This Saturday started bright and early as we left Carrigallen for Dundrum, where the long-awaited English level exam was finally taking place. The two-hour bus journey was filled with anticipation and a few nerves, though there was really nothing to worry about — the girls had been preparing for this test during our Saturday classes at the Old School.
When we arrived in Dundrum, we were greeted by the typical Irish drizzle and by Áine, our dedicated Saturday English teacher, who led us to the exam offices. In a cozy little room, the students made the most of the last few minutes to review their written compositions and oral presentations — the same ones they had been working on over the past weeks in class. And then — it was time to begin!
While some girls tackled the written part of the exam, others were called in pairs for the speaking. The atmosphere quickly became focused but calm, and time flew by. As the girls finished their exams, they emerged feeling confident and proud of their performance. Several even commented that it had been much easier than expected, a great sign of how much progress they’ve made during their stay in Ireland.
When everyone had completed both parts of the exam, the examiner praised the students not only for their solid level of English, but also for their enthusiasm and positive attitude. It was a moment of pride — a well-deserved recognition of all the effort and dedication they’ve shown these past weeks.
After the exam, we headed to the Dundrum Shopping Centre, a large and lively mall where the students had the chance to relax, do some shopping, buy small gifts or Irish sweets, and enjoy a cookie or an ice cream. The two hours at the mall flew by — just like the morning — and soon it was time to meet at the pickup point, where our bus was waiting to take us back to Carrigallen.
And now… we can hardly believe it, but there’s only one weekend left in Ireland!!!
Warm regards, and see you next weekend!
