Royal and Prior Comprehensive School

Newsletter

October 2011

Open Night Success

On Thursday 13th Oct, there was a packed house at the Royal and Prior Open Night.

The evening got off to a great start with a welcome from the Headmaster, Dr Howard Welch. He lauded the teachers in the school, saying they are definitely its "biggest asset." He also praised the "homely, well equipped" boarding house facilities.

This was followed by speeches from the Head Boy (Sam Pearson) and Head Girl (Rebecca Brennan).

The Head Boy stated, "Your school days are the best days of your life. During my time here, this saying has grown truer by the day." He described the school as a place in which, "You are given opportunities to excel in sport, drama, and music."

The Head Girl said, "You can find help here, you can find knowledge, but most importantly, you can find yourself."

There were many demonstrations and exhibitions on the evening, from a science magic show in which chemistry teacher Mrs Porter wowed her audience with intriguing chemical reactions to Powerpoint presentations showing the power of volcanoes.

Transition Year students had their own extremely impressive room where the six mini-companies sold their various wares.

The feedback from parents and prospective students was very positive and overall the evening was a great success.

Hoping for More Drama Glory

Leaving Certificate students from the Royal and Prior have, in previous years, taken part in the Butt Drama Festival with their production of Shakespeare's 'King Lear.' A huge amount of organisation and dedication was put into the competition by the students and their teacher Ms Linda Gordon. The class won most of the awards including Most Dramatic Scene, Best Actor, Best Director and Best Overall Production.

This year, Ms Gordon's class is performing Shakespeare's revenge tragedy 'Hamlet' in the Balor Theatre, Ballybofey, on November 9th. This year's cast includes James Dowling as Prince Hamlet of Denmark, Rebecca Brennan as Ophelia, Gordon Mc Cauley as King Claudius and Lucy Costello as Queen Gertrude. Best of luck to all involved!

New Windows

The school is currently undergoing renovation, as new double glazed windows are being installed. The existing windows are the originals and have been in the school since the early 1970s. Everyone is looking forward to a warmer winter in the classrooms!

Other Improvements

Over the summer the computer suite has been updated. The room now has new Dell computers. Every classroom throughout the school has also been fitted with computers and new overhead projectors which allow for more contemporary teaching and learning methodologies. The school has also installed a more modern and faster broadband, which is linked to all computers.

The school library has also been updated. It has been painted with bright colours. More book shelves have been added to allow for extra storage. Additionally, there is now room for students to study individually with a computer. New single booths have also been installed, which allow students to study without distraction.

Sponsored Walk

The annual sponsored walk was a great success this year. It took place on Monday 19th September. The route was changed slightly and was found to be much better.

This year’s fund raising will go to the Jack & Jill Foundation, which supports children with neurological difficulties and their families.

Gartan Residentials

On Monday, October 3rd, the Transition Year students from the Royal and Prior set off for a four day residential adventure at Gartan Outdoor Activity Centre.

From the moment they arrived, they embarked upon a range of different activities and expeditions. They were taught how to work well as a team, as well as mastering difficult tasks such as kayaking in gale force winds! There was rain, sunshine, hailstones and plenty more. One thing is for sure, Gartan is not for the faint hearted...

From late nights to early mornings, they trekked through the Donegal hills, paddled in lakes and surfed the Marble Hill waves. What’s also for sure is that many close friendships were formed along the way.

From 18th to 20th October, first years also had an enjoyable few days at Gartan. Feedback from students included the words— class, brilliant, cold

Rivers of the World Project

Rivers of the World is a Thames Festival project delivered in partnership with the British Council's ‘Connecting Classrooms’ and with support from HSBC Global Education Trust and City of London   Corporation.

Through 'Rivers of the World' pupils are encouraged to study their own river in the first year of partnership and their partner city's river in their second year of the project. Some of the rivers include — the Thames, the Anacostia, the Seine, the Danube, the Nile and our nearest river—the River Foyle.

The Royal and Prior’s partnership city is London.

Creative Times in Mini-Company

With six mini-companies in Transition Year this year, there are competitive times ahead as they all sell their company products.

From bowls made from re-moulded records, jewellery made from old newspapers and magazines, pretty petal material hairclips, t-shirts and delicious chocolates, to cup cake stands using vintage plates, students have shown some real creative flair!

There is always a lot to learn in mini-company and it’s a great opportunity for students to show and develop their entrepreneurial skills.

Gaisce Gold Hopefuls

Three of our students—Kieran Fox, Lewis Alcorn and Karen de Souza are attempting to attain their Gold Gaisce Award. Gaisce — the President’s Award—is Ireland’s National Challenge Award, the country’s most prestigious and respected individual award             programme. It is a challenge from the President of Ireland to young people between 15 and 25 years of age.

Here, in an interview with Matthew Smyth 4TA, the senior students share some of their thoughts:

Why did you choose to do the Gaisce Award?

KIERAN: Because it was challenging and looked good on my C.V.

What did you find most challenging?

LEWIS: It was difficult to organise the activities. That plus, while doing my 200km cycle for silver, I dislocated my knee. But I continued!

What advice would you give to someone trying to get a gold/silver award?

KAREN: I would tell them they need to be dedicated to finish it. Also if you do finish it is something to be very proud of.

 Have a look at photographys from the term in the gallary section of our website