Boyne News

26/07/2024

Drogheda United FC has submitted a detailed grant application for the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) to develop a new stadium northeast of Drogheda town centre, adjacent to the new Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR). Louth County Council, who sponsored the Club’s grant application have earmarked this land for the new stadium and is collaborating with the club on a development timeline and plan.

The 179-page LSSIF application includes work from EY, Glancy Nicholls Architects, Thorne Sarsfield, and Trivela Group.

The proposed site will feature an UEFA-standard stadium with an initial capacity of 4,500 seats, expandable through future development of the North and South stands. The development also includes two full-size practice pitches, associated car parking, landscaping, maintenance space, fan zones, and access roads from the proposed roundabout formed as part of the PANCR.

The West Stand will provide the main supporter experience, operational space for the club, and a shared gym facility with Tredagh Boxing Academy. It will include changing facilities for the team, showers and washrooms for both the club and supporters, a gym and sports science room, officials’ changing and office rooms, retail space, general office space for the club, catering and kitchen areas, seating for 2,350, and a first-floor bar/restaurant, hospitality boxes, and amenity space.

The East Stand will accommodate 2,150 supporters and include storage facilities for grounds and maintenance equipment. The North and South areas will be utilised in phase one as fan zones with food trucks, spaces for kids and families and additional community-related activities.

Although phase one of the development strictly pertains to the LSSIF grant, Trivela Group will explore opportunities to expand development on the site. With the region’s growth, and the Northern Environs of Drogheda set to increase in population within the next 5 years it is paramount that the community has proper amenities right at their doorstep.

Drogheda United’s application to the LSSIF received significant support from major stakeholders including Louth County Council who sponsored the application, the FAI and the Drogheda Implementation Board.

Having engaged extensively with all of the above in the preparation of the application and designing of the stadium plans, it was broadly recognised that developing a Stadium and sporting hub, which this project aims to achieve, broadly aligns with longer term plans for Municipal pitches and other objectives under Louth’s County Development Plan 2021-2027.

Furthermore the development of a stadium for Drogheda United is specifically named in the Drogheda Implementation Plan in response to Action 7.2 Explore Opportunities for Development of a Centre of Sporting Excellence in Drogheda. The Implementation Board strongly supported the application and submitted written correspondence to Government urging them to positively consider the application in the context of the public promises by Government to agree a special focus on Drogheda that would see them delivering on actions within the plan that fall within their remit and prioritise applications for funding for projects in Drogheda aligned to the Drogheda Report Implementation Plan.

This development will be integral to an area which is on the cusp of significant growth whilst also providing a major new amenity to the wider town of Drogheda and its hinterland. Drogheda United FC urges the Government to support our plans and we also urge the people of Drogheda to embrace this new venture. Our town and city has long suffered from significant underinvestment and this is an opportunity for us all to build a positive future for our football club and the community it serves. Full statement, with images, also available here: https://sites.google.com/view/droghedaunitedstadium/lssif

25/07/2024

€1.5 Billion Collected in Toll Charges since 2020 - Tóibín

Last year nearly €390 million euro was collected at toll bridges around the country, fresh data released to the Aontú leader under the Freedom of Information Act reveals.

Total (PPP Tolls + M50 + Dublin Tunnel)

2020 = €242.5 million
2021 = €276.8 million
2022 = €346.3 million
2023 = €388.9 million
2024 = €171.4 million (Jan to May)

Speaking today, Aontú leader and Meath West TD, Peadar Tóibín, said:

"When you examine these figures you can only conclude that Meath commuters are the most tolled commuters in the county. My constituents are paying money in Kilcock, in Kells, and on the M50 and port tunnel, on a daily basis on their commute to work in Dublin. Each year the amount brought in by tolls is increasing, and the toll charges appear to be increasing annually too. There is no excuse for these increases. Across the country tolls brought in €46 million more last year than the previous year. On the back of that increase in revenue there can be no logical argument for a further increase in charges".

Deputy Tóibín continued: "Ireland is becoming a commuter hell due to a lack of regional investment - large numbers of people in Meath, Louth, Kildare and Wicklow and even further afield are forced to drive to Dublin for work each day. They're spending hours in traffic, paying an enormous price for petrol, tolls, parking and the added costs of childcare due to the length of their commute. This is not tenable. Since the very first day I was elected to the Dáil I have pushed for the opening of a Navan - Dublin rail line. It really is the primary solution to all this, and the government cannot continue to stone-wall the issue".

"I think part of the reason that the government are so resistant to the idea of a rail line for Navan, is because they know it will take traffic off the roads, and that they won't be able to fleece the public at the toll bridges in Meath to the same extent that they currently are. The government must commit, before the budget, to halt any further toll increases on publicly owned roads, and to really scrutinise the accounts of the private operators with whom they are in partnership. One would imagine, given the rise in use of the e-tag, that overhead costs in terms of staff have decreased for the companies during the period", concluded Tóibín.

24/07/2024

Joe’s Jotter: ACE Maths Tuition Classes Almost Full...

Dear Parents,

I know it's only late July, but just to inform you that my Maths tuition classes for September are now almost full. If you are Interested in a place in Ratoath or Online for your 5th or 6th Year Higher Maths student, please register that interest within the next week. Full details will then be emailed out to you. Details of a 3rd Year Higher Maths class in Ratoath will be announced later.

Feel free to email or ring me with any queries you may have. I would be delighted to chat to you about my classes and your child as you wish. The Timetable for Term 1, My Leaving Cert results (2023) and my Parent and Student recommendations are all on my website (below).

Register your interest for my classes via this link today:

ACE Maths Tuition 2024 brought to you by ACE Solution Books 2024 and Joe McCormack - please click here to read more information

10/06/2024

Gardaí are currently at the scene of a fatal single-vehicle road traffic collision involving a car that occurred at approximately 1am on Monday 10th June 2024 on Main Street, Ratoath, Co. Meath.

The driver and sole occupant of the car involved, a woman in her 60s, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Her body has since been removed to the mortuary at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, where a post-mortem examination will be arranged.

Main Street is currently closed with local diversions in place and a technical examination of the scene by Forensic Collision Investigators will be conducted this morning (Monday 10th June 2024).

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the Main Street area of Ratoath between 12:45am and 1am on Monday 10th June 2024 are asked to contact Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on 01 8010600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station

06/06/2024

Were in the world 🌍

03/06/2024

Your favourite ice cream is ....🍦🍨

03/06/2024

We reached another milestone in the last few days as we have now over 3,000 followers on our page.

Thank you to all our friends and followers. We will have some big news coming soon, so stay tuned!

03/06/2024

Aontú candidate for Laytown bettystown calls for more stringent vetting of candidates by parties

The Aontú candidate for the laytown bettystown constituency Peter whelan stated :

When ,the news broke recently about the Fine Gael candidate in the Louth constituency, mixed up in a payment scandal by a developer to her , I had mixed feelings. At first I was shocked but then when I thought a bit more about this , I said to myself , sure if the politicians at the highest levels in these parties are getting companies to pay for poster er****on etc There seems to be an unwritten acceptance that it is ok to take monies from business people .

Whelan goes on to say :
While I do not condone this behaviour in any way whatsoever, I am not really surprised it is going on in the established parties . All you have to do is look back to recent events like TDs getting planning without conforming to the rules . Also look at a minister in the same party that had his posters erected and paid for by a bord member of a state body . This bord member was appointed by the same minister . I could go on giving examples of TDs and councillors in these parties who were caught up in scandals .

When asked , what can be done to stop this behaviour, whelan answered :
“ Firstly , a party builds an organisation from the ground up by encouraging good community activists to join their party . People who have a track record of community activism . Then when election time comes, the higher archly interviews potential candidates and only selects candidates that come up to the highest standards . The established parties have gone down a route of picking celebrities and sports people who are well known by people . This is fine in some cases if the person has political experience.

Finally Peter whelan points out a more practical concern :
I want to know what happens to the votes that people will make for this candidate, if they unwittingly vote for a candidate that has her name on the ballot paper , and at the same time telling some people she is not now running ? It makes a complete farce of the election process in my opinion. This mess needs to be dealt with in a serious manner.

02/06/2024

Joe’s Jotter: The ACE Exam Day Reference Guide 2024

As we reach the start this year’s exams and work our way through each subject, here is a little checklist that you can have a glance at before setting off each morning. It is important to get your brain into ‘exam mode’ in order to exact the maximum out of each paper. The below pointers will help you get organised and put you in the right head space:

♣ Do your best – that is all that is expected of you.
♣ Get to the exam hall at least fifteen minutes before each exam.
♣ Be fully aware of the start and finish time of each exam.
♣ Read the instructions carefully on every single page.
♣ You cannot leave during the first thirty or the last ten minutes of each exam.
♣ Prepare for a longer exam paper than any of the ones you have sat during school
♣ Make sure you have plenty of pens, pencils, rulers, etc.
♣ Phones, books and notes are all forbidden in the exam hall.
♣ Use the toilet before entering the exam hall.
♣ Answer your best question first to settle the nerves.
♣ Take your time when reading each question.
♣ Attempt all parts of every question asked.
♣ If you make a mistake, draw a line through, so it is still readable.
♣ Questions answered, even if cancelled out, must be corrected by the examiner.
♣ Check that you have answered all parts of all questions.
♣ Make sure to include all extra pages used e.g. graph paper etc
♣ Place twice as much emphasis on ten markers than fives etc (twice as much time also)
♣ Carefully label any diagrams you draw or use.
♣ Layout your paper well. You can save the trees in later life.
♣ Do not repeat yourself in a question.
♣ Skip a line or two after each full question.
♣ Remember that any reasonable attempt will get you some marks.
♣ Bring some sweets and water into the exam hall.
♣ Focus on your own exam paper not your friends efforts beside you.
♣ Don’t panic if you don’t understand a question at first.
♣ Eat good meals before and after each exam.
♣ If you run out of paper, ask for more from the superintendent.
♣ Think how your answers will sound to someone else reading it.
♣ Spend appropriate time on a question depending on marks allocated.
♣ Try and write clearly especially in subjects with a lot of writing.
♣ Answer the exact question that you are being asked on the paper.
♣ Go into each exam with a positive and determined attitude.
♣ Put a ‘*’ on questions you didn’t finish and revisit at the end.
♣ Show all rough work for each question on your answer book.
♣ A labelled picture/diagram can explain better than words.
♣ Scribble down notes if you happen to run out of time.
♣ You are ready. Leave all doubt outside the exam hall.
♣ Stay until the end of all your exams.
♣ Do your best!

Ten Admin checks to do before entering the Exam Hall.

If you are getting ready to sit your Leaving Certificate examinations this week, the following administration information is certainly worth a quick read. The more familiar you are with exam hall procedures, the more you can focus on your own game plan:

1. Be very clear on the timing of each exam.
2. Get there early on the first day of your exams to find out where to put your school bag and what centre (exam hall) you are sitting in.
3. When you sit down each day, double check you have the correct paper and label in front of you. At Leaving Cert level, you can change from one level to another on the morning of the exam, but this does not come recommended, as you have spent considerable time preparing for a specific level.
4. You cannot bring any notes, school bags, phones, or materials into the exam hall with you. You should just bring in your pens, instruments, and some water/sweets.
5. Listen to the superintendents’ instructions carefully at the start of each exam, as there may be corrections to be made to the exam paper or other announcements.
6. Be aware that Higher, Ordinary and Foundation Papers may finish at different times.
7. You will not be allowed enter the exam hall once thirty minutes from the official start time of the exam has elapsed.
8. If you take paper one at higher level for a subject, you must take paper two at higher level also. The same obviously applies to Ordinary and Foundation levels.
9. You can obtain a copy of the exam paper from the school authorities after the exam. Each exam paper will be uploaded to the examinations.ie website soon after each exam.
10. Ensure you write your exam number on each booklet you use and be sure to hand up all your writing material.

Good luck to you. Joe.

More details about Joe’s Maths Tuition Classes for 5th & 6th Year (Leaving Certificate Higher Students 2025) and his Award Winning ACE Maths Solution Books for all students can be found via the below links:

ACE Maths Classes: acesolutionbooks.com/ace-maths-tuition
ACE Maths Solution Books: acesolutionbooks.com/ace-solution-books-package/

ACE Maths Tuition 2024 brought to you by ACE Solution Books 2024 and Joe McCormack - please click here to read more information

02/06/2024

Concerned citizens/parents of Ashbourne and surrounding areas are holding an Information session regarding the Thornton Hall developments.

It was announced recently that the site which is located on the Dublin/Meath border will become home for asylum seekers.

The Information session will be held at the Arkle Memorial statue in Ashbourne Co. Meath this Monday 3rd of June at 7.30pm.

02/06/2024

Ben Somerville, 25 years, who was missing from his home in Drogheda, Co. Louth since Thursday 23rd May, 2024 has been located safe and well.

31/05/2024

**update**

Ben Somerville, 25 years, who was missing from his home in Drogheda, Co. Louth since Thursday 23rd May, 2024 has been located safe and well.

Gardaí are seeking the public's assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 25 year old Ben Somerville who was last seen in Drogheda, County Louth, on Thursday 23rd May 2024.

Ben is described as being approximately 5 foot 4 inches in height with a slim build, strawberry blond hair and blue eyes.

When last seen, Ben was wearing a grey tracksuit with white runners.

Gardaí and Ben's family are concerned for his welfare.

Anyone with any information on Ben's whereabouts is asked to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

29/05/2024

A protest was held this evening in Ashbourne Co. Meath by The Concerned Parents of Ashbourne in relation to the recent developments of Thornton Hall.

It was announced that the site in North Co. Dublin will become home to asylum seekers in the coming weeks.

Attendees from Ashbourne and surrounding areas Let their feelings of frustration known as it was announced that a contract was signed on Monday for a company to provide tented accommodation and services on 5 acres of the overall site.

It is expected the site will accommodate single male IPAS applicants in 8-man tents.

The site will be one of the new state-provided accommodation centres for asylum seekers. It is expected that there will be 6 in total but there are no details in relation to the other 5.

29/05/2024

Elected reps: Do your job and address local Thornton Hall concerns, says Aontú’s Scott



Speaking in the aftermath of the Government’s decision to officially lease out the Thornton Hall complex for the provision of tented accommodation for asylum seekers, Aontú local representative for Ashbourne, Brandon Scott, has said that the lack of clarity coming from local politicians is creating an information vacuum.



Mr Scott warned that many local elected reps appear unwilling to engage with their local communities and relay important information that they have been supplied with – an unwillingness that he says is leading to fear, a fear that is being easily manipulated by extreme political factions who have no ability to productively address the issue.



“They are simply not turning up to meetings about important local issues, whether that is because they fear the voters or they are unwilling to engage, I do not know,” Mr Scott said.



Outlining his recent experience, the 26-year-old local man said: “I spoke at two meetings concerning new accommodation proposals that involve the town of Ashbourne. I attended because I believe it is my duty to represent local interests.



“The first one was last Thursday in relation to the proposal to develop 39 ‘Airbnbs’ in the centre of the town – a decision that has bewildered locals as Ashbourne doesn’t have the requisite amenities to facilitate tourists on a regular basis. Locals complained that there were no consultations held with them to discuss the very significant plans and as a result, they were effectively forced to try and source the information themselves in a very bureaucratic system.



“The second was last night’s protest outside of the Thornton Hall complex, which is again another example of the Government’s lack of consideration for locals due to the sheer scale of the proposals and the absence of any clarification.



“One thing that struck me after attending the two meetings was the lack of representation from local TDs and councillors. I commend Cllr Joe Bonner for organising the meeting in Ashbourne and Cllr Gillian Toole for coming along last night to outline updates that she received from the council that evening, but other than those two councillors, no one else showed up or bothered to communicate with locals about any updates they have received in their capacity as elected representatives.



“The lack of political desire to address this issue at local and constituency level is allowing for an extreme faction to solidify itself and manipulate the very sincere concerns of locals. Last Thursday, my party leader, Peadar Tóibín, submitted a parliamentary question to Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and questioned why the original plan for Thornton Hall – to develop a fully operational super prison – never proceeded in 20 years, notwithstanding the State’s shortage of prison capacity. This isn’t even in his area and he’s still doing more than most local TDs and councillors.



“My message to elected representatives is simply to get clued in and active. The lack of local representation at these meetings is leading to rumour and innuendo and you’re doing nothing to dispel it. In fact, when locals are desperately seeking information about a very urgent local issue, you’re nowhere to be seen.



“During last night’s meeting I commended locals for mobilising and voicing their concerns peacefully, but the onus shouldn’t be on them to try to determine the Government’s plans – the Department of Integration and/or the Department of Justice should be sending representatives to publicly engage with locals and detail exactly what the plans are or at the very least, local councillors should be setting up public meetings that will safeguard the debates from being manipulated by extreme elements. Until they do so, the debate will be pushed underground and fear will prevail.



“Even though some fringe groups hijacked yesterday’s meeting for their own agenda, I, along with Cllr Gillian Toole, was undaunted simply because it is our duty to represent local interests in spite of the menacing atmosphere and persistently disruptive behaviour by some of the members of the fringe parties.



“This is a local issue and many are deeply concerned at its implications and as long as people are sincere and productive in how they voice their complaints - and the people of Ashbourne are – it’s high time local elected representatives did their job and recognised local concerns.”

29/05/2024

Bord Na Móna sell-off would further entrench privatisation in the waste management sector - Darren O’Rourke TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Climate Action and the Environment, Darren O’Rourke TD, has expressed deep concern at Bord na Móna’s reported plan to sell-off its waste management business, arguing that further entrenchment of the ‘side-by-side’ model is not only bad for consumers and for workers, it is also bad for the environment.

Speaking after raising the issue with the Taoiseach in the Dáil today, Teachta O’Rourke said;

“Reports of Bord na Móna’s intention to sell off the waste management arm of its business should raise alarm bells. The effective exit of the only (semi) state actor in the market will further entrench the ‘side by side ’ model when we should be moving in exactly the opposite direction.

“As far back as 2018, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) made it clear that it is more efficient and more cost effective for one firm to supply the market than to have several suppliers.

“Despite this, there have been no moves to make this a reality.

“Instead, day in day out, multiple trucks clamour down the same street, often forgetting to collect various bins and causing great nuisance to local communities. To add insult to injury, illegal dumping is also at an all-time high.

“The reality is that ‘side by side competition’ is not working. It hampers efficiency, drives up emissions and exacerbates local traffic congestion.

“A change in approach is needed.

“Bord na Móna’s waste collection, processing end treatment solution collects over 450,000 tonnes of waste from 135,500 customers every year. Significantly, the commercial semi-state also employs 300 employees. By placing it into private ownership, Ireland would continue to buck international trends which are increasingly moving toward the remunicipalisation of waste collection services.

“I am calling on the government to intervene in the sale of Bord na Móna’s waste management division. They should also explore ways in which the 2014 EU Concession Directive could be applied to Bord na Móna in order to bring the bins back under public ownership.

“Ireland’s 2030 circular economy targets are fast approaching. The remunicipalisation of waste could form a key lever to achieving them.”

29/05/2024

29/05/2024

Name the saddest movie you have ever watched 😢😢🍿🎬

29/05/2024

CALL FOR NEW PROTOCOLS TO BE PUT IN PLACE FOR MANAGEMENT TO ENSURE ACCOUNTABILITY


A Meath County Councillor has today doubled down on her calls for a ‘sea change’ in attitude from Management at the local authority, saying “accountability deficit is becoming the norm with some members of the Executive and they need to be reminded that their role includes keeping elected Councillors in the loop on matters of interest to constituents”.



Aontú’s Emer Tóibín says who represents the Navan LEA says,



“I’m becoming increasingly worried and frustrated by this. I am meeting my constituents all the time; I stay in close contact with them, and I am constantly receiving questions on the status of many issues and projects from scores of them”.



“These are questions that have been emailed directly to various Directors of Services but in the main, no updates have been provided. In many cases these concern important projects that have been in the pipeline for years”.

“Without doubt the vast majority of local authority staff are hardworking and efficient and are very pleasant to work with on a daily basis. Sadly however, the same cannot be said of all the Executive. I acknowledge they may not always have all the answers, but they need to communicate with councillors as to the progress or otherwise of certain issues”.



“Silence is not an option”



“I have explained to them on numerous occasions that we, the councillors, are the conduit between them and the public, and in order for us to do our job well, we must be given the reasons why there are delays or barriers to the completion of very important infrastructural projects across the Municipal District”.



“I find it exasperating that despite my bringing up this issue regularly, some members of the Executive appear not to take my concerns seriously”.



“In fact, I find it equally exasperating that I should even have to remind the Executive of its responsibilities to the citizens of Navan. It is there to do a job and updating councillors on issues is very much part of that remit”.



“Acting in a high handed, autocratic manner is definitely not part of its job description”.





“The culture has to change. I'm an elected rep, there to represent the needs and interests of my constituents. New protocols must be put in place to ensure there is a shift in how the Executive answers to the councillors in a far more detailed and timely manner. For too long, people of this town have expressed their dissatisfaction with the dearth of information provided by the management of MCC”.



“Like our national government, they are employed to serve the people. Without open, transparent and accountable engagement with the people of Navan and its elected reps, our local authority is not carrying out its role and obligations in the manner that is acceptable or befitting of today's standards of care”.

29/05/2024

Joe’s Jotter: Final Thoughts on Exam Prep 2024 (Including Parental Support).

Parental Support for Students at Home

Parents, your new role is one of increasing influence, given that your child is now at home revising for their exams all the time. Strangely enough, students actually like the structure of school and seeing their friends there every day. Being at home is not something they are used to and may require some time to bed down into a pattern of revision and rest. You are not a teacher, so it’s important to remember that if you are doing your best, you are doing enough. Here are my twenty recommendations to help you be the best you can for your child currently revising in the home environment:
Help them establish a revision routine in a quiet, clean, and comfortable area.
Plan your day a little around them, so you can be there to support their efforts.
Provide the quiet support: school materials , healthy dinners & encouragement.
Be realistic about the amount of revision they may do each day.
Encourage family time including walks & drives to keep communication open.
Show interest by requesting that they discuss or come and teach topics to you.
Be calm, tolerant, and patient with their moods as best you can.
Try praise their efforts (no matter how small) even if you feel they don’t deserve it.
Remind them to communicate with their teachers and friends if they have queries.
If they are disorganised or scatty, sit down & brainstorm to help them get organised.
Empower them to help you around the house, i.e. Cooking/Cleaning/Gardening etc
Trust them to take responsibility for their own learning.
Encourage them to talk to you if they feel anxious about anything.
Endeavour to maintain balance. Nothing is ever as bad or as good as it seems.
Don’t be afraid to get stuck in academically. Impart your knowledge to them.
Examine them on subjects, questions, and texts they may need help with.
Try not to pass any anxiety you have on to them; Just let them breathe.
Try to cook substantial nutritious meals, so that they aren’t constantly ‘grazing’.
Intervene in all cases if you feel they are overwhelmed or struggling mentally.
Parent.

ACE’ing Your Prep at Home – Some Final Thoughts
Students,

Your best bet now is to make the most of this challenge set down for you. You now have more freedom than ever to create your own study blocks and breaks; effectively you can control the pace of your learning. If your revision blocks are short (i.e. thirty minutes), you are less likely to daydream and waste time in them. You can now allocate time to various subjects and tasks unlike before; embrace it. It is an opportunity to take responsibility for your own learning and with this you are preparing yourself for third level education or whatever route you choose after school.

Create a good solid routine, especially to start the day. Having a good morning can often be the key to a productive day. Keep your social media stint to a limited time in the morning, otherwise it may become an endless scroll, with well laid out plans being scuppered. Every morning, commence your Lifestyle (Study) Timetable or the list of ten to twelve tasks you have set yourself from the night before. Be sure to make everyone in the house aware of your revision times, so that they can try to be as quiet as possible during these periods.

Be Honest and Realistic with Yourself


Be honest with yourself (as best you can) about how you are going to use the Internet, social media, and phone during revision times. The best way to control this is to set out the exact times you will use devices and where they will be located during revision blocks. If you struggle to separate yourself from your phone, request the help of your parents to find a solution. If you find your eyes are getting sore from ‘screen time’, whether that be on a PC or phone, this is your body telling you to give it a break and it is wise to listen to the voice within in these cases.

Along with reasonable tech time, ensure you enjoy and inbuild fun, phone calls to friends, exercise, music, and relaxation into each day’s revision timetable. These types of breaks are essential for productivity; but ensure to keep an eye on time away, as short breaks can easily turn into longer wasteful ones.

Keeping your timetable or task list simple and realistic will allow you to get through the day’s work and make it easier to get started also. Maybe setup four tasks in the morning, three after lunch and three in the evening if you find creating a timetable for the full day too daunting. Sample tasks may include revising a short chapter in your Maths book and completing ten test questions based on it, or note taking on a certain period in History, or summarising one aspect of your Biology or Home Economics course. How do you eat an elephant? Answer: Break it up into small pieces and eat it bit by bit. Treat your daily task list or timetable the same.
Strength Based Learning

As above, vary the different ways you study and indeed your revision location also. Keep your study area clean and organised in order to be more productive. Find out which ways of learning that work for you and repeat them. If you are finding a specific revision method worthless, come at it from a different angle. Manage your revision effectively by using the best methods suitable to you and appropriate to that subject. Always play to your strengths!

Winston Churchill once said that ‘Perfection is the enemy of progress’. In subjects we find difficult, we often learn more by making mistakes as opposed to getting everything perfectly right at the beginning. If you always think your notes and revision blocks aren’t of a high enough standard, you will soon loose heart by your perceived lack of excellence. Failure and Imperfection should be viewed as a positive, as it encourages us to try harder and continually better ourselves. This was one of my keys to success. I always wanted to improve and ultimately be the best at whatever I did. You will never actually reach perfection, so be contented with progress and don’t be too hard on yourself.

Write Down Your Goals

Finally, write down both your short and long term goals and re-read and update them regularly to remind yourself why you are putting in such an effort right now. Goals should be used to motivate and drive you to achieve great things. Focus always on the work you have completed, not what you haven’t done. The quicker you settle down into a routine and discover study techniques that work for you, the better you will feel.

Right now, you are effectively searching for the best possible home routine that facilitates an increased accumulation of knowledge. Don’t be afraid to try new learning methods as part of this new phase. These might give you the edge on topics you have struggled to understand so far.

I wish you luck and good health going forward and feel free to contact me through the channels below if I can help you in any way. Joe

More details about Joe’s Maths Tuition Classes for Sept 2024 for 5th & 6th Year (Leaving Certificate Higher Students) and his Award Winning ACE Maths Solution Books for all students can be found via the below links:

ACE Maths Classes: acesolutionbooks.com/ace-maths-tuition

ACE Maths Solution Books: acesolutionbooks.com/ace-solution-books-package/

ACE Maths Tuition 2024 brought to you by ACE Solution Books 2024 and Joe McCormack - please click here to read more information