Forensics
Forensics was one of my favourite modules this year as we did something every class even if the numbers were very low. We learnt different techniques of solving crimes. This was really interesting as we gathered many clues such as fingerprints, tire tracks and other marks left behind by the killers. We watched an episode of CSI for the last class and were able to see how the actors were using all the techniques we had learned which was cool to see.
Careers
Careers was an interesting module as it gave me an insight about the process of applying for college courses at home and abroad. I found courses in Ireland that I was interested and the international alternatives. I did a project on these courses and did a deep analysis on what subjects and points you need all the way down to each module and the credits they make up. This was really interesting and I think I will be able to use my knowledge when applying to the CAO when in sixth year and need much less help than I would've needed from the careers department.
Nutrition
Nutrition was a very interesting module as we learnt about different diets, good and bad foods and most importantly what is in the food we eat. Ms Murray taught this module and every week we looked at different topics. I found this very interesting as in one of our classes we did some calculations and worked out how much protein should be in our daily diet. This figure was higher than I thought. In another class we learnt about HBV(High Biological Value) and LBV(Low Biological Value). This relates to the essential amino acids. Red meats are HBV so contain all the essential amino acids. However for vegans and vegetarians they can’t eat meat so an alternative is to eat several LBV foods such as nuts and beans and then theses all add up to contain most of the essential amino acids. It’s essential they do this are they will go deficient in some areas and could contract different problems such as anemia. This knowledge will help me in the future if I ever turn vegan or vegetarian.
Public Speaking
My class was the first of four to take part in the public speaking module. I had made speeches in the past where I had not been confident and made mistakes while reading it out. I was looking forward to this module to improve my skills in giving speeches.
We started off the 6 week process by meeting our new teacher Mr Wall. We learnt about different literary devices and how to implement them to make a good speech. We assigned to make a speech and a slideshow to go with it. We spent several weeks practicing and fine tuning our speeches for the exam we would have at the end of the year. The topic of my speech was the challenges young people in Ireland face. I was very confident going in and feel the exam went well. I learnt a few things about giving speeches that I will use in the future.
We started off the 6 week process by meeting our new teacher Mr Wall. We learnt about different literary devices and how to implement them to make a good speech. We assigned to make a speech and a slideshow to go with it. We spent several weeks practicing and fine tuning our speeches for the exam we would have at the end of the year. The topic of my speech was the challenges young people in Ireland face. I was very confident going in and feel the exam went well. I learnt a few things about giving speeches that I will use in the future.
Pottery
Pottery was a really enjoyable module. Mr O’Conor was our teacher and showed us several different techniques for clay modelling. For our first week we made name plates which were pretty basic but for the second week we made different pieces using the pinch pot technique we were allowed make whatever we wanted once we used this technique. Once these had been fired we glazed them in the colour of choice. One of my name plates turned out really well but the other unfortunately the glaze didn't work. I learnt to mix the glaze thoroughly in future so to prevent it not working when I'm doing the Wednesday pottery class.
Health and Safety
The health module was thought to us by Mr O'Connor. We covered a range of topics from safety in the school and house to the most dangerous jobs and why they are so dangerous. The only bad thing about this module was that the classes were set up to be forty minutes so this meant we didn't do much towards the end of class. That said I found the topics we did cover quite interesting.
Mindfulness
I found the mindfulness module really relaxing as we did lots of meditation and took lots of time to clear our minds. I can use these methods in the future to de stress during the leaving cert maybe.
Politics
Politics was one of my modules for the second term. Mr Roche took this class. During politics we looked at how the future might look in terms of laws and regulations. We used time brackets to make it more realistic. For example in 2030 all cars might have to electric due to law. I enjoyed this module as it gave me an idea of the world I might be living in if our predictions our right.