Mission Statement
The Transition Year (TY) is a one-year programme that forms the first year of a three-year senior cycle in many schools. It is designed to act as a bridge between the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate programmes. Transition Year offers learners an opportunity to mature and develop without the pressure of an examination. It also provides an opportunity for learners to reflect on, and develop an appreciation of, the value of learning in preparing them for the ever-changing demands of the adult world of work, further and higher education and relationships. The TY programme in our school is optional, with each student accepted on the basis of a successful application process and agreement of the terms and conditions of the programme.
The course is designed by the school to lead students to maturity in order to benefit more from Senior Cycle education, to develop independent learning skills and introduce them to the world of work. The programme is skills based and the emphasis is on variety of learning. Every effort is made to introduce the students to areas of ability and expression which develop the individual to reach his/her potential as an autonomous participative and responsible member of society. In TY, we strive to encourage personal growth and responsibility. The emphasis on learning is put more in the hands of the students, which prepares them better for the world outside of school. Every effort is made to ensure a full education, through subject choices unavailable outside TY, school outings and guest speakers. Our programme offers a comprehensive selection of extra-curricular activities which focus on personal development, teamwork and building confidence and maturity among all students.
Aims of the TY Programme
The Transition Year programme is an optional one-year programme in our school. All aims of the programme reflect those published by the Department of Education and Skills.
- Students should be encouraged to become more rounded individuals academically, socially and in terms of maturity
- The focus on academic development and momentum should be maintained and built upon to help bridge the gap between Junior and Senior Cycle
- Students should be able to develop interdisciplinary skills as well as maintaining self-discipline, social awareness and self-learning
- There should be an opportunity for teachers, students and parents to share and develop specific specialisms and enthusiasms
- All students will garner a more in-depth awareness of their community through social work, community-based activities and community links modules
- Students will be able to make conscious decisions regarding their Leaving Cert subject choices through real life work experiences and social interactions
Introduction to the TY Programme
An information meeting is held in February/March of each academic year for both parents and students to introduce them to the idea of the Transition Year Programme. All information regarding the TY Programme is relayed via the TY Team along with the Principal Mr Fahy and the Deputy Principal Ms Lavelle. Parents attend a second information meeting outlying the various activities involved in the forthcoming academic year, Outdoor Adventure Centre Trip, Work Experience or any concern that they may have with reference to their son / daughter attending the TY Programme.
