A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN IRISH STUDENT

What is it like to grow up in Ireland? Here is one girl's typical day:

“Hello! I'm Brid Cannon, and I'm 10 years old. I live with my parents and siblings in Dunlewey, which is in northwest Ireland. I would like to tell you about how I spend a typical school day.”

8:10 I get up and have cereal and toast for breakfast. Then I have a shower, put on my uniform, and get ready for the bus that picks up me and ten other children for school. I've been late once or twice, but the driver always waits for me.

9:00 Our teacher takes the register and we can share any news we have. All of our lessons are in Gaelic, which is the official language in this part of Ireland. Nearly everyone speaks English just as well, though.

9:45 Every morning, we do maths and correct our homework. Today, we are learning the capitals of the countries in Europe.

11:00 We have a break and a snack. We can bring sandwiches, fruit and yogurt to school, but no sweets or soft drinks, such as coke or juice, are allowed at school.

13:30 After lunch, we have lessons in social studies, English, writing and reading, though on Thursdays we have physical education. On Friday afternoons, we play Gaelic football and hurling, which you play with a ball and sticks.

15:00 School ends, and the bus takes us home. We have a snack when my older brother Daniel and my sister Noreen get home. Then I do my homework. Maths takes me about 20 minutes, but the rest is easy. It's fun sometimes, but I'd rather be outside.

16:30 My brother and I practise Gaelic football. When Dad gets home, I help him take care of the sheep. We have 21 sheep and 19 lambs, and also a lamb that we have to feed four times a day with a milk bottle. Dad also trains sheep dogs. I like to watch him teach them not to bite the sheep and obey other commands.

18:00 We have dinner. Sometimes we have fish or meat and potatoes, but my favourite is spaghetti Bolognese.

20:00 I don't watch TV very much, so I usually go to bed and read. But as a treat, I can sometimes stay up late to watch my favourite soap opera. Sometimes I fall asleep. Mum wakes me up, and tells me to brush my teeth and go to bed.