Comparative Section (2025) explored through the texts The Shawshank Redemption, Small Things Like
These and Sive

This webinar is aimed at teachers of Senior Cycle English who are using the following texts in the
Comparative Section of the Leaving Cert. Higher Level Course:
The film The Shawshank Redemption, directed by Frank Darabont, the novella, Small Things Like
These, written by Claire Keegan and the play Sive, created by John B. Keane.

The purpose of the webinar is to share approaches supporting students to:
Comprehend a range of challenging texts. Analysing in depth, inferring at sophisticated levels,
speculating and questioning assumptions.
Evaluate and critically respond to texts.
Identify and analyse the form, structure and style of a text and show an understanding of how all
these elements constitute its genre.
Compare and contrast a range of texts under two prescribed modes - Theme/Issue and Cultural
Context.

Teachers who attend this webinar will receive an accompanying resource booklet.

Ann Marie Garvey has over twenty years teaching experience and works in Coláiste Cholmcille,
Ballyshannon. She was seconded for three years as an English Advisor with Junior Cycle for
Teachers. She has been an Advising Examiner of Leaving Cert Higher Level English for the past eight
years and remains an English Associate with Oide.

Elaine McGowan has over twenty years teaching experience and is currently a teacher of English and
History and Year Head in St. Attracta's Community School, Co. Sligo. She was an Examiner for both
Junior and Leaving Cert. Higher Level English. Elaine returned to her classroom after a four year
secondment to Junior Cycle for Teachers as an English Advisor.