where we got to experience their job; we learned how to take and test fingerprints, test for different substances, decipher codes and distinguish between blood types. It was a hands-on experience and we got a great insight into this interesting line of work. Everyone learned a lot of new things about forensics and it was a great chance to learn in an interactive way. We really enjoyed the workshop and would definitely recommend taking part!

Transition Year Work Experience

Laura Cody

I was working in a solicitors office for my second week of work experience. The firm I was working in was called Sandra McAleer Solicitors, which is located on Ushers Quay. The Four Courts, the Criminal Courts of Justice, the Distillery Building and Dolphin House (District Court) are all within walking distance of the office.

For the first two days I was given jobs to help me understand how an office works. This firm dealt mainly with family law, so I was dealing with people who were go through a divorce or single parents looking for custody of their children. I was asked to bind together briefs for the solicitors to take into court with them,  answer a few phone calls and to take trips to the post office whenever needed! The secretary talked me through everything she was doing and explained to me how the court system works. The most challenging task I was assigned was having to take care of the entire office for a day. The secretary was out sick and my employer couldn't get anyone on short notice. She asked if I could step in! I had to answer all the phone calls, deal with clients and run from the office to the courts delivering briefs! At the beginning of the day I was nervous about having to answer so many phone calls but I got the hang of it by the end of the day.

On Wednesday, I got to sit in on a divorce settlement meeting in the District Court. The solicitor of the office I was working in was representing a Garda Sargent, alongside a barrister. I got an insight into how these meetings work and just how many things need to be sorted out when filing for divorce such as money, children, mortgages and pensions. Another thing I really enjoyed was being able to sit in on murder trial in the Criminal Court of Justice. I saw witness statements being given to the judge and the accused being interrogated on the stand. The courtroom was so tense! I was also given a tour of the Four Courts and shown the Law Library, which is where the barristers do all of their work.

Everyone in the office was so welcoming and friendly and my employer even offered me a summer job! It was a really enjoyable week and I learned so much. It was by far my favourite of the three weeks. 

Addie Sanni 4H

My TY work experience lasted for three weeks, starting from the 26^th of January - 13^th of February.

I would say my favourite week was Week two at St. George's National Primary School. I got to work with 1^st class. It was a wonderful experience and a life lesson too. It really opened my eyes to see what teachers go through everyday. This experience improved my attitude in school.

The children were very well behaved. I got to do some reading with the children and I even taught one of the boys English! I corrected some of their maths books and some of the Irish books also.

Although I enjoyed the Primary School, in my opinion, I still wouldn't take on teaching as a profession.

Overall I had a fantastic time at the school. I really enjoyed taking charge and developing my skills as a leader.

Kelly Murphy

My first week of work experience was by far my favourite. I went to FM104, which is located across from the 3 Arena in the Docklands in Dublin city. I had been looking forward to this particular week in the radio station for ages and it's safe to say I wasn't disappointed. As soon as I arrived, I was welcomed by smiling faces and there was a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere in the office which was great. This surprised me as it was the opposite to what I would expect an office to be like. Everyone made me feel very comfortable and you could tell that they all had a real passion for their job.

Myself and the other TY student researched and wrote 'showbiz' articles and recorded them in the studio with Killian O'Sullivan, one of the presenters. This was so much fun as I've always had an interest in journalism and writing. It was nice to put a face to the voices I hear on the radio every day too. We also designed and wrote an ad for a client and recorded it in the studio with the production team. They showed us how they make ads and it was so interesting to get to see what goes on beside the scenes and meet the brains behind the radio station.

Mel, the technical engineer, showed us how she produces a live show and how the controls work. I really enjoyed this and it made me realize that I would be interested in doing this as a job. She suggested how I would go about getting a job in radio and what to study in college. This was so helpful as I'm very indecisive and this gave me an idea of what I would like to do after school.

The best part of the whole week was getting to go out on the VW Beetle Bugs with the 'TGIF' team and deliver free food/drink to businesses. They were so friendly and made me feel part of the team. It was really enjoyable and would be an ideal part-time job during college.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my week here. I learned about FM104, not only as a radio station, but as a business, and my time here helped my understanding of this. I was interested in pursuing a career in radio/media before my week in the radio station but the great experience I received cemented my interest in this area of work! I didn't want the week to end and I would definitely recommend all future TY's to take part in work experience here!

  

 Lubna Arzal

I had three weeks of work experience at IBM, Touchstone Medical Centre

and Balbriggan Library. They were all fantastic and such a great

experience. But my favourite week of all was definately the second

week at Touchstone.

I was overwhelmed with the friendly welcome from the staff and my

employer was so nice. I first went to work in reception of Dentistry.

I greeted patients, took calls, checked them in using the computer

software and brought them into the Dentists' room. I got to work in

the pharmacy downstairs, working at the till and helping in storage. I

also got to observe the dentists and doctors. I sat in the room with

them and observed their work which was a great experience. I even got

to do practical work with the dentists by using the suction tool on

real patients. I felt like a real dentist.

       

                              

Even all the monotonous work I had to do was fun! I helped with the cash

counting at the end of the day and helped with paperwork. I also

helped with shredding and photocopying. Having lunch with the staff

and dentists was great because I got loads of advice for choosing my

future career and how they got to where they were. Having spar downstairs was

also a great plus!

All in all, My favourite activities were taking calls and being inside

the room with the professionals. Being able to experience live

appointments from the doctor/dentists perspective was really useful. I

had an amazing week and would love to go back.

Useful, helpful and fun links that TY students will enjoy

Start Your Own Blog

• http://startbloggingonline.com/

Create your own personal journal or Online Diary

• www.Penzu.com

Beauty Blogs

• www.zoella.co.uk
• http://www.tanyaburr.co.uk/

Healthy Eating Links

• http://teenshealthandfitness.tumblr.com/
• http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/

Study Skills

• www.skoool.ie
• https://www.tcd.ie/pathways-to-trinity/application/study/

Study Skills for TY Exams 2015

Reading

When reading over a chapter from your textbook, most people will read through it at the same pace until the end and then stop and would put the book away feeling persuaded that they know what they just read. This way of learning might not always work unless you have photographic memory. Try this PQRR method, This way will ensure you ace those exams! 

P = Preview
Begin your reading task with a quick skim (2-3 minutes) of the text, trying to get an overview of the chapter or text. Look for section headings, illustrative charts and diagrams, signposts or key words. Don't start highlighting text at this point.

Q = Question
This is the key to active learning. Look for answers to the basic questions of Who? What? Where? Why? When? Identify the main theme or learning point of the particular text.

R = Read
Now read the chapter carefully, with these questions in mind. Your mind will be actively looking for answers as you read. Work with a pen and paper, make brief summary notes, look for 'topic sentences' that summarise the most important point in a paragraph or section and highlight them, if necessary. Vary your reading speed – move quickly over lighter, less important material and slow down when you come to a difficult section.

R = Review
Always check your unde

standing of the material by reviewing and testing your recall before putting the text away. Look at the notes you have taken and check that they answer your initial questions. Summarise your findings from this study session.

Note-Taking

•  'Less is more' When writing notes, remember they should be a summary, not an extensive repetition of what is in the textbook. Don't crowd the page. Stick to main headings and sub-headings. Use abbreviations where appropriate. Try to reduce what you need to know on the topic down to one A4 sheet.

•  'Make it visual' Highlight key words and use diagrams, brainstorms, graphs etc. (A picture is worth a thousand words)

•  Save your notes , organise a filing system. (Subject, topic, section) So you can retrieve your study notes when needed easily.

Improving Memory

•  Studies indicate that 66% of material is forgotten within seven days if it is not reviewed or recited again by the student, and 88% is gone after six weeks. Don't make life harder for yourself – build in a brief daily and weekly review of material covered. It will save you having to re-learn material from scratch!

•  Application and Association- The best way to channel material to long term memory is to organise it into meaningful associations. Link it to existing information and topics and create vivid personal examples which act as 'mental hooks' or 'cues' for recalling material in the future.

•  Use of mnemonics: these are various word games which can act as memory aids and which allow personalisation and creativity. Think of stalagtites (come down from the ceiling) and stalagmites (go up from the ground); the colours of the rainbow ('Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain' to remember red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet); the seven characteristics of living organisms – Mr.Grief (Movement, Reproduction, Growth Respiration, Irritability, Excretion, Feeding). You can devise many more of these to aid your personalised recall of items in your subjects.

Practical Tips

● Study away from your phone or tv or radio and make sure there's nothing to distract you.

● Don't leave everything to the last minute!! Start early!

● Read through the test first and Don't panic or you'll ruin your flow to approaching the paper.

● Get enough sleep the night before and Don't cram everything the night before.

Literacy and Numeracy

Don't forget to use these helpful techniques to guide you during exam time!
By using these steps, they'll be sure to lead you to academic success!

Reading Strategies:

Close Reading
Careful study reading, which usually indicates pausing to think or look back in order to examine the text in detail.

Skimming
Glancing quickly through the text to get the gist of it.

Scanning
Searching for a particular piece of information.

Numeracy 
Don't forget to calculate your results when you get your exams back!  Using this process:

1) Estimate your result.

2) Calculate your percentage

    my score x 100

    --------------   ----

     total mark     1

3) Round off: 5 or more, go up 1%

                      4 or less, leave it as it is.

 

Don't worry! Just do your best!

By: Lubna Arzal

Mental Health Week 19 - 23 January: Positive Inspiration