English
Junior Cycle
The general aim of the Junior Cycle is to further develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and competencies acquired at primary level. General reading is encouraged. During First Year the Department aims to enhance the student’s appreciation of English and to develop reading and writing skills. The students are divided into six smaller groups across the four classes to facilitate more individual attention. The students are introduced to the novel, short stories, legends and folk tales, a wide range of poetry and literary terminology. They are encouraged to develop their creative skills by practising writing in the various genres they have studied. They have regular library periods at least once a month where they have the opportunity to read widely and they learn to write book and film reviews. An exhibition of Haiku written by the students is on display in the library. In Second Year the students begin their study of Shakespeare with Romeo and Juliet and are introduced to the works of other writers. The development of both functional and creative writing skills is also a significant part of the course. In Third Year special emphasis is placed on the development of all the students’ skills as well as on the promotion of examination techniques. Students are introduced to the work of Jane Austen with the study of Pride and Prejudice. At Junior Cycle, the overall focus of the Department is on nurturing the creativity of each student and providing her with an excellent foundation in English. Exhibitions of work and competitions are held throughout Junior Cycle in which students are encouraged to write short stories, essays and poetry. In First Year there is a Haiku Exhibition; in Second Year students are encouraged to enter the Honor Stuart Creative Writing Competition; in Third Year they take part in the Jeanie Turpin Essay Competition. The winning entries to these competitions are published in the Alexandran each year.
Transition Year
Students are engaged in a wide range of activities that encourages them to work independently and to think for themselves. The module system at the school allows them to move from one exercise to another over the course of the academic year. Students complete a range of modules that engage their minds in different ways, opening up avenues of discovery not available in their Junior or Senior cycles. Modules for 2008-9: Module One focuses on the plays of William Shakespeare through reading and viewing extracts from the works. Module Two is based on Rhetoric and Drama Module Three considers the art of poetry. Module Four concentrates on film studies Module Five introduces the students to Old and Middle English poetry. Each of these components seeks to challenge the students in new and creative ways.
Senior Cycle
Students are prepared for the Leaving Certificate examination at either Higher or Ordinary Level in mixed abilit classes. Their ability to distinguish and reproduce different registers of language is developed. They study a variety of literary texts, including poetry, novel, drama and film. The Deaprtment arranges visits to the IFI to view films on the Leaving Certificate course and visits to the theatre, when possible, to attend performances of the set plays. Students are also encouraged to develop their language skills by reading widely outside of the course. Their interest in film and drama is fostered above and beyond the works set for the Leaving Certificate Course.