The report card is in: We grade how the Republic of Ireland have performed this term

SportsJOE.ie Report Card
2013/2014 Term
Republic of Ireland 

Mathematics
B
Set a target of seven points before examination begun and achieved that with a bright start.  Showed a real keenness to tackle bigger tests and passed the toughest assignment of the year, which was a pleasant surprise.  However, fell back badly in less tricky projects and set up more work for next term.  Has been known to muck around during practice tests although attitude is beginning to improve.

Chemistry
D
Has shown little interest in the subject.  Writing too many results down in exams without any proof of working out or scientific rationale.  Not too concerned with the formula, as long as the end product is produced.  Demonstrated a willingness to experiment with complex bonds to great effect at the end of the semester but must continue to show that same application.

Physics
C
Shows little understanding of space and time.  More concerned with related concepts like energy and force but has proven on some occasions an ability to comprehend the subject.  Committed to learning and improving but must begin to focus more on the bare essentials, like space and like time.  Can turn it around in 2015 by working in a home lab.

History
A
Bridged a player-manager gap with the appointment of former international captain Roy Keane as assistant.  Robbie Keane was crowned the all-time leading scorer in the European Championship qualifiers after a hat-trick against Gibraltar whilst John O’Shea became the country’s sixth ever centurion.  Another piece of history was also made – kind of – by the dropping of Robbie Keane against Scotland, the first time a fit and available Keaneo was left on the bench for Ireland in 13 years.  Demonstrable zest for the subject and a hunger to create history as well.

Geography
A
Strong orienteering skills, there has been a clear and precise understanding and knowledge shown of the world and its places.  Has proved competent at navigating to relevant destinations in timely fashion with little to no help whatsoever.  Can work unsupervised.

English Literature
A
Excellent written skills and creativity displayed with a fantastic coursework submission, Roy Keane: The Second Half.  Strong oral communication and demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary.  Valued as a witty member of the class if sometimes disruptive but a leading example to the English language.

Media Studies
C+
Seems to have fallen out of love with the subject.  Has shown an ability to handle the concept and even lighten up the class but has lately seemed distant.  At times, outspoken and still trying to grasp technical terms like, ‘no comment’.  Has been involved in a squabble with one or two class mates of late.  Nonetheless, a proven self-starter but must take more care with attention to detail next term.  Needs to find passion for the subject once more.  Once a favoured raconteur.

Art
B
Similar in style to Neil Buchanan; unimpressive when studied too closely but, when you stand back and look at the bigger picture, it can be appreciated more.  Guilty of playing safe with routine patterns and methods, needs to start experimenting more with different colours and styles in the next term.

PE
C
Brought in too many sick notes over the year.  The class is low in numbers and relies heavily on participation but let down constantly by too many injuries.  Whenever the full compliment is available, the entire class shows a whole-hearted application to the subject but too often missing players.

Genealogy
B+
Resourceful, hard-working, helpful.  A valued pupil when it comes to this subject and has continued to uncover new and potential players.  A top-of-the-class performance with the end-of-year report when two individual projects, David McGoldrick and Cyrus Christie, came up trumps.  Has failed thus far to acquire Jack Grealish and seems to have pushed him further away but has still shown an application to continue working and finding more solutions.  A favourite subject.

Attendance
C-
Looked to be picking up at the start of the year but dropped off throughout.  Punctuality needs to improve, sometimes didn’t even bother showing up at all.  Best attendance was back in March, with 37,595 against Serbia.  Needs more consistency in attendance but even then looks a long way off getting up to 100 per cent.  Has the excuse that the commute is expensive but has some big tasks in 2015 and full attendance is vitally necessary.

Behaviour
B-
Has a bad reputation amongst class mates but seems to be the victim on many occasions.  The aggression and passion is good but it must be harnessed.  Still, too involved in any sign of trouble and needs to learn not to react to confrontation.  Sporadic with mood and can definitely improve.  Must try harder.

Suggested curricular activities: Golf
Needs to avoid getting bogged down in schoolwork and relieve stress.

Suggested subjects for next term: Religious Education
May need to resort to prayer on pilgrimage to Warsaw in October.

Overall: B

The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10