Patsy Sweeney, National Co-ordinator Transition Year, Second Level Support Service
What schools did you attend? High Park N.S. and St Mary's College, Ballisodare, Co Sligo
Had you any famous classmates? With only five in my primary-school class and 10 in our secondary-school class, potential claims to fame were limited!
Hidden talents at school? Managing a great social life while unwittingly convincing the nuns that I had "convent" potential !!
Best subject? Maths and geography.
Worst subject? French - can you imagine studying a language to Leaving Cert without ever speaking it or hearing it spoken!
Most inspirational teacher and why? Sr Dolores - she made every maths class seem an adventure and I can still recite and remember Pythagoras' theorem!
Where did you go to college? B.A. in English, history and geography, followed by the H.Dip. at UCG. Returned there in 2000 to finish an M.Ed. What's the best thing about the Irish education system? Transition Year - of course! We are the envy of Europe while education systems as far away as Japan and Australia seek to emulate this unique learning opportunity.
What song most reminds you of your school days? Yellow Submarine by the Beatles
