Scuba Diving
Our Scuba diving theory took place on Wednesday, the 22nd of November, as we needed to learn the basics before getting in the water. This was a quick one hour theory session, in which we learned how to use the equipment, and the safety features that go with it.
We arrived at 'The National Aquatics Centre' in Blanchardstown, 5 days later. Having already studied the theory, we were able jump right into action. It was an exciting experience but also felt strange at first! It took a while to get used to the breathing apparatus, but as soon as I got used to it I really began enjoying the experience. We swam for approximately one hour, which flew by. This was something I always wanted to do and I'm glad to have had ye opportunity to do so.
Carlingford
Our year set off for Carlingford on Monday 19th for four days. The adventure centre was located in a small village in Louth, surrounded by a lake and forestry, where most of our activities took place. After arriving, we dumped our bags in our rooms and began with our first activity, laser tag. This took place in the depths of the forest, and was a great way to kick start the outdoor activites. This was great fun and definitely one of my favourite activities of the week.
Later that night we did a ‘murder mystery’, in the village, using plaques, statues and other notable memorabilia, to find the clues. We split into groups of five. The clues were really varied and allowed everyone to get involved.
When we returned we were given roughly two hours to hang out in the games room in the centre, before returning to our rooms.
The week continued like as, with other activities including canoeing, zipling and high ropes. It was an action packed, but was very enjoyable week in all, and is definitely one of the highlights of TY so far.
Musical
The auditions for our TY musical, Legally Blonde, started way back in November. Months of preparation by each of the students, as well as the directors, resulted in a terrific final show, that no one could have imagined when we started off. The musical allowed everyone to be involved, regardless of musical talent. This made the experience really enjoyable, as the whole year group was involved.
The show was run really professionally, and gave a good insight into what is involved in a stage production. For many students, myself included, this was more than likely the only opportunity we will have to perform on stage, so I am really happy to have availed of the opportunity.
Gaisce
I started my Gaisce awards back in September, and it has been a rewarding experience throughout.
My physical activity for my Gaisce award was Gaelic football. I usually play three times a week for my local club, Cuala.
I partook in a barista course during the year, which I counted as my personal skill. I did one hour a week and after completing the course I was awarded with a qualification certificate. This qualification will be very handy in the future, and i hope to get a summer job from it.
I did tidy towns in my local village as my community service. For the past number of weeks I have been helping out with the Shankill Tidy Towns, to help keep the village tidier.
I have enjoyed the experience, and I think a Gaisce medal will be useful in the future.
Public Access To Law
Our public access to law course took place on Friday the 10th of November. A barrister came in to teach us the basis of law, and law enforcement, and also showed us videos of mock crimes, in which the law had to be enforced. The day also included mock trials, which we partook in. Each student was given a different role including barristers, judges, and jurors. It was a very interesting and enjoyable experience, as we got a feel for what a court case is like.
Our Scuba diving theory took place on Wednesday, the 22nd of November, as we needed to learn the basics before getting in the water. This was a quick one hour theory session, in which we learned how to use the equipment, and the safety features that go with it.
We arrived at 'The National Aquatics Centre' in Blanchardstown, 5 days later. Having already studied the theory, we were able jump right into action. It was an exciting experience but also felt strange at first! It took a while to get used to the breathing apparatus, but as soon as I got used to it I really began enjoying the experience. We swam for approximately one hour, which flew by. This was something I always wanted to do and I'm glad to have had ye opportunity to do so.
Carlingford
Our year set off for Carlingford on Monday 19th for four days. The adventure centre was located in a small village in Louth, surrounded by a lake and forestry, where most of our activities took place. After arriving, we dumped our bags in our rooms and began with our first activity, laser tag. This took place in the depths of the forest, and was a great way to kick start the outdoor activites. This was great fun and definitely one of my favourite activities of the week.
Later that night we did a ‘murder mystery’, in the village, using plaques, statues and other notable memorabilia, to find the clues. We split into groups of five. The clues were really varied and allowed everyone to get involved.
When we returned we were given roughly two hours to hang out in the games room in the centre, before returning to our rooms.
The week continued like as, with other activities including canoeing, zipling and high ropes. It was an action packed, but was very enjoyable week in all, and is definitely one of the highlights of TY so far.
Musical
The auditions for our TY musical, Legally Blonde, started way back in November. Months of preparation by each of the students, as well as the directors, resulted in a terrific final show, that no one could have imagined when we started off. The musical allowed everyone to be involved, regardless of musical talent. This made the experience really enjoyable, as the whole year group was involved.
The show was run really professionally, and gave a good insight into what is involved in a stage production. For many students, myself included, this was more than likely the only opportunity we will have to perform on stage, so I am really happy to have availed of the opportunity.
Gaisce
I started my Gaisce awards back in September, and it has been a rewarding experience throughout.
My physical activity for my Gaisce award was Gaelic football. I usually play three times a week for my local club, Cuala.
I partook in a barista course during the year, which I counted as my personal skill. I did one hour a week and after completing the course I was awarded with a qualification certificate. This qualification will be very handy in the future, and i hope to get a summer job from it.
I did tidy towns in my local village as my community service. For the past number of weeks I have been helping out with the Shankill Tidy Towns, to help keep the village tidier.
I have enjoyed the experience, and I think a Gaisce medal will be useful in the future.
Public Access To Law
Our public access to law course took place on Friday the 10th of November. A barrister came in to teach us the basis of law, and law enforcement, and also showed us videos of mock crimes, in which the law had to be enforced. The day also included mock trials, which we partook in. Each student was given a different role including barristers, judges, and jurors. It was a very interesting and enjoyable experience, as we got a feel for what a court case is like.
DCU Open Day
Our year group travelled to the DCU Open Day on Friday the 17th of November. Upon our arrival, I did a quick tour around the campus to get a feel for it, and to avoid getting lost throughout the day!
There were countless course presentations on, and we were free to attend talks of our choice. Having a keen interest in sport, I attended the talk on Sports science and athletic therapy, as this is a course I would consider studying in the future. The talk was very informative, and answered all the questions I had regarding points, subjects and what's actually involved in the course.
I then attended a marketing talk, which gave a great insight into a career in business.
This is also something I would definitely consider doing in the future. The course provides great opportunities to study abroad and I think it would be an interesting career choice.
My last talk of the day was psychology. This isn't a course I had ever really considered studying prior to Fridays experience, but is definitely something I will take into consideration now. The presentation was very explanatory of what the course and what a career in this line entails.
It was a very enjoyable and educational day overall, and it's an experience I'm glad to have availed of. I also hope to visit open days in more colleges, to get an insight into what different universities offer, and will hopefully discover which has the best learning possibilities for me in the future.
Our year group travelled to the DCU Open Day on Friday the 17th of November. Upon our arrival, I did a quick tour around the campus to get a feel for it, and to avoid getting lost throughout the day!
There were countless course presentations on, and we were free to attend talks of our choice. Having a keen interest in sport, I attended the talk on Sports science and athletic therapy, as this is a course I would consider studying in the future. The talk was very informative, and answered all the questions I had regarding points, subjects and what's actually involved in the course.
I then attended a marketing talk, which gave a great insight into a career in business.
This is also something I would definitely consider doing in the future. The course provides great opportunities to study abroad and I think it would be an interesting career choice.
My last talk of the day was psychology. This isn't a course I had ever really considered studying prior to Fridays experience, but is definitely something I will take into consideration now. The presentation was very explanatory of what the course and what a career in this line entails.
It was a very enjoyable and educational day overall, and it's an experience I'm glad to have availed of. I also hope to visit open days in more colleges, to get an insight into what different universities offer, and will hopefully discover which has the best learning possibilities for me in the future.