Transition Year is offered to students who wish to take time before moving into fifth year to build personal confidence, to gain competence in the core academic subjects and to develop skills and initiatives in a way that may not be possible in the more exam orientated classes.
Transition Year also provides another gateway of entry to subject choice at Senior Cycle.
To engage in Transition Year students complete an application and interview process. Applicants for the course are selected on the basis of age, maturity, motivation, application and attendance. In addition to traditional subjects, Transition Year students participate in a wide range of interesting programmes, courses and initiatives. The following are some examples of such opportunities taken in previous years:
- Learn to Drive
- Bohran Making
- Student Enterprise Programme
- Foróige Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)
- Architecture in Schools
- Junk Couture
- Musical
- Gaisce
- IT
- Public Speaking
- Chinese Studies
- Young Social Innovators (YSI)
- First Aid
- Podcasting
- Outdoor Adventure
- Hospitality Module
- Peer Mentoring
- Debating
- School trips abroad
- Money Smarts Competition
- Manuela Programme
- CPR
- Future Leaders GAA awards
Students are also given an opportunity to gain work experience over two weeks. Student secure work experience themselves usually in October and February. The aim of the Work Experience Programme is to provide Transition Year students with a deeper understanding of the workplace and practical hands-on experience of the world outside school. It is a wonderful opportunity to try new areas, develop new skills, challenge perceptions and make very useful contacts for future endeavours. Students have an opportunity to make a real difference in their community by engaging with local businesses, social enterprises and charity organisations.
Assessment: assessment is a valuable part of any worthwhile learning experience. Tys are assessed using a variety of methods and continuously throughout the year:
- Class tests
- Presentations
- Eportfolio
- Work experience diary and employers report
- Attendance and punctuality]end of year interview and presentation of work
The TY certificate at the end of the year will feature one of the following:
- Distinction 60 credits
- Merit 40 credits
- Pass 20 credits