Dear Readers,
As part of Challenge 3, we have to write about a Global Event we have taken part in. It's hard to think of the definition of a "Global Event". Like does it have to include a certain amount of different countries, do the countries have to be in different continents, or speech a different language?
I took it to be where a good few countries take part on one event between an agreed time scale. Such as New Years day, Christmas, Earth Hour etc. A Global Event to me is where a group of different people celebrate, remember or start something. Like 9/11 was remembered all around the world, or Micheal Jackson's death or Saving the Planet in Earth Hour.
I kind of took part in Earth Hour. It was hard because I was babysitting. But I turned of the tele and just read a book and played my DS for a while. I especially loved the videos on Youtube promoting Earth Hour. I think it should done more often than once a year though! What do you think?
Here's a brilliant video on Earth Hour! Enjoy.
Thanking you,
Roisin.P.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
English Trip!
Dear Readers,
On Thursday we went into Dublin city to see some exhibitions for English. We went to see William Butler Yeats Exhibition at the National Library, the Bog Bodies Exhibition in the National Museum and the Jack Butler Yeats Exhibition in the National Gallery. Some of these may seem strange for an "English" trip, but we're starting to learn comparative studies in class. And our teacher Ms.B wanted to show us the importance of the Yeats family on Irish culture and literature.
My favorite part of the trip was the W.B. Yeats Exhibition. I liked it because he was such a character and his poems are so easy, the message is right there in front of you, you don't have to go digging for a meaning. The only hidden meanings or messages are those that he wasn't aware he was sharing, especially those to do with Maud Gonne, his love interest. I loved seeing his note books and drafts. W.B. Yeat's handwriting is pretty bad and his spelling isn't great. There are rumours that he was dyslexic, but what was most interesting was the fact that he would walk around a say the poem to himself, roll the words on his tongue, switch parts in and out until he was ready to put pen to paper. This is what makes his poems, they're through his voice. He did do a lot for Ireland, he set up the Abbey Theatre and was a Senator. He was interested in politics, though for the time, (1916 onward) this wasn't unusual, and he wanted to create a upper class Ireland, a respected Ireland. That was one of his many dreams.
The Bog Bodies and the National Museum was ok. It was really odd how well they were preserved by the bog and the theories of why they were there. Bogs we split into territories for different Kings, who believed that the Gods lay deep within the bog. It is thought that they were sacrificed to the Gods for a good harvest, but they must have been the ultimate sacrifice because there are signs that one of them was nobility because he had a strong diet and because of his haircut. The other theory is that they stumbled on the wrong King's territories, and then well I think you can guess, they were murdered. It was kinda sad though to see them like that and the fact of how they were killed, and the fact peoples beliefs would go that far.
The Jack Yeats Exhibition was lovely, though I thought that we could have learnt more about the other paintings, it was a very limited tour. It was really good to see the huge change in his style from a realist to an expressionist! His work got so much more colourful and unlike his brother his meanings or feelings are hidden. But I don't mind finding them, searching a painting. Jack feel in love with horses from an early age, especially white horses. They pop up in a lot of his paintings. There was this one called 'For the Road', it is beautiful painting. Source.
My favorite part of the trip was the W.B. Yeats Exhibition. I liked it because he was such a character and his poems are so easy, the message is right there in front of you, you don't have to go digging for a meaning. The only hidden meanings or messages are those that he wasn't aware he was sharing, especially those to do with Maud Gonne, his love interest. I loved seeing his note books and drafts. W.B. Yeat's handwriting is pretty bad and his spelling isn't great. There are rumours that he was dyslexic, but what was most interesting was the fact that he would walk around a say the poem to himself, roll the words on his tongue, switch parts in and out until he was ready to put pen to paper. This is what makes his poems, they're through his voice. He did do a lot for Ireland, he set up the Abbey Theatre and was a Senator. He was interested in politics, though for the time, (1916 onward) this wasn't unusual, and he wanted to create a upper class Ireland, a respected Ireland. That was one of his many dreams.
The Bog Bodies and the National Museum was ok. It was really odd how well they were preserved by the bog and the theories of why they were there. Bogs we split into territories for different Kings, who believed that the Gods lay deep within the bog. It is thought that they were sacrificed to the Gods for a good harvest, but they must have been the ultimate sacrifice because there are signs that one of them was nobility because he had a strong diet and because of his haircut. The other theory is that they stumbled on the wrong King's territories, and then well I think you can guess, they were murdered. It was kinda sad though to see them like that and the fact of how they were killed, and the fact peoples beliefs would go that far.
The Jack Yeats Exhibition was lovely, though I thought that we could have learnt more about the other paintings, it was a very limited tour. It was really good to see the huge change in his style from a realist to an expressionist! His work got so much more colourful and unlike his brother his meanings or feelings are hidden. But I don't mind finding them, searching a painting. Jack feel in love with horses from an early age, especially white horses. They pop up in a lot of his paintings. There was this one called 'For the Road', it is beautiful painting. Source.
We also got to quickly view some paintings from the 20th century. One of the things that the tour guide said was that Jack Yeats never took inspiration from other artists, it was all his own creation. I mention this because one of the large paintings in the 20th century part, by John Lavery, was inspired by the Spanish painter Antoni Tàpies painting, especially the positioning of the people and the use of mirror images in the piece. I thought this was interesting and that's why I liked it.
Personally I love paintings like For The Road because its non realist and abstract plus it has lots of colour. I'm attracted to paintings that have this uplifting bursts of colour. Happy colours. May sound simple, but that's what I like.
I really enjoyed the trip because I got to see how the Yeats family and other people, such as Lady Gregory, made an impact of cultural life of Dublin, and the rest of Ireland. The bog bodies was good because they showed me how old Ireland is, in the sense of people living here, and how the bodies add to our understanding of our history.
If your ever in Dublin, all three are very good and enjoyable visits. I learned a lot and I how you do to.
Thank you,
Roisin.P.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Another Tongue.
Dear Readers,
As part of Challenge 3, we have to do two things to do with languages. We have to set up a widget box so that visitors from other countries that don't speech English can translate my blog into their own language! It's a great idea. I've used a Google translator widget box for mine.
There are so many languages out there in the world. Some seem harsh when spoken, some romantic or passionate and others can just sound odd. They say there are universal languages, like some would argue maths is an universal language. I agree that we all know a certain amount of maths, but how do you communicate your feelings through maths? I think music is the best language of all, you can express your feelings so easily with a song. Music can even make you feel something, it can tell a story, tell you a message! Anything is possible when you have music! If you don't know how to tell someone something find a song that will do it for you....see a language, and the song doesn't even need words, just let the instruments do the talking. Tribes used to and still do, use music to frighten the enemy, spread a message secretly or even just to express the joy or sadness of news!
Here are some examples of songs with meanings;
Love; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCSe66pWNmc&feature=related
Leaving Home; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Su8LXNS16A
Saddness/Remembrance; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyCRJmerW1Q
Beauty; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2XzoA94Zws&feature=fvst
Happiness; http://www.youtube.com/user/UKpiano#p/u/35/nSMOxWFKiaA
In school I do English, Irish and Spanish. I'll admit languages aren't my strong point, except English, I like doing Shakespeare and certain poetry. Irish is my worst and I'm OK with Spanish. I choosing to write the next bit of my blog in Spanish because I like the language, not learning it! lol.
El espanol es un lenguaje interesante, así que por eso lo elegi por irlandes, tambien soy mejor en el. Yo acaros escribir otro post en irlandes mas tarde;
Me llamo Roisin, soy irlandesa. Vivo en Kildare cerca del Dublin. Tengo 16 anos y mi cumpleanos es el 27 de febrero. Me gusta mucho musica porque es una idioma universal. la música te puede hacer sentir algo o puede decirle tus sentimientos para ti. No me importa la escuela, me gusta ver a mis amigos y aprender cosas nuevas. Mis asignatures preferidos en colegio son las matemáticas, las ciencias, ingles y arte. Tambien, me encanta los animales, me gustaria un pero, pero mis padres no quieren una mascota. Me gustaria ir a Espana proque me gusta la cultura y la musica de Espana.
Gracias Mucho,
Roisin.P.
As part of Challenge 3, we have to do two things to do with languages. We have to set up a widget box so that visitors from other countries that don't speech English can translate my blog into their own language! It's a great idea. I've used a Google translator widget box for mine.
There are so many languages out there in the world. Some seem harsh when spoken, some romantic or passionate and others can just sound odd. They say there are universal languages, like some would argue maths is an universal language. I agree that we all know a certain amount of maths, but how do you communicate your feelings through maths? I think music is the best language of all, you can express your feelings so easily with a song. Music can even make you feel something, it can tell a story, tell you a message! Anything is possible when you have music! If you don't know how to tell someone something find a song that will do it for you....see a language, and the song doesn't even need words, just let the instruments do the talking. Tribes used to and still do, use music to frighten the enemy, spread a message secretly or even just to express the joy or sadness of news!
Here are some examples of songs with meanings;
Love; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCSe66pWNmc&feature=related
Leaving Home; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Su8LXNS16A
Saddness/Remembrance; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyCRJmerW1Q
Beauty; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2XzoA94Zws&feature=fvst
Happiness; http://www.youtube.com/user/UKpiano#p/u/35/nSMOxWFKiaA
In school I do English, Irish and Spanish. I'll admit languages aren't my strong point, except English, I like doing Shakespeare and certain poetry. Irish is my worst and I'm OK with Spanish. I choosing to write the next bit of my blog in Spanish because I like the language, not learning it! lol.
El espanol es un lenguaje interesante, así que por eso lo elegi por irlandes, tambien soy mejor en el. Yo acaros escribir otro post en irlandes mas tarde;
Me llamo Roisin, soy irlandesa. Vivo en Kildare cerca del Dublin. Tengo 16 anos y mi cumpleanos es el 27 de febrero. Me gusta mucho musica porque es una idioma universal. la música te puede hacer sentir algo o puede decirle tus sentimientos para ti. No me importa la escuela, me gusta ver a mis amigos y aprender cosas nuevas. Mis asignatures preferidos en colegio son las matemáticas, las ciencias, ingles y arte. Tambien, me encanta los animales, me gustaria un pero, pero mis padres no quieren una mascota. Me gustaria ir a Espana proque me gusta la cultura y la musica de Espana.
Gracias Mucho,
Roisin.P.
Japan Disaster
Dear Readers,
Japan as we all know has been hit by the worst natural disaster in it's history. Today in Religion we held a small prayer service for the people of Japan, all the lovers, friends, parents, children, family, the lonely, for them all, we had them in our thoughts. We layed out yellow paper to symbolise the coast line and green paper to symbolise the land. We put out the Japanese flag to symbolise the people of Japan, as well as a picture of a Japanese women crying. We lit candles to symbolise hope, and a gong to represent the Japanese culture. We lit incense to help us pray, and we lay out pebbles along the yellow paper to symbolise our prayers and thoughts reaching the people who are grieving for their loved ones and their country.
The Japanese disaster. "Disaster", such an appropriate word. These peoples lives are still in the middle of a disaster, with the possible meltdown of the nuclear reactor in Fukushima, farms ruined, water and food shortages, also the lack of shelter! People say that Japan are not a developing country, that they have money and previsions, that their "lucky". This angers me, they now have no jobs, schools, farms, homes, cars, lack food and clean water. These to me are characteristics of poverty and developing countries. A part Japan has become a developing country over night and the rest of the country feels that. The money this will cost to fix the damage already done, and that's if nothing else goes wrong. This is a chain reaction disaster; earthquake, tsunami, aftershocks, nuclear reactor fail. Lets hope the atoms chain reaction inside the reactor and the disaster chain reaction will slow and stop! I pray for Japan and I'm thinking of what I can do as an individual person in this world, of over 6 billion, can do to help.
Please give your thoughts and prayers to Japan and it's beautiful culture and people.
Thank you,
Roisin.P.
Japan as we all know has been hit by the worst natural disaster in it's history. Today in Religion we held a small prayer service for the people of Japan, all the lovers, friends, parents, children, family, the lonely, for them all, we had them in our thoughts. We layed out yellow paper to symbolise the coast line and green paper to symbolise the land. We put out the Japanese flag to symbolise the people of Japan, as well as a picture of a Japanese women crying. We lit candles to symbolise hope, and a gong to represent the Japanese culture. We lit incense to help us pray, and we lay out pebbles along the yellow paper to symbolise our prayers and thoughts reaching the people who are grieving for their loved ones and their country.
The Japanese disaster. "Disaster", such an appropriate word. These peoples lives are still in the middle of a disaster, with the possible meltdown of the nuclear reactor in Fukushima, farms ruined, water and food shortages, also the lack of shelter! People say that Japan are not a developing country, that they have money and previsions, that their "lucky". This angers me, they now have no jobs, schools, farms, homes, cars, lack food and clean water. These to me are characteristics of poverty and developing countries. A part Japan has become a developing country over night and the rest of the country feels that. The money this will cost to fix the damage already done, and that's if nothing else goes wrong. This is a chain reaction disaster; earthquake, tsunami, aftershocks, nuclear reactor fail. Lets hope the atoms chain reaction inside the reactor and the disaster chain reaction will slow and stop! I pray for Japan and I'm thinking of what I can do as an individual person in this world, of over 6 billion, can do to help.
Please give your thoughts and prayers to Japan and it's beautiful culture and people.
Thank you,
Roisin.P.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
My Pages!
Dear Readers,
I've just posted a new Book Review, and a Music playlist. I'm really excited about the playlist, I love it!
Also I've started a Guestbook so feel free to comment. You ask me questions, talk about my blog or just say hello!
I was also inspired from St.Patrick's Day to post up Irish Legends, myths and famous stories! They're really good, and of course I started with St.Patrick's story. I doing this also because I realised I a good few non Irish visitors, so I think you'll enjoy them!
Thanks,
Roisin.P.
I've just posted a new Book Review, and a Music playlist. I'm really excited about the playlist, I love it!
Also I've started a Guestbook so feel free to comment. You ask me questions, talk about my blog or just say hello!
I was also inspired from St.Patrick's Day to post up Irish Legends, myths and famous stories! They're really good, and of course I started with St.Patrick's story. I doing this also because I realised I a good few non Irish visitors, so I think you'll enjoy them!
Thanks,
Roisin.P.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
My Digital Footprint!
Dear Readers,
Also as part of Challenge 2 for the blogging challenge we have been ask about our digital footprint. I watched a video, all about your digital dossier or footprint. It was interesting, and even a bit scary to see how big a footprint you have starting the day you were born! For intense, every time you google something the code of search and you IP address are saved, plus your adding cookies all the time to your computer! It's really mad. Even after we die our footprints grow, like whenever were mentioned online or a photo uploaded or even a R.I.P. note left on your facebook wall! We create these files upon files of information about ourselves, whether we are buying things, uploading things, blogging things, signing up for things...it all adds up. Just think, the Internet knows as much about you as you do, that's the scary part.
I've joined so many sites now that I think about it, like youtube, animoto, facebook, blogger, and so many others I can't account for them all. When I type in my information I judge the security, audiance and quality of the site before I go giving to much information out. Or sometimes I make up a fake name like ET or Gleek2k11 or something along those lines. I'm really skeptical about giving my address, email and date of birth. I have a different email that I set up under a fake name just in case and the other two I just make up! It's that simple. I think I'm safe enough when it comes to using the Internet but I think I could be a bit more carefull. When it comes to filling out the *asterisk questions I hardly ever give out more the mininum, for two reasons; 1 I'm too lazy to fill in any more; and 2 they're usually pointless unrelated questions.
If aliens were to invade...that's all I'm saying!
Think about it,
Roisin.P.
Also as part of Challenge 2 for the blogging challenge we have been ask about our digital footprint. I watched a video, all about your digital dossier or footprint. It was interesting, and even a bit scary to see how big a footprint you have starting the day you were born! For intense, every time you google something the code of search and you IP address are saved, plus your adding cookies all the time to your computer! It's really mad. Even after we die our footprints grow, like whenever were mentioned online or a photo uploaded or even a R.I.P. note left on your facebook wall! We create these files upon files of information about ourselves, whether we are buying things, uploading things, blogging things, signing up for things...it all adds up. Just think, the Internet knows as much about you as you do, that's the scary part.
I've joined so many sites now that I think about it, like youtube, animoto, facebook, blogger, and so many others I can't account for them all. When I type in my information I judge the security, audiance and quality of the site before I go giving to much information out. Or sometimes I make up a fake name like ET or Gleek2k11 or something along those lines. I'm really skeptical about giving my address, email and date of birth. I have a different email that I set up under a fake name just in case and the other two I just make up! It's that simple. I think I'm safe enough when it comes to using the Internet but I think I could be a bit more carefull. When it comes to filling out the *asterisk questions I hardly ever give out more the mininum, for two reasons; 1 I'm too lazy to fill in any more; and 2 they're usually pointless unrelated questions.
If aliens were to invade...that's all I'm saying!
Think about it,
Roisin.P.
New Avatar!
Dear Readers,
For Challenge 2 of the blogging challenge we have to make an avatar for our blogs! I made mine using Manga face maker. It looks kinda like me I think. lol! I had fun making it and messing around with the different settings!
I'll go through why I chose certain features!:
I put my hair in a ponytail, because this is how I usually have my hair. I like it off we face and out of my eyes.
I chose the pink/peach top for the reason that I like the colour and it's a colour that suits me.
My skin is not as pale as the avatar, but it's fairly close!
The greyish greeny blue eyes are the exact same as mine.
I chose to put a little makeup on because I wear a lot but when I do I try keep it simple. There's nothing more I hate than seeing people putting on far to much makeup and fake tan, their ruining there skin and just don't look attractive!
I liked making an avatar, their were so many to choose from site wise! But I like the one I chose. I'll try a few more and put up a slideshow!
Happy St.Patrick's Day,
Roisin.P.
For Challenge 2 of the blogging challenge we have to make an avatar for our blogs! I made mine using Manga face maker. It looks kinda like me I think. lol! I had fun making it and messing around with the different settings!
I'll go through why I chose certain features!:
I put my hair in a ponytail, because this is how I usually have my hair. I like it off we face and out of my eyes.
I chose the pink/peach top for the reason that I like the colour and it's a colour that suits me.
My skin is not as pale as the avatar, but it's fairly close!
The greyish greeny blue eyes are the exact same as mine.
I chose to put a little makeup on because I wear a lot but when I do I try keep it simple. There's nothing more I hate than seeing people putting on far to much makeup and fake tan, their ruining there skin and just don't look attractive!
I liked making an avatar, their were so many to choose from site wise! But I like the one I chose. I'll try a few more and put up a slideshow!
Happy St.Patrick's Day,
Roisin.P.
Lá Fhéile Pádraig!!!(sa scoil)
Dear Readers,
Yesterday in school at lunch time we held a céilí (dancing), in our courtyard for the whole school to celebrate St.Patrick's Day! It was brilliant because each year were given a Green Theme to dress up as such as Mythical Creatures, The Military or St.Patrick himself! The TY's were given AerLingus...a bit odd but we came up with a great idea!
We decided to have people dress up as pilots, cabin crew and tourists. We made up an airport scenario with tourists lining up with tickets and what not...but then! terror strikes and a terrorist comes in and ties up the pilots (including Ms.L!) and then Batwomen and Robin come and save the day! It was brilliant! The crowd loved it and we got Easter eggs to share in maths. Great way to celebrate our last dress up day in TY. After all that we had some great great craic dancing and just having fun! Everyone looked happy and had a great time!
Everything is going yo fast! Before we know TY will be over and we will be in big bad 5th year. Things are coming to a close. We still have so much left to do but you won't see the weeks flying! We're in March already...I can't believe it. In ways I feel I'm prepared to go on but another part of me wishes this wasn't going to be over in less than 8 weeks! You won't have to worry about me wishing TY away but I think next year I won't be wishing it back to much. To much of a good thing can turn into something tedious and annoying. It just ruins it. Plus there's lots to look forward to next year and beond like Poland, finishing school and going to college, also finishing up piano grades and much more outside.
'Finishing'? A word I've used a lot recently. It's weird. Last time I used the word was when I was in junior cert. and deciding between TY and 5th year. But you have to look at what started for me! TY, blogging, mini company, drama everything! I learned so much so far and I've a lot left to learn. That makes me excited for the future knowing I'll be going on to learn bigger and better things while using all the new skills I've learnt here and starting new things! 'Starting' will always follow 'finished', you know "when one door closes another one opens" A part of being human to me is to be always learning something, doing something new. I'd hate to be in a situation where I'm not doing something new or where I'm not learning one small thing everyday. Like that saying "you learn something new everyday", I love that saying. We're always growing up and maturing, and I've done more of it then I've ever done in my life this year! I've achieved a lot but I plan on doing a whole lot more before the years end! We may only have 8 weeks, but a lot can happen in eight weeks!
Happy St. Patrick's Day,
Roisin.P.
Yesterday in school at lunch time we held a céilí (dancing), in our courtyard for the whole school to celebrate St.Patrick's Day! It was brilliant because each year were given a Green Theme to dress up as such as Mythical Creatures, The Military or St.Patrick himself! The TY's were given AerLingus...a bit odd but we came up with a great idea!
We decided to have people dress up as pilots, cabin crew and tourists. We made up an airport scenario with tourists lining up with tickets and what not...but then! terror strikes and a terrorist comes in and ties up the pilots (including Ms.L!) and then Batwomen and Robin come and save the day! It was brilliant! The crowd loved it and we got Easter eggs to share in maths. Great way to celebrate our last dress up day in TY. After all that we had some great great craic dancing and just having fun! Everyone looked happy and had a great time!
Everything is going yo fast! Before we know TY will be over and we will be in big bad 5th year. Things are coming to a close. We still have so much left to do but you won't see the weeks flying! We're in March already...I can't believe it. In ways I feel I'm prepared to go on but another part of me wishes this wasn't going to be over in less than 8 weeks! You won't have to worry about me wishing TY away but I think next year I won't be wishing it back to much. To much of a good thing can turn into something tedious and annoying. It just ruins it. Plus there's lots to look forward to next year and beond like Poland, finishing school and going to college, also finishing up piano grades and much more outside.
'Finishing'? A word I've used a lot recently. It's weird. Last time I used the word was when I was in junior cert. and deciding between TY and 5th year. But you have to look at what started for me! TY, blogging, mini company, drama everything! I learned so much so far and I've a lot left to learn. That makes me excited for the future knowing I'll be going on to learn bigger and better things while using all the new skills I've learnt here and starting new things! 'Starting' will always follow 'finished', you know "when one door closes another one opens" A part of being human to me is to be always learning something, doing something new. I'd hate to be in a situation where I'm not doing something new or where I'm not learning one small thing everyday. Like that saying "you learn something new everyday", I love that saying. We're always growing up and maturing, and I've done more of it then I've ever done in my life this year! I've achieved a lot but I plan on doing a whole lot more before the years end! We may only have 8 weeks, but a lot can happen in eight weeks!
Happy St. Patrick's Day,
Roisin.P.
Margaret Alyward Drama Evening.
Dear Readers,
On Tuesday we headed off to Glasnevin, Dublin, to the Holy Faith Convent and Secondary School for a Drama Festival. The evening was organised to help celebrate Margaret Alyward's Bicentenary. The theme for all the productions was "what would Margaret Alyward do?". Margaret Alyward was the founder of the Holy Faith Sisters, who set up several secondary schools for girls in Ireland, St.Wolstan's (my school) was one of these. We had already celebrated a mass for her in February in Whitehall. But this Drama Evening was to bring some of the Holy Faith schools together and so what we know and think about Margaret Alyward, and show what she did and would of done for people.
We were there early because we needed to put all our plays together, shorten them down and make them more appropriate for the audience. The plays we were doing are the same as the ones for the Briery Gap Competition but just modified to the theme. Once we had the plays all sorted into one big play I was ask to sing at the end when all the cast members come on stage. I agreed and I sang an old song called "Lark in the Clear Air". It's a nice song and I didn't mess up my words or anything, thank God!
The other plays we saw dealt with issues such as discrimination against refugees, people from certain areas, disabled people, homeless people, people addicted to drugs and alcohol. It was interesting to watch them and see notice how aware we are to the problems facing people in the world today, but the truth of the matter is that we choose to ignore the facts because they scare us in a way. It's hard to explain but you know what I'm talking about. I'll be honest, I too sometimes ignore the facts but after seeing the plays I've realised I can't choose to ignore them forever! And one country and group of people that need our help now are the Japanese, especially the children orphaned by the disaster. Us TY's want to do something about, and we don't have alot of time left in TY so we need to do something now. We were thinking of different events we could hold and do, but please, if you have any suggestions in how we can raise the money, let me know!
Please help Japan, at least let them know your thinking of them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9tJW9MDs2M
Happy St.Patrick's Day,
Roisin.P.
On Tuesday we headed off to Glasnevin, Dublin, to the Holy Faith Convent and Secondary School for a Drama Festival. The evening was organised to help celebrate Margaret Alyward's Bicentenary. The theme for all the productions was "what would Margaret Alyward do?". Margaret Alyward was the founder of the Holy Faith Sisters, who set up several secondary schools for girls in Ireland, St.Wolstan's (my school) was one of these. We had already celebrated a mass for her in February in Whitehall. But this Drama Evening was to bring some of the Holy Faith schools together and so what we know and think about Margaret Alyward, and show what she did and would of done for people.
We were there early because we needed to put all our plays together, shorten them down and make them more appropriate for the audience. The plays we were doing are the same as the ones for the Briery Gap Competition but just modified to the theme. Once we had the plays all sorted into one big play I was ask to sing at the end when all the cast members come on stage. I agreed and I sang an old song called "Lark in the Clear Air". It's a nice song and I didn't mess up my words or anything, thank God!
The other plays we saw dealt with issues such as discrimination against refugees, people from certain areas, disabled people, homeless people, people addicted to drugs and alcohol. It was interesting to watch them and see notice how aware we are to the problems facing people in the world today, but the truth of the matter is that we choose to ignore the facts because they scare us in a way. It's hard to explain but you know what I'm talking about. I'll be honest, I too sometimes ignore the facts but after seeing the plays I've realised I can't choose to ignore them forever! And one country and group of people that need our help now are the Japanese, especially the children orphaned by the disaster. Us TY's want to do something about, and we don't have alot of time left in TY so we need to do something now. We were thinking of different events we could hold and do, but please, if you have any suggestions in how we can raise the money, let me know!
Please help Japan, at least let them know your thinking of them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9tJW9MDs2M
Happy St.Patrick's Day,
Roisin.P.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Mini Company Competition No.2!
Dear Readers,
Last week while we were on Work Experience, our parents received a text saying that we were heading to a different mini company competition the Monday we come back...so in other words today! It was being held just outside Dublin and their were 32 other companies to compete against. The awards that were given out were 1st 2nd and 3rd in the following categories innovation, marketing, accounts, sustainability, presentation and quality. Then four companies were chosen to go to the national finals on the 7th of April! We were one of those groups!! and we won 1st place for sustainably and 3rd place for quality. I was so happy that we did well in this competition after not doing so well in the other enterprise awards.
The face we got such short notice and that we wouldn't have any class time, in it's own ways was a good thing because we weren't stressing out during school and asking teachers to do stuff also the fact we all had it done before hand and kept the stuff from the last competition meant we were more prepared and had little to do. Though we didn't get through in the other competition it did help us with this one because we had a better idea of what to expect of the competition.
Even so, this competition was run differently and is all about learning from mini company and what is does for the TY student. There were 3 parts to our day; adjudicating, discovering other mini companies and group discussion. Each group was split into A's, B's and C's. We then just rotated around the three activities. We got a free lunch and then it was prise giving time.
While it was my turn on the stand for adjudication I meet with two judges, and each of them ask pretty tough questions! But I satisfied that we answered them well and explained ourselves well too which is important. In the other other competition we only met one judge and they would have already seen our business report which isn't fair. I like how more than one judge visits you and that they don't have an idea about you and your company before they meet because they don't have your business report.
There was some stiff competition. The ideas were great and really innovative. You would never think of them before this, but their pretty logical and cheap solutions to a daily problem. And that's what all the competitions want to see in this current climate. the whole aim of the competition is to get young people thinking about these new and wonderful ideas, as well as learning, team work, communication and business skills along the way. It's great because we can not only apply them to the other things we do in TY but also outside of school in everyday life. Well maybe not so much now but hopefully in the future!
I had a great day with a great result and I'm looking forward to the finals which are only 3 weeks away! So not mush time to prepare...better get started then ;)
Thanking you,
Roisin.P.
Last week while we were on Work Experience, our parents received a text saying that we were heading to a different mini company competition the Monday we come back...so in other words today! It was being held just outside Dublin and their were 32 other companies to compete against. The awards that were given out were 1st 2nd and 3rd in the following categories innovation, marketing, accounts, sustainability, presentation and quality. Then four companies were chosen to go to the national finals on the 7th of April! We were one of those groups!! and we won 1st place for sustainably and 3rd place for quality. I was so happy that we did well in this competition after not doing so well in the other enterprise awards.
The face we got such short notice and that we wouldn't have any class time, in it's own ways was a good thing because we weren't stressing out during school and asking teachers to do stuff also the fact we all had it done before hand and kept the stuff from the last competition meant we were more prepared and had little to do. Though we didn't get through in the other competition it did help us with this one because we had a better idea of what to expect of the competition.
Even so, this competition was run differently and is all about learning from mini company and what is does for the TY student. There were 3 parts to our day; adjudicating, discovering other mini companies and group discussion. Each group was split into A's, B's and C's. We then just rotated around the three activities. We got a free lunch and then it was prise giving time.
While it was my turn on the stand for adjudication I meet with two judges, and each of them ask pretty tough questions! But I satisfied that we answered them well and explained ourselves well too which is important. In the other other competition we only met one judge and they would have already seen our business report which isn't fair. I like how more than one judge visits you and that they don't have an idea about you and your company before they meet because they don't have your business report.
There was some stiff competition. The ideas were great and really innovative. You would never think of them before this, but their pretty logical and cheap solutions to a daily problem. And that's what all the competitions want to see in this current climate. the whole aim of the competition is to get young people thinking about these new and wonderful ideas, as well as learning, team work, communication and business skills along the way. It's great because we can not only apply them to the other things we do in TY but also outside of school in everyday life. Well maybe not so much now but hopefully in the future!
I had a great day with a great result and I'm looking forward to the finals which are only 3 weeks away! So not mush time to prepare...better get started then ;)
Thanking you,
Roisin.P.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Let the Challenge Begin!!!
Dear Readers,
As you may or may not know I am taking part in the Student Blog Challenge 2011. It's a competition where you are assign tasks each week to about and update you site. You are also judged on what blogs you write outside the challenge. The aim of the challenge is to encourage people to improve their blogging skills and I.T. skills, all while meeting other students around the world. I think it's a great project and as I said before I really want to use it to help me think about my blogs and what I write. So far it's working out!
This week is Challenge 1 - write about yourself and why you taking on this challenge.
I'm a Transition Year, or TY for short, student in St.Wolstan's CS in Ireland. I'm a talkative, out-going person and a person who enjoys a challenge. From reading my blog you may also see, and I've admitted to it, that I can also be inpatient and competitive. But blogging about it all and school life is challenging my flaws and my good points and turning them all into a good person, I hope. I think the aim of the Challenge and TY is create that kind of individual. In the last month or two I've grown to love blogging and what it does for me. I love getting comments and feedback and I'm always open to it. Reading back on my blogs I can see how I've changed as a person, and I love sharing that with people.
Music which is a major part of my life, is really important to me. Music can change your mood or help you express a feeling or even just tell a story. It's a universal language and has helped so many people. I love sharing music so that's why I put up playlists that I made. I listen to a lot of different stuff so hopefully there's something for everyone. If you need a playlist 'cause maybe your sad or in love or heartbroken just ask and I'll make one especially for you. I also read and that's why I set up a book review page. Check it out. If your not sure whether you should read a book or not just ask me, if I haven't read it I will and let you know. Leave a comment on a blog post or on the book review page. I think people should visit my page if they don't know what TY is, if they like music or books or if they want to see how one young person overcomes life's challenges. I love interacting with new people so if you have a question or need a playlist or book review just ask. I've no problem.
I'm doing this challenge because I like a challenge and I'm competitive so it's perfect. It's also a perfect opportunity to meet other students and receive comments from people I don't know. I like unbiased opinions because then you can learn more and write better blogs. This challenge allows all that as well as teaching you web skills. I'm excited to be part of this challenge and wish everyone the best of luck with it!
Thanking you,
Roisin.P.
As you may or may not know I am taking part in the Student Blog Challenge 2011. It's a competition where you are assign tasks each week to about and update you site. You are also judged on what blogs you write outside the challenge. The aim of the challenge is to encourage people to improve their blogging skills and I.T. skills, all while meeting other students around the world. I think it's a great project and as I said before I really want to use it to help me think about my blogs and what I write. So far it's working out!
This week is Challenge 1 - write about yourself and why you taking on this challenge.
I'm a Transition Year, or TY for short, student in St.Wolstan's CS in Ireland. I'm a talkative, out-going person and a person who enjoys a challenge. From reading my blog you may also see, and I've admitted to it, that I can also be inpatient and competitive. But blogging about it all and school life is challenging my flaws and my good points and turning them all into a good person, I hope. I think the aim of the Challenge and TY is create that kind of individual. In the last month or two I've grown to love blogging and what it does for me. I love getting comments and feedback and I'm always open to it. Reading back on my blogs I can see how I've changed as a person, and I love sharing that with people.
Music which is a major part of my life, is really important to me. Music can change your mood or help you express a feeling or even just tell a story. It's a universal language and has helped so many people. I love sharing music so that's why I put up playlists that I made. I listen to a lot of different stuff so hopefully there's something for everyone. If you need a playlist 'cause maybe your sad or in love or heartbroken just ask and I'll make one especially for you. I also read and that's why I set up a book review page. Check it out. If your not sure whether you should read a book or not just ask me, if I haven't read it I will and let you know. Leave a comment on a blog post or on the book review page. I think people should visit my page if they don't know what TY is, if they like music or books or if they want to see how one young person overcomes life's challenges. I love interacting with new people so if you have a question or need a playlist or book review just ask. I've no problem.
I'm doing this challenge because I like a challenge and I'm competitive so it's perfect. It's also a perfect opportunity to meet other students and receive comments from people I don't know. I like unbiased opinions because then you can learn more and write better blogs. This challenge allows all that as well as teaching you web skills. I'm excited to be part of this challenge and wish everyone the best of luck with it!
Thanking you,
Roisin.P.
New Theme.
Dear Readers,
So as you can now see I have changed my background. This is because it is St.Patrick's Day on Thursday, so to wish you all a Happy Paddy's Day I changed it.
St.Patrick's Day is a big thing in Ireland because he he is the patron saint of Ireland. He got rid of the snakes, gave us Christianity, and of course the famous Shamrock! (He used this to explain the Holy Trinity).
We celebrate with parades in nearly every town in Ireland. We celebrate, St.Patrick and all things Irish including Leprechauns and our dance, music and art. It's a wonderful day, and anyone who lives in Ireland I know will attend the parade or watch the one in Dublin on the telly. But in America I know there's one in New York and Chicago. I think there's one in Sydney too. Let me know if you attended a parade in some country other than Ireland..?
Thanks,
Roisin.P.
So as you can now see I have changed my background. This is because it is St.Patrick's Day on Thursday, so to wish you all a Happy Paddy's Day I changed it.
St.Patrick's Day is a big thing in Ireland because he he is the patron saint of Ireland. He got rid of the snakes, gave us Christianity, and of course the famous Shamrock! (He used this to explain the Holy Trinity).
We celebrate with parades in nearly every town in Ireland. We celebrate, St.Patrick and all things Irish including Leprechauns and our dance, music and art. It's a wonderful day, and anyone who lives in Ireland I know will attend the parade or watch the one in Dublin on the telly. But in America I know there's one in New York and Chicago. I think there's one in Sydney too. Let me know if you attended a parade in some country other than Ireland..?
Thanks,
Roisin.P.
Work Experiance!
Dear Readers,
This week I headed off to the Four Courts in Dublin to follow around a Barrister for the week. I wasn't really nervous about the whole thing as I was with the first Work Experience, I was more excited. The Barrister I was following around was Martin Canny. Unfortunately he didn't have a lot on this week but he still tired to find me some interesting stuff for me to look at. I talked to people who went to the Four Courts for the last Work Experience and some said it was ok but others were saying it was boring. I have to say I disagree. I learned so much just watching the cases and I found them interesting, like trying to figure out who would win or how the Barristers would go about their cross examinations. I saw people cry though, that wasn't to nice. I saw court orders giving out for peoples homes to be reposest, though some deserved it by the sounds of it. But I also saw people get their money back or justice for their injury. It was so weird to see how each Barrister approaches a case and even some of the Judges were characters!
I'll call this judge the Master, as he is the master of the high court. He was the funniest to watch handling cases because he wasn't at all interested and loves to make the devils (apprentice barristers) embarrassed by ripping them apart. Like this poor widow started crying as she was explaining her situation, when the Master started looking out the window and said something that sounded like golf! Madness.
I'll call this judge the PlaintiffPresident, he is in the Circuit Court (best court ever, its like Judge Judy but with Barristers). He has been known to be a bit pro-plaintiff. But to me that's not his problem, his problem is that he says close to nothing as the case proceeds and then when its finished he reads back every note he made and then gives his verdict, sometimes even leaving for five minuets to make his verdict. Too long in my view. But that's just how he roles.
I'll call this judge Mr Justice Softy, also in the Circuit Court. He was the most fair Judge I saw in the place. He gave everyone a chance to explain themselves and if someone didn't understand he would butt in and explain, also if he thought the Barrister was being to harsh on a witness he would stop him and repeat the question to the witness in a nicer, calmer tone. He was completely fair and in my opinion gave the right verdict in the end.
So you see these are three very different people and have completely different approaches to the job. Some I agree with some I don't. Same with the barristers I saw, they were all different in there approach. You can see similarities between some but other than that their all different. That's what made it so interesting, to see the different approaches clash, some people even changed their approaches depending on who they were up against or what judge the case was before. It's a nut house in there and I liked it. It also showed me how being different or having a different approach to things means that life is never boring. We need to be different to make things that bit different. Also its important to learn from this that, if something needs doing and you ask someone to do it just because their approach to the task is different and you might not agree with it doesn't mean it won't get done. Or if someone gives an opinion, value it. Value every one's difference, it can make us clash and it can make us come together, but we all need to learn how to see things from the others point of view, especially in TY when we are working together in groups a lot and with people we don't really know. Another lesson learnt.
Thank you,
Roisin.P.
This week I headed off to the Four Courts in Dublin to follow around a Barrister for the week. I wasn't really nervous about the whole thing as I was with the first Work Experience, I was more excited. The Barrister I was following around was Martin Canny. Unfortunately he didn't have a lot on this week but he still tired to find me some interesting stuff for me to look at. I talked to people who went to the Four Courts for the last Work Experience and some said it was ok but others were saying it was boring. I have to say I disagree. I learned so much just watching the cases and I found them interesting, like trying to figure out who would win or how the Barristers would go about their cross examinations. I saw people cry though, that wasn't to nice. I saw court orders giving out for peoples homes to be reposest, though some deserved it by the sounds of it. But I also saw people get their money back or justice for their injury. It was so weird to see how each Barrister approaches a case and even some of the Judges were characters!
I'll call this judge the Master, as he is the master of the high court. He was the funniest to watch handling cases because he wasn't at all interested and loves to make the devils (apprentice barristers) embarrassed by ripping them apart. Like this poor widow started crying as she was explaining her situation, when the Master started looking out the window and said something that sounded like golf! Madness.
I'll call this judge the PlaintiffPresident, he is in the Circuit Court (best court ever, its like Judge Judy but with Barristers). He has been known to be a bit pro-plaintiff. But to me that's not his problem, his problem is that he says close to nothing as the case proceeds and then when its finished he reads back every note he made and then gives his verdict, sometimes even leaving for five minuets to make his verdict. Too long in my view. But that's just how he roles.
I'll call this judge Mr Justice Softy, also in the Circuit Court. He was the most fair Judge I saw in the place. He gave everyone a chance to explain themselves and if someone didn't understand he would butt in and explain, also if he thought the Barrister was being to harsh on a witness he would stop him and repeat the question to the witness in a nicer, calmer tone. He was completely fair and in my opinion gave the right verdict in the end.
So you see these are three very different people and have completely different approaches to the job. Some I agree with some I don't. Same with the barristers I saw, they were all different in there approach. You can see similarities between some but other than that their all different. That's what made it so interesting, to see the different approaches clash, some people even changed their approaches depending on who they were up against or what judge the case was before. It's a nut house in there and I liked it. It also showed me how being different or having a different approach to things means that life is never boring. We need to be different to make things that bit different. Also its important to learn from this that, if something needs doing and you ask someone to do it just because their approach to the task is different and you might not agree with it doesn't mean it won't get done. Or if someone gives an opinion, value it. Value every one's difference, it can make us clash and it can make us come together, but we all need to learn how to see things from the others point of view, especially in TY when we are working together in groups a lot and with people we don't really know. Another lesson learnt.
Thank you,
Roisin.P.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Drama Final!
Dear Readers,
Last Saturday, the cast of Noughts and Crosses boarded on a mini bus bound for Cork. Why? We were going to the Briery Gap drama final. We were the only drama of four from our school to get this far! Which is an achievement itself...we were all a bit tired and nervous about the day ahead. But sure that's to expected?
So on the three and a half hour journey we stopped once half way for a toilet break and lunch. We practiced our lines and giggled a bit down the back of the bus. By the time we got there we had our Cork accents perfected and everyone was just excited and rearing to get on stage and have fun. We defiantly were glad to have gotten that far and just wanted to enjoy the day that was to be had! We defiantly found the balance between fun and seriousness because we were so prepared we didn't have to worry to much about last minuet preparations. We loved our play and it's story so we just hoped the judges enjoyed it to.
So after stinking up the small dressing room with chips and vinegar and had a laugh with the script and then it was "Show Time"! We headed up to the stage and as the saying goes 'we gave it wellie'! It went perfectly and I enjoyed every minuet of it! And even though I had seen the play a hundred times and new the story, maybe even the whole script, Karen (our lovely leading lady) managed to make me cry at the end.
Half five, and another batch of chips it was time for home. But not before Siobhan had her photos. We chose to say rashers instead of cheese and loaded ourselves back onto the bus. This was when the real fun began and when the photos got a little more interesting. Sure what can you expect with twelve over tired girls and two sleeping teachers?...;L it was mighty crack!
By nine we had eventually made it home safely. I think for Mini Company my balance was way off, for F1 in schools it had improved but by the Drama competition it was just right and it ment that I throughly enjoyed myself. I sometimes wonder if the three weren't three days in a row or even if they weren't on the same week maybe things would be different? Would we have done better or worse? So I suppose my next lesson to learn is to leave what's happened in the past and learn from it instead of being bitter about it.
If you have any advise (other than Ben&Jerrys/chocolate) let me know!?
Thanking you,
Roisin.P.
Last Saturday, the cast of Noughts and Crosses boarded on a mini bus bound for Cork. Why? We were going to the Briery Gap drama final. We were the only drama of four from our school to get this far! Which is an achievement itself...we were all a bit tired and nervous about the day ahead. But sure that's to expected?
So on the three and a half hour journey we stopped once half way for a toilet break and lunch. We practiced our lines and giggled a bit down the back of the bus. By the time we got there we had our Cork accents perfected and everyone was just excited and rearing to get on stage and have fun. We defiantly were glad to have gotten that far and just wanted to enjoy the day that was to be had! We defiantly found the balance between fun and seriousness because we were so prepared we didn't have to worry to much about last minuet preparations. We loved our play and it's story so we just hoped the judges enjoyed it to.
So after stinking up the small dressing room with chips and vinegar and had a laugh with the script and then it was "Show Time"! We headed up to the stage and as the saying goes 'we gave it wellie'! It went perfectly and I enjoyed every minuet of it! And even though I had seen the play a hundred times and new the story, maybe even the whole script, Karen (our lovely leading lady) managed to make me cry at the end.
Half five, and another batch of chips it was time for home. But not before Siobhan had her photos. We chose to say rashers instead of cheese and loaded ourselves back onto the bus. This was when the real fun began and when the photos got a little more interesting. Sure what can you expect with twelve over tired girls and two sleeping teachers?...;L it was mighty crack!
By nine we had eventually made it home safely. I think for Mini Company my balance was way off, for F1 in schools it had improved but by the Drama competition it was just right and it ment that I throughly enjoyed myself. I sometimes wonder if the three weren't three days in a row or even if they weren't on the same week maybe things would be different? Would we have done better or worse? So I suppose my next lesson to learn is to leave what's happened in the past and learn from it instead of being bitter about it.
If you have any advise (other than Ben&Jerrys/chocolate) let me know!?
Thanking you,
Roisin.P.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
F1 In Schools Competition!
Dear Readers,
On Friday we left for Griffith college at 7.45am. Why? For the Formula1 in Schools competition of course! We had been working for this moment for a few months at this stage, designing cars, doing PR (radio), making a portfolio and putting together a stand and uniforms.
Our car came back to us on Tuesday. And it didn't look good there were a few problems to be had. For example it was to thin in places. Plus we had to sand it, add the wheels and paint it too. So not a good start. Plus we were preparing for the Mini Company Competition and the Drama Final! So stress levels were pushed to the max and everyone was on edge. But miraculously we made it through without any arguments!
When we arrived at the venue I had learned from the day before and just got to work without looking at what the other stands or cars were like. I knew it was for my own benefit. So we set up, had a briefing by Gillian (the organiser) and then the competition began.
The first part of the competition we took part in was the portfolio presentation. This is where two judges come up to our table and look at our stand and more importantly the portfolio. I feel this was the worst part of our day, properly because we had left the portfolio till last minute and because it was the first thing we were judged on.
The next was our car been sent to be scrutinised. We knew it had failed on one section of the rules, and we weren't certain about another part, we failed both and another part which nearly everyone failed on because it wasn't explained properly in the build guidelines. This gave us a total of 35/40. This isn't bad considering most teams did worse.
The next and most exciting part of the competition was the race! When you race your car you have four go's to get your time. You only race against another team for the fun of it! Which is nice because it takes the pressure off a bit. We chose Sandra to press the release button because she had the best reaction time when we did a test on the web. This went well, our car was a little slow because the car was a bit heavy. But other than that it ran really well.
The final part of our judging was the all important verbal presentation. We headed down to the room and waited nervously outside to be called in. We joke a bit because we were so nervous. My heart was beating furiously and the second I stepped through that door I converted the nerves to adrenaline and I was a women on a mission! I think this was the most successful part of our day! We showed them our slideshow of pictures and each talked well and answered the questions with ease. I was really pleased and as we left the room to enjoy the rest of the day, we were literally jumping for joy.
Afterwards when the pressure was lifted we headed up back to the hall and talked to the other teams and did reaction games on the track (which I got the second best time of the day!). It was nice but it was interesting to see who took this competition seriously, like really seriously! The question there I suppose was were they taking it too seriously? Those who this question could be put to didn't really in gage with anyone till after all the judging and they were silent and focused at the track, like this was the race of their lives. I understand being focused at the track because you need to press the release button as quick as possible. But when your "focusing" gets to the extent where your putting the other team off, that is taking it too seriously. Also in my opinion, were young and free, this is supposed to be a learning experience, not something to take too seriously. I had fun, maybe not for the whole journey there, but for the majority of the day I enjoyed meeting new people and putting my newly learned skills to the test (that's from doing drama, business and tech). I think it's all about finding the balance. Balancing, between fun and competition, study and social life or milk and hot water for that perfect cup of tea..:L I suppose in the beginning stages of anything finding that balance is hard, sometimes really difficult. But you get there eventually.
Thankfully once they had the results they didn't do any of that horrible dramatic pausing or anything like that. But unfortunately our efforts weren't enough, didn't get through to the nationals. Congratulations though to the other teams who got through, especially team Ealu, the other St. Wolstan's team. I will be honest and say that I'm disappointed that our hard work wasn't enough, I suppose we needed more time to balance the scales between the car and the rest of the work like the PR and stuff. But that said I'm incredible proud of my team and sorry for the pressure I sometimes put them under, we can now rest.
So let me know what you think of the question 'how serious is too serious?' or if you have an opinion on the subject of 'balance'.
Thank you,
Roisin.P.
P.S. If you want to know more about f1 in schools click here.
On Friday we left for Griffith college at 7.45am. Why? For the Formula1 in Schools competition of course! We had been working for this moment for a few months at this stage, designing cars, doing PR (radio), making a portfolio and putting together a stand and uniforms.
Our car came back to us on Tuesday. And it didn't look good there were a few problems to be had. For example it was to thin in places. Plus we had to sand it, add the wheels and paint it too. So not a good start. Plus we were preparing for the Mini Company Competition and the Drama Final! So stress levels were pushed to the max and everyone was on edge. But miraculously we made it through without any arguments!
When we arrived at the venue I had learned from the day before and just got to work without looking at what the other stands or cars were like. I knew it was for my own benefit. So we set up, had a briefing by Gillian (the organiser) and then the competition began.
The first part of the competition we took part in was the portfolio presentation. This is where two judges come up to our table and look at our stand and more importantly the portfolio. I feel this was the worst part of our day, properly because we had left the portfolio till last minute and because it was the first thing we were judged on.
The next was our car been sent to be scrutinised. We knew it had failed on one section of the rules, and we weren't certain about another part, we failed both and another part which nearly everyone failed on because it wasn't explained properly in the build guidelines. This gave us a total of 35/40. This isn't bad considering most teams did worse.
The next and most exciting part of the competition was the race! When you race your car you have four go's to get your time. You only race against another team for the fun of it! Which is nice because it takes the pressure off a bit. We chose Sandra to press the release button because she had the best reaction time when we did a test on the web. This went well, our car was a little slow because the car was a bit heavy. But other than that it ran really well.
The final part of our judging was the all important verbal presentation. We headed down to the room and waited nervously outside to be called in. We joke a bit because we were so nervous. My heart was beating furiously and the second I stepped through that door I converted the nerves to adrenaline and I was a women on a mission! I think this was the most successful part of our day! We showed them our slideshow of pictures and each talked well and answered the questions with ease. I was really pleased and as we left the room to enjoy the rest of the day, we were literally jumping for joy.
Afterwards when the pressure was lifted we headed up back to the hall and talked to the other teams and did reaction games on the track (which I got the second best time of the day!). It was nice but it was interesting to see who took this competition seriously, like really seriously! The question there I suppose was were they taking it too seriously? Those who this question could be put to didn't really in gage with anyone till after all the judging and they were silent and focused at the track, like this was the race of their lives. I understand being focused at the track because you need to press the release button as quick as possible. But when your "focusing" gets to the extent where your putting the other team off, that is taking it too seriously. Also in my opinion, were young and free, this is supposed to be a learning experience, not something to take too seriously. I had fun, maybe not for the whole journey there, but for the majority of the day I enjoyed meeting new people and putting my newly learned skills to the test (that's from doing drama, business and tech). I think it's all about finding the balance. Balancing, between fun and competition, study and social life or milk and hot water for that perfect cup of tea..:L I suppose in the beginning stages of anything finding that balance is hard, sometimes really difficult. But you get there eventually.
Thankfully once they had the results they didn't do any of that horrible dramatic pausing or anything like that. But unfortunately our efforts weren't enough, didn't get through to the nationals. Congratulations though to the other teams who got through, especially team Ealu, the other St. Wolstan's team. I will be honest and say that I'm disappointed that our hard work wasn't enough, I suppose we needed more time to balance the scales between the car and the rest of the work like the PR and stuff. But that said I'm incredible proud of my team and sorry for the pressure I sometimes put them under, we can now rest.
So let me know what you think of the question 'how serious is too serious?' or if you have an opinion on the subject of 'balance'.
Thank you,
Roisin.P.
P.S. If you want to know more about f1 in schools click here.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Poland Update!!
Dear Readers,
On Tuesday we had the draw for who was going to Poland. I got picked!! I was so happy because I never really get picked for things like this.
Sitting there on the hall floor while our chaplain went around with a U.S.A. biscuit tin picking out names was an odd feeling. I didn't expect to be called out, but when my friend got called out that's when I crossed my fingers, that's when I got the hunger of really wanting to go. And low and behold two names later they say my name. I couldn't help smiling and thinking that this is going to be the trip of a lifetime. I will never get the opportunity to go to Poland again, so I'm determined to go. And even better I get to go with at least on of my best friends. I gave her a high five and then remembered that there were other people around me who hadn't been called out yet. So you compose yourself and say "you can celebrate later". After the draw it turned out most of my friends got called out and some are on the waiting list. Our teacher said that people will drop out so everyone on the waiting list will probably get to go.
I suppose if I was near the end of that waiting list I would have liked to not been picked out of the biscuit tin. I'm inpatient and often pessimistic in those situations so I'd be in a terrible mood till I knew for certain I was or wasn't going, that would probably mean waiting till October. I hate waiting, not having that definite yes or no. I could cope with not being picked out because I would be upset for a few mins and then get over it. It wouldn't happen.
That's just me. I hate when people say you should get rid of traits like that completely. We all need flaws because they define us, make us who we are. We would be very boring if we didn't have them. But I agree to the extent that we should just control our flaws, know whens best to show and use them even hiding them. But never rid of them.
On Tuesday we had the draw for who was going to Poland. I got picked!! I was so happy because I never really get picked for things like this.
Sitting there on the hall floor while our chaplain went around with a U.S.A. biscuit tin picking out names was an odd feeling. I didn't expect to be called out, but when my friend got called out that's when I crossed my fingers, that's when I got the hunger of really wanting to go. And low and behold two names later they say my name. I couldn't help smiling and thinking that this is going to be the trip of a lifetime. I will never get the opportunity to go to Poland again, so I'm determined to go. And even better I get to go with at least on of my best friends. I gave her a high five and then remembered that there were other people around me who hadn't been called out yet. So you compose yourself and say "you can celebrate later". After the draw it turned out most of my friends got called out and some are on the waiting list. Our teacher said that people will drop out so everyone on the waiting list will probably get to go.I suppose if I was near the end of that waiting list I would have liked to not been picked out of the biscuit tin. I'm inpatient and often pessimistic in those situations so I'd be in a terrible mood till I knew for certain I was or wasn't going, that would probably mean waiting till October. I hate waiting, not having that definite yes or no. I could cope with not being picked out because I would be upset for a few mins and then get over it. It wouldn't happen.
That's just me. I hate when people say you should get rid of traits like that completely. We all need flaws because they define us, make us who we are. We would be very boring if we didn't have them. But I agree to the extent that we should just control our flaws, know whens best to show and use them even hiding them. But never rid of them.
Let me know what you think. I'm always open to suggestions.
Roisin.P.
trekearth.com
Mini Company Competition!
Dear Readers,
Today was the day we had all been waiting for. The Student Enterprise awards. This was the first round and it felt like it just snuck up on us all to quickly. All this week we have been preparing our stands and speechs so we could blow the judges away with our idea! And thrust me the stress was unbelievable.
So the Mini Company I'm involved with is Green Hero. The magazine for primary school children. Our aim is to teach them and their parents about caring for the enviorment but in a fun and easy way. We got amazing feedback from the first issue and we have just given out second issue.
We also got really good feedback from the judges! They loved our idea and how professional everything was. We were one of the last groups to be judge so the waiting was tense and at one stage we thought they had forgotten us! But of course that was just nerves. Even though everything seemed like a disaster yesterday, like that nothing would be finished on time, it all came together in the end and we pulled together as a team. I'm really proud of what we have achieved, especially since we were shortlisted for the county final!
Some of the other Mini Companies there were really good and looked amazing. I think it was interesting, looking back on the day, how harsh and judgemental you can be on yourself and your work. Every stand and idea I saw, I compared our own and criticised our efforts, thinking they weren't enough, thinking we had failed. Trying to be positive is really hard when you're under pressure and nervous. We were excited going but the longer we waited the worse my nerves got and the excitement drain away. But then when we we were called out as shortlisted it felt good. It's amazing how....human, one can be. We can be good in giving others a chance but never ourselves. Maybe it's just me, let me know.
Il update you if we get through!
Roisin.P.
Today was the day we had all been waiting for. The Student Enterprise awards. This was the first round and it felt like it just snuck up on us all to quickly. All this week we have been preparing our stands and speechs so we could blow the judges away with our idea! And thrust me the stress was unbelievable.
So the Mini Company I'm involved with is Green Hero. The magazine for primary school children. Our aim is to teach them and their parents about caring for the enviorment but in a fun and easy way. We got amazing feedback from the first issue and we have just given out second issue.
We also got really good feedback from the judges! They loved our idea and how professional everything was. We were one of the last groups to be judge so the waiting was tense and at one stage we thought they had forgotten us! But of course that was just nerves. Even though everything seemed like a disaster yesterday, like that nothing would be finished on time, it all came together in the end and we pulled together as a team. I'm really proud of what we have achieved, especially since we were shortlisted for the county final!
Some of the other Mini Companies there were really good and looked amazing. I think it was interesting, looking back on the day, how harsh and judgemental you can be on yourself and your work. Every stand and idea I saw, I compared our own and criticised our efforts, thinking they weren't enough, thinking we had failed. Trying to be positive is really hard when you're under pressure and nervous. We were excited going but the longer we waited the worse my nerves got and the excitement drain away. But then when we we were called out as shortlisted it felt good. It's amazing how....human, one can be. We can be good in giving others a chance but never ourselves. Maybe it's just me, let me know.
Il update you if we get through!
Roisin.P.
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