Transition Year
Transition Year is an optional one-year programme which links Junior and Senior Cycle. It gives students the opportunity to expand their individual skills and abilities, sample a variety of Senior Cycle subjects and explore possible career options.
Does the Transition Year have a fixed curriculum?
Each school devises its own programme and it varies from year to year, taking into account the needs of the class and the resources available. The programme provides for the development of personal and social skills. It encourages research and activity-based self- directed learning, both inside and outside the classroom.
All students source and complete a two week work experience and one week community care placement.
All students must complete and submit a TY Portfolio which they work on throughout the school year. This gives students the opportunity to apply reflective and critical thinking to their experiences.
What are the main benefits of doing Transition Year?
A significant benefit to the student is the space provided by the year to grow and mature at a sensitive and key stage of transition through adolescence into young adult life. By sampling a wide range of subject areas students can make more informed choices about the kind of Leaving Certificate programme they may wish to follow at the end of the Transition Year. Research indicates that those taking Transition Year achieve more points in the Leaving Certificate.
Is the Transition Year a help to further study?
The vast majority of students, on completion of the Transition Year proceed to the Leaving Certificate. It is generally recognised by teachers that a Transition Year Programme equips the now more mature student with a broader range of skills and insights to deal more effectively with a Leaving Certificate programme. There is growing evidence from third level institutions that students who have taken Transition Year are more self-reliant learners.
Do students get any homework in Transition Year?
Yes, homework is an important part of Transition Year. In addition to traditional styles of homework, students do projects, assignments and research on a variety of topics. These can involve students in a considerable amount of demanding work. Students also complete their TY portfolio which includes all their best work in each subject area.
Certification and Graduation
At the end of the year students are awarded with certificates including a Transition Year Certificate awarded by the Department of Education and Skills. The Graduation ceremony includes a display of students’ work which is organised by the students.Credits are allocated at Christmas and end of Year, leading to level of achievement *Distinction *Merit *Pass *Achievement