College Press - The Lurve Edition

What do you mean I spelled the title wrong? I have no idea

what you're talking about. (Wink)

Seriously though, it's that time of year again, when couples

are allowed to get away with a lot more in public and sales for

tacky heart shaped cards go through the roof.

Maybe some of you have dates, maybe you don't, whatever

your social activities may be you'll be sure to find plenty of

worthwhile, love related, articles in this terms issue.

So whether you'll be out on the town on Valentine's night,

jetting off to France for a few days or spending your evening

with two guys call “Ben and Jerry”, I hope you all have a great

mid-term.

 

All the best,

Sam Burke. ^_^

It's that time of year again, when students squeal in delight and teachers exhale!
Everyone at the College Press wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas :-)
Click on the link below for the latest festive issue!

https://issuu.com/gdoylenc/docs/christmas_2016/1?e=4719288/32136714

Welcome back after what was hopefully a very enjoyable mid-term.
Please follow the link below for our eagerly awaited College Press (Halloween edition).  Sorry it is a little late, some technical issues ensued!  Thanks to everyone who contributed and well done to our new editor, Sam Burke.
Follow the link below and Happy reading!

http://issuu.com/gdoylenc/docs/doc3

Happy Open Evening, one and all!

As well as our wonderful on-site library, staff and students have access to an online library where they can read, download and enjoy digital books.  Overdrive is a unique resource free to all our students.  You simply download the OverDrive app onto your phone, tablet or device and then use you unique access code to gain entry to the library.  A wide range of genres are catered for where pupils can read for pleasure or look at more subject focused texts.

Ask your English teacher for further details about OverDrive.

Welcome back - School year 2015/2016

Welcome back to a new academic year.  I trust this post finds you all still full of enthusiasm and aspirations for the new year.  Unfortunately, dark times are upon the NewEnglish blog!  Our founder, moderator and sage Eoghan Evesson has temporarily absconded to pastures greener.  However, our loss is the department of Education’s gain.  We wish Eoghan the best of luck and have no doubt we will hear from him soon.  In the interim I will be manning the reigns. (So be prepared for many spelling mistakes and a noticeably limited vocabulary.) We hope that the blog will continue to showcase the literary talents and achievements of our students as well as providing resources and tips for teaching and learning. 

Here's to a happy, successful and rewarding year.

EUfolio Conference 2015

After leaving the Eufolio conference at Dublin Castle this week there was much to reflect on.

I really enjoyed the keynote from Prof. Val Klenowski  which talked about using technology to help pupils become more socially responsible in the 21st century. There was also, I found, an insightful discussion of the difference between 'Communication' and 'Connection' amongst pupils and people today. 

From speakers on the day and the presentations from pupils it was clear how much energy and creativity the EUfolio pilot made happen. This was not only in Ireland. I thought the video (below) showing organisers, teachers and pupils from all over Europe displayed the ambition and scope of this project. Innovative, engaging and new educational experiences were made possible because of this pilot. That in itself means this pilot was a success. Let's hope we can, as Minister O Sullivan suggested, continue the cascade effect of using ePortfolios in Ireland/Europe. 

I was delighted to speak at the event. The presentation I delivered (below) focused on how I used ePorfolios in the classroom with my Junior English class. In the middle of the presentation you'll find a poster we created for the day with interviews from pupils and my colleague Ger Doyle who also took part in the pilot project.

We have the experience of using ePortfolios in Ireland now. A base has been created of teacher and pupil experience that we will hopefully build upon. As Sean Gallagher, referencing Seamus Heaney, eloquently reminded us before we left: we've walked the road now, we have the tar on our feet. Evidence of this building process can already be found on the EUfolio site resource section.

Sincere thank you to Rita, John, Ben and especially Sinead for all the guidance throughout the pilot. My colleague Ger Doyle for the talks and help. Newbridge College and my principal Pat O Brien for always wanting to try what is best for our pupils. Our school ICT coordinator Gerry Gavin for helping in every way throughout. And finally all the pupils and parents that we worked with over the last two years, for being so willing to engage and come along on this great educational journey.