Transition Year Architecture Module is completed!

This morning, in my Architecture class, Transition Year Students finally finished their Irish Architecture Foundation’s Module. The module has been one of the most interesting (and blogged about!) modules of my Transition Year.

I was really happy, this morning to finish my design task, in which we all had to create a model for a new school campus for Crana College, which will form part of my Summer Portfolio Assessment for my Architecture Class.

Since December, each student was facilitated with a ‘Design Journal’ which would help us to create and design an idea for our Design Task, which would be created in March & April. I really enjoyed filling put the Design Journal, as it allowed me to become more aware of architecture all around me, as well as of the architecture that is found in everyday life.

Throughout this project I learned many new valuable skills, and experienced architecture first hand! I became more aware of aspects such as  height, elevation, planning, functionality, and design, all of which form important aspects of design. I also learned about various architects and their work dotted around the world, and allowed me to create my own designs!

The Architecture Module, has certainly been one of, if not the most enjoyable module’s of my Transition Year! A special thanks has top be given to Mr Boyle & Breedge Galbraith, who helped us throughout the module!

IAF’s Architecture Module begins to be finalised!

One of my favourite and most frequently blogged about modules of my Transition Year is the Irish Architecture Foundation’s (IAF) Transition Year Architecture Module, which is brought to schools around the country as part of the National Architecture in Schools Initiative, and as my Transition Year sits in its last term, the coursework and project work from this module has began to be finalised!

As mentioned previously, as part of our ‘Design Task’ in this module, my class, along with our teacher Mr Boyle, have been busy creating a new school campus for Crana College, which will sit on the grounds of the old Fruit Of The Loom Factory on the Shore Front in Buncrana.

Today, in my Architecture class I was very busy preparing and beginning to create my final 3D Model of the school, which will soon be displayed, and graded as part of my April Transition Year Portfolio of Assessment. The design that I am using, which can bee seen above, is a simple but practical one. It consists of a large arched structure, which functions as the main body of the building, along with two large square stepped-level structures which will house the majority of the school. Along with this there is a small circular building, attached at the side, which will function, as a common area.

I have enjoyed creating the school and it has been a really interesting task to take a chance to think about all of the requirements that a public building must have!

The designing process of this module has been extremely eye-opening, and it has really inspired me to take an interest in the buildings around me, and how they have been created. I have really enjoyed this module as it has been really interesting!

 

Month in Review – March

A Snapshot of March

To take note of all that I have done in March, I will review and reflect my top 5 highlights of March

1. Crana College Italy Trip

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One of my favourite and most adventurous experiences of my school year and Transition Year, has been the annual international school trip, which this year was in Italy and was based in Rome, Fiuggi & Sorrento. I really enjoyed the 5 days in Italy as it was something that I never experienced before, as I never went on a trip abroad with the school. It was such a busy 5 days, and so much was crammed into the 5 days, which lead to an unforgettable experience, with amazing memories! Italy was such a fun experience, and it is impossible to sum it up in a short review post!

Click here to read my full analysis of the trip!

2. Making my Leaving Certificate Subject Choices

Although not one of the most fun activities of my Transition Year, choosing my subjects that I will study for my Leaving Certificate was of major importance to me in Transition Year, as I didn’t have much of an idea of what I wanted to do, prior to doing TY. However, with the extra year of continuing many subjects from Junior Certificate, coupled with Work Experience, I got a more ‘well-rounded’ and clearer idea of what I will study next year. Although it is not totally decided as of now, I am quite optimistic that I will study the four following subjects:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Geography
• Spanish

Along with the ‘3 Core Subjects’ , which are:

• English
• Irish
• Maths

I am really happy with my Leaving Certificate Choices for 2018!

3.Seachtain na Gaeilge i gColáiste Cranncha

Mar pháirt Seachtain na Gaeilge 2016, socraigh mé ar blog a scíobh as Gaeilge, bunaithe ar na ocáidí a bhí ar súil i gColáiste Cranncha, ar feadh Seachtain na Gaeilge 2016. Ba mhaith liom mo chuid Gaeilge a úsaid, chun blog a scríobh , cé nach bhfuil mé liofa sa theanga!

Bhí ar na daltaí san Idirbhlain i gColáiste Cranncha, na ocáidí a heagrú don seachtain san scoil, agus bhí orm Tráth na gCeist a heagrú do na daltaí san 1ú agus an 2ú bliain. Bhí me ag obair le ceathrar daltaí i mo rang – Niamh, Ciara, Sonia agus Máiréad.

Thaitin an Tráth na gCeist go mór le na daltaí agus thaitin sé go mór linn freisn, mar bhí muid abálta ar gcuid Gaeilge a úsáid!

Thaitin ‘ag blogáil’ as Gaeilge go mór liom freisin!

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As part of Seachtain na Gaeilge (Irish Week) 2016, I decided to write a blog in Irish, based on the events that are going on in Crana College, as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge 2016. I liked using my Irish to write this blog, even though I’m not fluent in Irish.

The Transition Year Students in Crana College, had to arrange the events for Seachtain na Gaeilge, in the school, and I had to arrange a quiz for 1st and 2nd Year Students. I was working with four people in my class, to arrange this, they are – Ciara, Sonia, Niamh & Máiréad.

The quiz was enjoyed by all of the students and it was enjoyed by us too, because we were able to use our Irish!

Blogging in Irish was also fun, as it was something new!

4. Participation in Proclamation Day

It was a major honor to be asked to read out my very own proclamation as part of the the Proclamation Day celebrations in Crana College. I was chosen by History & English Teachers to read the proclamation which I wrote myself (which can be seen above). The proclamation varies somewhat from the original 1916 Proclamation, and deals with issues such as Equality, Tolerance, Education, Healthcare & Homelessness. I was really proud to deliver my proclamation in front of the school, especially I had never studied History prior to my Transition Year!

5.Designing Schools in Architecture! 

It would hardly be a Month in Review post on my blog without mentioning the Irish Architecture Foundation’s Architecture Module, at least once, and March will be no different! This month, we have continued to design types of schools, for our design tasks. 3D Models are popping up left, right and center, and I have been very busy, putting the principles which I have learnt over the past few months into play, and I am really happy with the designs which I am coming up for the designs of the school!

 

 

 

 

IAF Architecture Projects, begin to take shape.

Since Late December of my Transition Year, the Irish Architecture Foundation’s TY Architecture Module, has been one of the most enjoyable and creative aspects of my TY, and recently I have been very busy beginning to design a new school, as part of this module!

Recently, I have been busy creating and designing many aspects of design and architecture. Through this, I have been researching, sketching and printing out many different designs, patterns, and features of buildings which have interested me and have been using these resources to create a few a paper models of my architectural designs.

This morning, I completed the first of these paper models, and I was able to use this model which I have created to help and alter my next (and possibly final) design of my new school, by applying what I have learned from my first ‘draft’ and have began to create a better, and more functional design for my new school.

The first design (pictured above), in my opinion is quite ambitious, as it combines a lot of styles, shapes and physical levels of design. At the front there are two large pillars, which aim to be used as accessways, staircases, offices and storage, while they are connected to a long and curved front facade, which I think shall be used as a reception area. To the left there is a circular wing with a sloped roof, which rises to a high point. The curved area was designed to be used as a recreational area for students and staff, where a canteen, lockers and a staff room will be placed. To the right there is a rectangular wing, which will house the school gym. All of the aspects listed above are connected to the main body of the school, where all of the classrooms and other facilities will be housed. The back of the school raises up a level, and allows for more space, and rooms with higher ceilings, which then faces out, with full height glass windows, to Lough Swilly, and its views.

The creation of my first design has been an exciting one, and one that has opened my eyes to all aspects of architecture. I am extremely proud with what I have achieved so far in this module, and I can’t wait to get designing my next design for my new school!

Month in Review – February

To take note of all that I have done in January, I will review and reflect my top 5 highlights of February

1. First Aid Training

One of the most eye-opening aspects of February, and also my Transition Year, was the First Aid training, which was undergone in the school gym. Facilitated by Siren Training & Consulting, we underwent the course in one school day. On Friday  26th of February. All TY students gathered in the school gym, before being greeted by our tutor for the day, who would be teaching us the ‘Basic First Aid’ course single-handedly. It was honestly one of the most eye-opening experiences for me in my TY, as I have underwent training in areas such as CPR, Wounds, Bandaging and Heart Conditions.

2. Finishing Work Experience at Highland Radio

I was extremely saddened to have finished my work experience at Highland Radio. I was such a fun, yet insightful placement. Since the start of the New Year, I have been working as part of the Highland Radio staff, and to sum-up my eight weeks there in one word it would be -‘Unbelievable’. This placement was simply amazing, and was something that was right up my street. I enjoyed my time there thoroughly, and to say goodbye and walk out the front door was very hard for me! Words cannot describe how much I enjoyed this placement. The station is a credit to the North-West, and it is also is a credit to its staff. Each and every one of the staff members have also been more than accommodating, and each of them have tried their up-most best to educate me on every aspect of radio.A special thanks has to be given to the staff member who had to put-up with me the most – Linda. She was an unbelievable employer, and an even better guide. I hope to return to Highland Radio some day. It will not be the last time that I will set foot in a radio station.

3. Preparing for Seachtain na Gaeilge 2016

This year Transition Year Students in Crana College, were entrusted with arranging of and coordination of Seachtain na Gaeilge events in Crana College. Along with our Irish teacher, and Transition Year Coordinator – Ms Bradley, my class – TY1 have began to arrange the celebrations! Our class was split up into smaller groups to organise varying events to occur over the seventeen days. I have been arranged into a group along with four other students in my class – Ciara, Sonia, Niamh & Máiréad, to arrange a ‘Tráth na gCeist’ or a quiz. I am really looking forward to carrying out the quiz for all 1st Year and 2nd Year Students.

4. Exam Attendance at the Crana College Mock Examinations.

I was given the task of something very different, and something that I have never had any experience at before. This is ‘Exam Monitoring’ in which I am asked to attend to and facilitate the Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate Mock Examinations in Crana College. I was working with another TY Student to undergo these tasks, and it was extremely interesting to be allowed to help to facilitate a series of exams similar to those in June ran by the State Examinations Commission.

5. Continuing the Irish Architecture Foundation’s Architecture Module 

TY1 Students were working with local architect – Breedge Galbraith. Continuing with the Irish Architecture Foundation’s TY Architecture module, a local architect has been drafted in to inspire and support us in the designing section of the module, in which we aim to upcycle an old ‘Fruit of the Loom’ plant, to function as a possible new school campus fro Crana College. It was a really fun and exciting task, working to create and dream about a quite large, and possibly imminent building. I really liked this module, as it was based on creativity and students were allowed to go and source what they wanted to source in order to create a new school.

Working with Local Architect – Breedge Galbraith

Working with a Local Architect

On Tuesday morning, TY1 Students were working with local architect – Breedge Galbraith. Continuing with the Irish Architecture Foundation’s TY Architecture module, a local architect has been drafted in to inspire and support us in the designing section of the module, in which we aim to upcycle an old ‘Fruit of thr Loom’ plant, to function as a possible new school campus fro Crana College

The new Crana College Design Task, is only hypothetical, however we will still be designing a new school, to  go through the process of creating an architectural feature. I am really interested in this task, however I am evern more interested to plan, design and promote this new school design. I also can’t wait to survey students, the community and staff to see what they would like from the new school, and then try to create a design as best as possible!

Overall, I am feeling very inspired by the task!

Month in Review – January

To take note of all that I have done in January, I will review and reflect my top 5 highlights of January.

1. Starting Work in Highland Radio

This month, I started my second placement in Highland. At the very start of the month, I arrived for my first placement. Over the past few weeks I have been extremely lucky to get the chance to work in such a large broadcasting outlet, which reaches out to over 178,000 people daily. During my time in Highland Radio, I have been working in all aspects of Radio Production & Administration. Through this I have worked in almost all of the Departments in the Largest Local Radio Station in Ireland. I have worked and observed: Advertisement Production, Radio Production, News Correlation & Research, Sports News Research, Music Library Administration, Front Desk & Public Relations (Administration), Radio ‘Traffic’ Filing, Sales, Promotions & Selling and Marketing. I have also been able to be of a general assistance around the station, helping with tasks such as photocopying, researching topics for radio shows, fling, arranging the music library and general assistance. I am really enjoying the placement so far, and I am very sad to say that I have only got two more weeks of the placement left.

2. Taster Day in The LYIT

Transition Year Students were invited to the LYIT (Letterkenny Institute of Technology, to get a sample of some of the courses that are on offer in the IT. The day was organised through our Career Guidance module, as we are all at this stage considering what courses we will study in the near future. The LYIT, is also one of the largest providers of third-level education in the North-West of Ireland. The IT, has just under 4,000 students, many of whom hail from the local area. I had found this day extremely insightful and helpful in helping me choose potential college courses and I really appreciated getting the chance to experience what college life is really like.

3. Beginning the work for ‘Gaisce’ – The President’s Award

 

Although I have been working for Gaisce on an ongoing basis, it was in January before I had began to acknowledge and record the work that I had been doing since the start of the academic year, and read into what the award requires. I am quite far on into the process, and have to keep up my some of my activities for a few more weeks, before I will be eligible to obtain my Bronze Award. I am really enjoying my experience with Gaisce so far, and hope to work together with my PAL (President’s Award Leader), to undergo the award, and complete it before the end of my TY!

4. The Irish Architecture Foundation’s Architecture Module 

Since the completion of our Cube Project in our Design & Woodwork class, TY Students have been working on their ‘Architecture’ Module. This module is provided by the Irish Architecture Foundation, and is taught to us by our Woodwork teacher – Mr Boyle. I really like this module as it allows students to be as creative as they like, and it also, in my own opinion, changes the way in which I think about buildings and structures. The module has allowed me to see Architecture as something more than just lines and angles, and it has inspired me. Overall the Architecture Module is proving very successful, and in my opinion is one of my favourite modules of my Transition Year so far!

5. The ‘Business & Tourism’ Project

The ‘Business & Tourism’ Project in is an Enterprise Project, in which Business and tourism have been combined. This project is being ran, called Charlie McCarron, who coincidentally supervised us on our Hill Walking Trip, which happened in December , last year. Through this project we must create a proposal for a business that tourists would avail of when visiting Inishowen. I really like this project, as I have never experienced anything with tourism yet in my Transition Year, and it has allowed me to think about many varying ideas which may attract tourists in Inishowen. It is also highly commendable that within the space of less than a month three guest speakers – Paul McCusker, Patricia Stratford & Emmett Johnston, were good enough to give up their time to help with this project.

Continuing Our Architecture Module

Since the completion of our Cube Project in our Design & Woodwork class, TY Students have been working on their ‘Architecture’ Module. This module is provided by the Irish Architecture Foundation, and is taught to us by our Woodwork teacher – Mr Boyle.

Each student is provided with a ‘Design Journal’, commonly referred to as ‘The Little Blue Book’, and in it, it contains many different tasks and small projects for students to undergo during the period in which they are completing the Architecture Module.

So far, we have completed 5 of the 10 main tasks that are outlined in the book, and that lead up to a much larger design project, nearing the end of the year. The module has really interested me so far, as I didn’t realise how interesting, yet diverse topic Architecture was. I have been looking at many different design features that are used whenever designing any large building or feature, and I was especially interested in how different materials can create a totally different appearance and portrayal of a building.

In one section of the Design Journal, I was looking at the many different materials used in Crana College, and had only realsied then and there, how many different items are used to create a building, and how these items and materials that are used, must be placed in a strategic order, in order to make sure that there is no ‘clashing’ going on.

Through this, I decided to study Pebble dash, and how it impacted on the appearance of my school – Crana College. I realised that the material is very rugged, and is quite sharp or ‘pointed’. I also noted that the material’s appearance can be changed by painting or decorating it. The product is also quite durable, and in the case of Crana College, creates a really bright and ‘airy’ feel. Who new pebble dash could be that interesting and  important in a building!

This morning in Woodwork class, we were very busy moving on to the next section of the module, in which I must ‘Map My School’. I was given a copy of the school’s fire escape plan and graphed paper, and was told to draw a birds-eye-view sketch of the school building and its prefabs. This section  is still being created, but is really interesting me!

Overall the Architecture Module is proving very successful, and in my opinion is one of my favourite modules of my Transition Year so far!

 

Irish Architecture Foundation – Architecture Module

My 'Space Study' for Architecture

On Tuesday past, Transition Year students were introduced to a new module that we will study in our ‘Design & Woodwork’ class. This new concept is a new module that we will study called ‘Architecture’, which is brought to us by the Irish Architects Foundation, and is taught by our teacher – Mr Boyle.

Since a young age I have been very interested in designing and drawing. I used to spend a lot of time drawing town plans and house design sketches, and I had also wanted to do Technical Graphics for my Junior Certificate, however the subject did not go ahead due to a lack of numbers in interest in this subject. Therefore, this module is of major interest to me!

Each student is given a ‘Design Journal’, which is a little blue book. In the book is many different sections leading up to a design process. One of the two sections that I have already completed is a ‘Space Study’, in which I chose an area that either appealed or didn’t appeal to me.

The area that I had chosen was my local library, in Buncrana, as it is somewhere that has really interested me from an architechtural point of view. I love that an old church as been incorpotated into a public building, and that a totally modern part has been added to the side of the building.

So far I have really enjoyed my expereinces with this architecture module, and I hope that the rest of the module will be as enjoyable