The cancellation of English Paper 2 has still left me immensely angry.
It’s an example of total incompetence on behalf of the SEC, and it raises an awful lot of questions, namely, why the hell were those papers actually IN the exam hall in Louth yesterday?
Why does Louth even exist?
Also, an exam on a Saturday? That’s innately flawed. What about those of us relying on public transport to get to our exam centres? The bus I’d usually take which drops me off relatively close to my school doesn’t run on a Saturday. I’ll still be able to get a bus, but it’ll drop me off 20 minutes away from the school. Not exactly a well thought out plan, SEC.
Finally, what about Jewish students? When I first heard about this, it was in a joking way, thanks to an anti-Louth group on Facebook, but I’ve since heard about it on RTE and the likes- and it’s actually quite an issue.
Personally, I’m not Jewish and I’d imagine only a very small percentage of Leaving Cert students are, but, nonetheless, they shouldn’t be forgotten. Saturday is their Sabbath day, so sitting the exam will actually be against their religion. Errr, seems a little bit unfair, no?
I woke up this morning to 9 missed phone calls and 17 texts- which is actually unbelievable, seeing as this was by 10am… and I didn’t get to bed last night (With all that extra cramming) until at least 4am. It seems as though all my friends and classmates were getting in touch with messages ranging from “This is hilarious, isn’t it?” to “I’m so annoyed” to “It’s nothing to worry about” and beyond.
We all know now (or at least we should) that the English Paper was set by different examiners- so the same poets and so on COULD, in theory, still come up. I have my doubts to be honest- it’s obviously going to be somewhat different to my ideal paper, but with the aid of lots of caffeine, chocolate and consolation from my dear friends, I’m dealing with it.
Tomorrow is, for me, an extremely important day and even though I feel this English situation has negatively impacted on my own studying plans, I can only move on.
Maths Paper 1
I plan on doing great. I don’t know if I will or not, but I’m really hoping for the best.
Higher Level maths is, without a shadow of a doubt, an extremely difficult subject which involves an awful lot of work, but I love a challenge, so I absolutely adore the subject.
Last year, I did amazingly well on this paper- probably one of the very best in the country- but I made an absolute mess of Paper 2. And when I say an absolute mess, I mean, leaving the exam in floods of tears after doing the worst Maths paper of my life.
This year, I’d be quite content to get an overall high B, but an A2 would be absolutely great.
I’ve had an extra year to work on the subject, and I’ve had a brilliant teacher. I almost feel as though I owe it to him to do well.
My Pre-Exam went pretty well, and I came out with one of the best results in my class (And was given a Maths award in my school as a result).
I plan on spending the next few hours running over some Maths, but I really can’t forget about…
Geography.
Last year, I got an A1 in Geography with minimal work. It’s a subject that very much so agrees with me, so I’m hoping to do the same this year.
Rumour has it that Isostatic/ Eustatic processes are going to come up, as well as Plate Tectonics Theory for the Physical Section.
For Geoecolgy, I’m banking on either something to do with Brown Earths, soil characteristics, or maybe something nice about a Biome.
Of course, I’m not taking this as gospel, the paper wasn’t already given out in Louth or anything. Not in this case.
Here’s hoping tomorrow goes well- it’s certainly one of my most difficult days by far.
As soon as my two exams are over, I was planning on taking a bit of time out to relax, perhaps even going to the pub for an hour or two to meet with friends. However, that’s no longer going to be an option as Adrienne Rich is calling. For anyone who’s interested- the essays for English found in this thread on boards.ie are quite good, and if you’ve any essays you’d like people to read over, you can add them – CLICKY.
I’ll be hitting the library until closing time, and then coming home to study some more. I have plenty of Red Bull stocked up.
On a side note, Adrienne Rich- Her name is pronounced AHHHH- Dree-Enn. Not AYYYY-Dree-Enn.
That, my friends, is a fact. It even says so in “Poetry Now”- so get it right. Too many debates have been had, and I know I’m right.
the thought of geography is making me wanna vomit!! but if u get ur geoecology Q down! and your short questions down! if u have gotten the majority of ur marks in the field study u can get a c!!! so im planning on that and then just bullshitting my way through core unit 2 and the most boring thing on the planet the stupid elective!!
I hate the Elective. I’m doing the economic one- ewwww. It’s pretty much the only place where I miss out on marks.
You are most definitely right about Rich. Pretty cool name, eh, Adrienne?
I wouldn’t worry about maths, sounds like you have it in the bag 😀
The SEC lady said the papers were prepared by the same team o.O
Alright lads two more days, not bad! All I’m thinkin is: “poor superintendent!”. I mean, in fairness if their name gets released (providing it hasn’t already) then let’s be honest… They’re actually going to be lynched. A hundred times over. Personally, I got no beef with this guy, fair play I say:D! But to everyone who this affects negatively, hard luck and good luck tomorrow!
Louth (- Drogheda) > you. Oh yeah. I went there.
I’m doing the Population elective. I quite like it, really.
I dread Geoecology though. Haaaate it.
I always thought it was pronounced Reeche. I don’t know why. I’ve never really had to say it out loud though, because we never covered her, so yeah.
Lots of people saying Secondary/Tertiary in Europe, too.
Also heard a couple of mentions for culture in SW USA/India/Sub-continental.
I’m vaguely concerned about the fact I have no idea what Isostatic/ Eustatic processes are though…
Nulle point yanker.
Me > Polystyrene fingers being scraped across a 10 acre blackboard > Louth.
Actually.
Isostatic Movement: The land level rises relative to the sea.
Eustatic movement: The sea level drops relative to the land.
Both lead to the land emerging from the sea and lead to landforms of adjustment.
RE: Rivers, rejuvination occurs, and you get the likes of knickpoints, incised meanders, gorges, etc.
The Three Sister Rivers in the SE of Ireland are excellent for examples- they’ve got everything.
Best of luck!
I’m actually looking forward to the HL maths paper… Is that a bad sign?!
Wish I hadn’t wasted so much time being angry last night. I did next to no study 🙁
hey just wondering….its probably too late to ask this but if you look at the 2007 geo paper you could have used a Sahel essay three times…..is that frowned upon? 😀
interesting…
study = no fail
no study = fail
study + no study = fail + no fail
study(1 + no) = fail(1 + no)
thus, study = fail.
QED
Looking forward to Maths? Nah, that’s totally normal. If you’re a swot.
Which, to be fair, I am. And clearly, so are you.
Wooohoooo!
I wouldn’t want to be cool. Way too much effort.
I’m not arsed looking at the 2007 paper right about now, but, am, sure why not?
If it fits, it fits. I know my Sahel essay quie well actually…
And FizzeeRascal? I love you.
I think I might write that out on the first page of my maths booklet tomorrow. If nothing else, it’ll put a smile on the examiner’s face!
FizzeeRascal. Genius.
You can’t argue with anything that says “QED” after it like.
Could not agree more ! Onwards nd Upwards everyone !
It does mean it’s true. I wonder if I gave myself an A on the paper and wrote QED, would it stand? I think it’s worth a try.
im looking forward to maths as well…. shhh, dont tell anyone!!
paper 1 is such a nice paper though! i love algebra!
I love Algebra as well.
I absolutely adore Complex Numbers.
Integration and I have had our ups and downs- but we’re now great friends. Differentiation can be a bit of a bitch, but we’ve learned to deal with each other.
However, as far as Sequences ad Series go… well… let’s just say we’re not friends. At all.
At this stage I’m fairly certain maths is a big fail. But sure it’l be great craic!
The fail/no fail proof would be on the syllabus if i had my way.
maths will beautiful. it just will. quuuue eeeeee deeeee.
No no, maths won’t be a big fail.
POSITIVE MENTALITYYYYYY.
We’re all going to do great.
QED.
Haha i’ll be delighted if I get a D in this paper, but to be honest I think paper two will be easier, we revised it way more in school.
Thank you! Shall go look over them, and see could I waffle on it.
Good luck! Tomorrow won’t be fun at all… 🙂
i like all the questions on it, which is good, ill hopefully have a good choice tomorrow! i have bets on with a guy in my class on who’ll do better in maths and applied maths…. we’re very touchy about maths and applied maths… lol!
I’ve a bet going if i get an A2 in maths i’ll get a tattoo of pi.
if i get an A1 in maths i have to name my first born Pythagoras.
Sure get the tattoo anyway! Who wouldn’t want one of those?
who wouldnt want a child called Pythagoras more like?!
We made a Pi-Pie for international Pi day last year. Best day of the year, no doubt about it.
Haha! there’s a pi day? Did you cut it into shape? I think you’re right fizz, it’s a bitchin’ name if ever there was one.
14th of march right?
Of course.
March 14th- ie, 03/14 (because Americans write the date backwards like that..)
Also, there’s Pi Approximation Day- 22/7 – July 22nd.
It was more of a Pie with a big Pi stencilled on top. We brought it into school and only let Honours maths students have some, ahaa.
I wish I was called Pythagoras. YUM.
Haha at least I can enjoy pi approximation day, until next year.. I wish was called George Humphrey, what a rebel.
Of course I’m a swot! I genuinely look forward to studying for maths… Probably because there’s no rote learning to be done. I love algebra, complex numbers and integration, but the part cs in differentiation are generally pretty woeful. I don’t really like paper 2, apart from Trig… It’s my bitch:):). The option’s pretty ok too.
… I need to get out more….
What do you mean “we” made a pie?
That should read : My uber friend Helena baked us an uber pi-pie with which we impressed teachers and freaked out co-students alike.
Why do I bother?
P.S. I read earlier that apples wake you up better in the morning than caffeine.
P.P.S. You spelt “agrees” wrong. And you call yourself a human being!
P.P.P.S I’m going to name my car Johann Dase.
Oh give it up about English, no point in complaining about it still.
I’m shitting it about Maths, honours maths is so damn hard, Geog aint but damn, there’s so much learning too do…
Apples wake you up more than caffeine but then they make your hungier(more hungry? no time for english, maths has taken over)
Good job Helena, good job.
I called my stapler Dmitri Mendeleev. And my old phone was Francis Crick.
And my log tables are called Richard. He has nice hair.
Apples? Pah, don’t be silly. Lots of caffeine, lots of carbs, lots of vitamin B12. Yum!
Tuna is good for your brain people. Eat at least 2 tins a day. A good energy drink is Rockstar, they can be found at centra shops nationwide and its a big 500ml can, should sort out your caffeine cravings. Also, a good song to listen to while revising is “jammin” by Bob Marley. Just pretend that he is saying crammin instead of jammin.
We’re crammin, We’re crammin and i hope you like crammin too. We’re crammin we’re crammin we’re crammin……………………..
Tuna? Nah, I’m a vegetarian. Nuts and seeds is where it’s at.
Rockstar- I’ve never tried it. Red Bull wins.
Aha, nice song choice though!
Rockstar juice is awesome, but Red Thunder is the way to go. 6 cans for 2 euro. You could kill yourself from caffeine poisoning for less than a tenner.
that eng paper 2 cancellation completely messed things up for me, i wanted english completely out of the way so i had the whole weekend to catch up on paper 2 study for maths….12 days till i finish completely:)
Wait! just listened to this podcast about food for studying. Ok, dont use ANYTHING with caffeine in it. Its bad shit, it keeps your body awake but puts your brain asleep, ok. Essential fatty acids are good for your brain. So oily fish such as salmon and tuna are good and if your a veggie like Jennie – then eat flak seeds or any seeds really, rice is good, and chocolate covered brazil nuts will rock your world. To help with the ould stress levels you need B vitamins, these are found in Porridge, wheatabix/oatabix, rice again, and brown bread is good for both stress and brain. Im being deadly serious about this ok. If you want the podcast here it is http://www.rte.ie/podcasts/2008/pc/pod-v-200508-12m30s-gettingitright.mp3
Oh God, everyones gone to bed already. That fucking blows
Nooope stocking up on rice crackers, they’ve rice in them?
oh great i read that comment from pjRIPwheel after downing 5 cups of coffee….yay
Fizzeerascal, yes RICE crackers do have rice in them. And if you chose that screenname because you like dizzeerascal then you have a shit taste in music, no offense
Generally people parody things that they in some way find ridiculous.
I hope your right , i really do. But most people our age have been taken in by this whole rap, dance and r’n’b shite, and they genuinely believe they are listening to good music. :-(. Anyway, maths was piss easy!
Hey Emerald, start a new post, this one is almost a whole day old!!!
For me, maths was a cunt. Fuck it.
Maths paper one today hmmmmmmmm!!!
well i taught it was quiet strange it suited all abilties some easy and some hard
I did enough to pass it neway sooo wuuu!!!
lol
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Its not cause I love Dizzee Rascal, but i don’t him actually. And i’m no offended, cause i know the rest of my music is unreal and eccletic.
What the hell was that Anne and Barry shit on Honours?
Typing while eating is tough. * Don’t mind, and not offended rather.
Anne was wrong. I’m convinced of it. And if it is wrong, huzzah full marks for attempts!
Ok Fizzee man. Pass maths was so easy, im actually thinking of changing my first choice on cao because im going to so get more points then i thought i would. oh, and berocca boost rocks the fucking casbah, especially if you mix it with lucozade instead of mere water. Tastes way nicer!
yeah, anne and barry are cunts, every other question was brilliant! i got out most of them, including 4c)iii) which i was IMMENSLY proud of! i looked over the one from 2000 just like it before i went in!
The examiner we have is pretty sound. He confirmed my belief that the english paper wouldnt change much tomorrow. He even insisted that we dont learn anything new and said that 90 to 80 percent of the paper would be the same. Then he joked and said “Ok, lets get going on this Maths paper 2 so lads” LOL
That fail/no fail proof is epic.
Haha, our supervisor said that too, only accidentally.
There was a round of nervous laughter.
Failed, epically failed.
Anne & Barry… why are you here? Why are there so many words in your question? I don’t like loads of words in my maths, at all.
haha
i had to read the front of my paper like 3 times before i opened it
just to be sure 😛
but in anyways
english tomorrow
and im actually excited
after tomorrow all the extra stress will be over
ill still be angery about the whole thing but ill get over it 😛
and maths was grand
come on the paper 2 🙂
+1 on the fail proof appreciation!
Why is it that nobody seems to care that Muslim students are expected to sit exams on Fridays,effectively their Sabbath day?
But effectively their Sabbath day and realisitically their Sabbath day are very different things. They went to school on Fridays for the last few years, like.
If it was that big an issue for them, the SEC would rearrange things.
Same way it’s not all Jewish students, only particularly orthodox ones, who are being quarantined.
With all due respect to the Jewish community, I think that comment is fairly ridiculous for one reason in particular- if any of these Jewish kids are aspiring to go to university (which I’m sure most of them are) then they will be obliged to sit their Christmas and summer examinations on a Saturday if thats when they are timetabled for. This year was my first year in college and I had to sit two Saturday exams… they wont have the option of an all-day quarantine once they get out into the big bad world I’m afraid!!!
Screw the jews. if they came to ireland they should be treated the same way as any of us. if we went back to their homeland, would they accomodate us if say, we had to do an exam on saturday over there? i wouldnt think so because they would have to get at least one of them to work.
i dont agree with the saturday thing at all. But they rubbed salt into our wounds by letting a small group of people not have to do the exam that day.
Grade A bullshit.
What difference does it make to any of us if some jews did it the next day?
“letting a small group of people not have to do the exam that day.”
You make their enforced quarantine sound positively delightful.
the difference is that we were not all treated equally and they should have had the choice to either
A) screw their bullshit religion and do the damn exam like all of us
or
B) forfeit the exam and sit at home.
they chose the quarantine. it was far from enforced.
Hear Hear! All religions suck anyway! Except PJism, kinda like Atheism but we are way cooler….
And I worship the Flying Pasta Monster. No one will get that except me but, MEH…
The poor jews…
Why is it always them?
lol the flying spagetti monster.. classic
YES! *air punch* Someone got it!!!
They chose quarantine over missing the exam. I doubt they would have chosen it given the choice between that, and staying at home. A night in a Rabbi’s house, he night before an exam wouldn’t really fill me with excitement. If anything, it’d throw you more, I’d imagine.
Just because you don’t feel strongly about your religion, doesn’t mean others don’t follow something, ehm, religiously. In all fairness, did it really effect your life in any significant way? We were treated as equally as was possible, really, and I fail to see how they had an advantage.
*high five*
i tried to tell our religion teacher about that during the year and she almost gave me detention saying i shouldn’t make things up.. I had to show her the website to prove it!