Yesterday we visited Irish Cement in Drogheda, Co. Louth. After getting our hardhats, our hi-vis vests and safety goggles, we got a tour around the plant. one of the workers showed us step by step how the materials are produced. We found this experience fascinating, as we had not realised how much work goes into it. We especially loved looking at the robots in the lab. We got to look down at the quarry - it was a very deep hole in the ground. It is 10m below sea level. 

Some of us have decided that we would like to work for Irish Cement when we leave school. The salary is great and they provide opportunities to go on to further education. It is also possible to travel, as they have factories all over the world. 

We loved our visit to Irish Cement and we are very grateful to them for the opportunity. 

 

We have read and analysed the poem To This Day, written by Shane Koyczan. You can find it here.

We are also studying the lyrics of songs, focusing on alliteration, similes, metaphors, repetition and assonance. We have listened to 'Changes' by Tupac and 'Take me to Church'  by Hozier.   

We are watching and writing a report on the documentary 'Every Heart Beats True'. It follows Jim Stynes as he fights cancer and encourages young people to be more confident. 

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For your next Key Assignment, you will need to complete a report on the aspects of advertising. You can use Prezi to complete your assignment. Remember to include photos and YouTube videos to make it more interesting. You can sign up to Prezi here.

I just had the most delicious treat ever! The 5LA students, along with their teacher, Ms. Byrne, treated 16 teachers to a meal as part of their Home Economics task. 

There were four tables with four different menus to choose from. I was lucky enough to be seated at the Traditional Irish table. We were served by Leigha and Dean. We were treated to homemade beef and Guinness stew followed by apple tart. 

I cannot stress the professionalism and friendliness of the students enough. If you think the pictures of the food look good, you should have tasted it!

Thank you so much Ms Byrne and your wonderfully talented students for including me in your celebration meal. 

'I have read a novel and I have written or taped my review of it'

During our double period on a Friday, we are reading 'Goodnight Mister Tom' by Michelle Magorian. We will be writing our review of it when we are finished. Feel free to read ahead at home! Don't cry too much!

'I have prepared a CV and a cover letter'


For your first key assignment, you must create a CV and a cover letter. This assignment overlaps with your Computer module. Your CV and cover letter must be typed. 

You have two choices for your cover letter:

1. A receptionist in a beauty salon

2. An apprenticeship in a mechanics

This is our first class photo for our blog! Hopefully there'll be plenty more over the next two years. 

Our first module is entitled 'Communication'. We have already examined some examples of poor communication (Fawlty Towers/ sarcasm). We have read about people who could not communicate but eventually found a way (Helen Keller/ Christy Brown/ Louis Braille). 

Welcome to your English class blog 5LA2. This blog will be a record of our learning over the next two years. You can use the 'submit homework' facility to send me homework, key assignments or tasks. If you have any questions, feel free to use this blog. All comments are approved before they are posted! 

These are the questions that may come up in your English oral exam. Please read over them and make sure you have suitable answers for each question. 

If you don't know the answer, feel free to be economical with the truth! The examiner doesn't know you and won't question whether or not you lied about what your favourite movie is. 

Speak slowly. 
Sit up straight. 
Keep eye contact. 
Don't panic! The examiner wants to give you marks!