Transition Year
Transition Year (TY) –offers pupils a broad educational experience. It provides a bridge to help pupils make the transition from a highly academic focus to one where they will take greater responsibility for their own learning and decision making. Pupils participate in projects and activities which are pupil-led and experiential and which help them to develop a range of transferable critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills, as well as build resilience and learn to cooperate.
TY also gives students an opportunity to reflect on and become more aware of the value of education and the active role they need to play in their own educational and personal development.  The programme aims to help our pupils to find their strength and make more informed decision about their future career, as well as prepare them to the ever-changing demands of the adult world of work and relationships.
 
Curriculum and activities
The Programme is devised to continue to strengthen students’ progress in key core subjects, while offering a diversity of short modules and practical options.
 
Students are also encouraged to take part in a three day bonding trip to the Gaeltacht on Achill Island early in September. The TY foreign trip takes place over 4 days, normally in May. There are other educational day trips and guest speakers invited over the course of the year. Other curricular projects include the Mini-Company in Enterprise, the Sci-Fest competition (science project) and the YSI competition (Young Social Innovators).
 
The TY programme also offers the opportunity to students to complete the Gaisce Award and/or the John Paul II Award.
 
 
Curriculum and activities for 2019-20 as well as assessment and accreditation detailed in the TY Information Page
 
 
 
 
TY work experience
All TY students are required to complete a four week Work Experience Programme, divided in three blocks:
  • One week, normally the last week of November/1st week of December (to coincide with Christmas tests).
  • A two weeks block, around the time of the February mid-term break (to coincide with the Mocks)
  • One week before or after the Easter Holidays.
 
Enrolment 2020-2021
Parents are invited to an information evening on Thursday, February 27th.
Application forms will be available on the night and the following week.
 
Students will be asked to explain their aims and motivation in applying for the Programme. The Principal/ Deputy Principals and Programme Coordinator will interview the students in small groups. Please refer to the TY  Admission Policy.
 
Contact
TY Programme Coordinator
Emmanuelle Galisson
egalisson@stmarysedenderry.ie


TY Programme 2019-2020
CORE SUBJECTS

English   Science  Irish  Computers   Maths  Religion   French  Physical Education   Enterprise  Social Education
Life-skills    Coding
                                                
Modular subjects – (all students for half the year):
  • History / Geography
  • Public speaking / Philosophy / Economics
  • Chinese / German / Bridge
  • Wellbeing / Career guidance / Road safety
Practical Options: students choose any 2, for half the year:
  • Home-Ec / Music / DCG (Design & Communication Design) / Art
ASSESSMENT: 
Students are awarded a certificate and graded according to a credit system, which includes continuous assessment of Key Projects, 2 Portfolio Interviews, Credit for Work Experience and attendance as well as quality of Portfolio folder.  
Portfolio interviews take place in December and May – Students have to present and discuss their projects in front of a panel made of a teacher (or the Principal / Deputy / Coordinator) and a member of the community.
ACTIVITIES:
All our students take part in the YSI (Young Social Innovators) Programme, do a Mini- Company in Enterprise, enter the Sci-Fest (science project competition), are encouraged to take on the Gaisce Award and/or the John Paul II Award. There are also guest speakers and workshops organised.
TRIPS 2019-20 include:
Achill (3 day stay in the Gaeltacht area, outdoor activities and water sports) in September, Gaisce Hike (25 km hike over 2 days in Ireland)
Foreign Trip (4 day trip in a European country, with cultural visits and fun activities.) in April/May.
GRADUATION: families are invited to attend our TY Graduation evening at the end of May, during which students will celebrate the achievements of the year, showcase some of their work and receive their certificates and Special Awards.
 
Cost: TY Feeà €280, excluding Achill trip (about €140), Foreign Trip (€550 to €650) and Gaisce fee + Hike (€50)
 
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