It can be hard to know where to start when writing a short story. You ask yourself: Who will I write about? What will I write about? Where will I set it? Ms Reynolds and her 3rd Year English students are going to start their stories by finding our character out on the street, in Rathgar Village.
Before we went, Ms Reynolds read the following extract from John Steinbeck's novel, 'Of Mice and Men' - a this novel 3rd Years will be reading over the course of Junior Cycle.
Listening Exercise:
One of the key tasks with writing is being able to give eyes to the reader to be able to see, ears to hear and senses to feel what is happening to your characters. Can you please listen attentively and draw the character, Slim, the Prince of the Ranch? Try to capture as much detail as you can.
Draw out the character description …
Comprehension questions:
What adjective would you use to describe Slim's character based on what George observed?
Did you enjoy Steinbeck's writing style? Why? Did you notice any unusual analogies or similes?
Why do you think Steinbeck only had Slim speak at the end of the descriptive passage?
Field Writing Exercise: 'Go Find Your Character'
All writers are great observers, they spend many hours looking at the world and the people that inhabit it. They then research this world in order to make more authentic characters.
Now go outside with a pen and your hard notebook in hand. Pick a discreet place to observe passersby. Who are you seeing? A housewife, a builder, a college student etc. How do you know this? Did you just deduce this information based on what they were wearing, what expression they had on their face, their posture?
Ms Reynolds
Hugh congratulations to Stratford College Classics students who came 2nd and 3rd in the annual Ides of March Quiz in Blackrock College on Tuesday 28th April. Students from schools all over Dublin and further afield participated. Stratford scored an Olympian 41/46 to take second place and 40/46 to take third place. Thank you to Ms. Donohoe and Ms McGill for coordinating this great event.
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Delia Donohoe has been appointed as Permanent Deputy Principal of Stratford College, following her tenure as Acting Deputy Principal since August 2023. This milestone marks her 21st year as a dedicated member of the Stratford community, where she has made a lasting contribution both in the classroom and in leadership.
Speaking about her appointment Chair of the Board of Management Ms. Aoife Cassidy said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Delia as Deputy Principal; she has been a leader and teacher at Stratford College for more than 20 years. During this time, she has served in an acting capacity as Deputy Principal, including over the last three years. She has strong leadership skills and an unwavering commitment and dedication to our school community. We have every confidence that she will continue to lead with the same energy, warmth and dedication in the years ahead. We are delighted to formally confirm Delia’s appointment and wish her every success in the role going forward.
A brilliant afternoon for the 2026 incoming 1st years to meet each other and other Stratford students including our current 1st years, senior prefects & their year head Ms. Finnegan. Something for everyone to enjoy!
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