Week 20 | If you believe, you can achieve!

This week proved extremely tedious with most of the week consisting of revision for our two exams on Tuesday and Friday. With Tuesday almost upon me, I was panicking and worrying slightly considering this was my first ever exam here in Malta! I had no idea what to expect. With no indication of revision topics to learn or much guidance in preparation for the exam, it was simply a matter of learning everything! Although revision was quite tedious and is never fun (especially when the sun is shining and splitting the trees) it helped remembering a quote that my principle from secondary school always told me, which is a quote that has always stuck with me. That is: fail to prepare, prepare to fail. With this quote in mind, I was determined to do well and so kept thinking back to my days in secondary school when I was always told that I could be and do anything I wanted if I believed and was determined to put the hard work, dedication and effort in.

Since this was my first exam here in Malta and one of the hardest as it was Advanced Exercise Physiology, I was worried about the exam despite my revision and preparation. Typically, I am familiar with the structure of essay style answers and exams taking place in the main college hall at Stranmillis. Having heard that the exam would take place in a standard customary lecture room, I was oblivious to the set up and structure of the exam. However, upon arrival to the lecture room it was quite similar to the set up and structure of exams back at Stranmillis with each individual having an allocated seat and their own individual desk. Usually, during the exam period at Stranmillis no bags are allowed inside the hall and by the time I get seated I franticly write all my details on the front of the paper in a struggle as time has started. In comparison to this, I was able to leave my bag at the back of the lecture room prior to the exam before writing down all my details and ensuring they were correct. This reminded me of when I sat my GCSEs and A-levels as the exam officer would always give you time to write the details before starting. Having written all my details on the paper, I was then informed of how we would get 5 minutes of reading time in which you are not allowed to write down any notes but rather read over the questions and the paper. This was something that I was not used to from back at Stranmillis and was very useful in calming me down slightly as I was able to read over the questions more than twice and consider what I would write in preparation for answering the questions.

Ireland vs. South Africa game at the Hockey World League

With Tuesdays exam done and dusted, I felt as though I could breathe again as this was one of the more difficult exams in Malta. With only two exams left to go, it was back to the studying with my next exam of Teaching Implement Games: Hockey and Softball coming up on Friday. In preparation for this exam, I needed to have an understanding of the rules of both hockey and softball and was required to be able to apply these rules within game situations. Additionally, I was required to know specific teaching points and teaching cues for my exam. Having played hockey before at secondary school, I had a basic knowledge of the rules, not to mention through playing the sport here in class at Malta. Furthermore, I had a good understanding of softball having taken part in it throughout the semester. Therefore, it was a matter of reading over the rules ensuring I knew them and could apply them to game situations. In preparation for the hockey exam, Holly, Gemma, Simon and I had a revision session together testing one another on rules, signals and so forth before watching the Valencia Hockey World League 2015. With Ireland vs. South Africa coming up later in the day what a better way to test ourselves and apply our knowledge on the rules in a game situation than supporting Ireland. Needless to say it was worth it when Ireland secured a victory of 4-1.

Revision break with the best bunch of friends

With the continuation of revision on Wednesday and Thursday; not to mention the beneficial distraction of watching the Hockey World League, this lead to our next exam taking place on Friday. Without jinxing myself, I’ll just say the exam went well and I hope I have done well. With multiple choice questions, short answer questions and slightly longer questions I was delighted with the exam paper and was happy to see the weekend with the completion of two exams and one to go on Tuesday. To celebrate, Holly, Gemma, Simon and I joined our 4^th year classmates later that evening for a night out as they had finished exams and so had finished 4 years at university. With that being said, without a doubt we had to celebrate with them and have one final class night out before we begin to depart this beautiful island and say our final goodbyes in the next few weeks.

Celebratory drinks with our fellow 4th year classmates!

With only one final exam to go on Tuesday and the arrival of my best friend later that night I am looking forward to the week ahead. Although, it does mean I only have two more weeks on this beautiful island and so that makes me feel bitter sweet. I suppose all good things do eventually come to an end, but this experience will be one thing I hope never ends. Not to mention, the friendships I’ve made here in Malta. No matter how far away I am, distance doesn’t matter and I know that I’ll remain friends with some of the most special people I’ve had the privilege of getting to know and call my family. With the talk of people departing and knowing that wherever I go in the world I’ll always have a place to stay is quite remarkable! The people, friendships and memories I’ve made will never leave me!

Next stop: SUMMER!

Don't miss out on all the action...until next week!

Love, Louise.