Transition Year

Transition Year is a follow on year from the more structured and prescriptive learning experiences of the Junior Cycle. The Transition Year is an opportunity to explore new and different ways of learning and to expand the learning environment. It allows students to explore the wider community and the world of work. This encourages more mature decision-making with regard to subject choices for the Leaving Certificate and future career making decisions. The year is coordinated and superbly guided by the TY year head Ms Orla Cunningham.

Comments from former students of our TY programme

“It is a beneficial year for those who make the most of it and try everything.”

“It is a brilliant opportunity to make new friends.”

“Great chance to do work experience.”

“Development of life long skills.”

“It is a year of memories.​”

Curriculum for Transition Year

  • Irish
  • English
  • Maths
  • Science: Modules of Agricultural Science, Physics, Chemistry and Biology help students in choosing Leaving Cert. subjects.
  • Business Studies and Accounting: As part of this subject students set up a mini-company and run a business during the year.
  • Students take part in the Young Entrepreneur Competition.
  • French and German: The emphasis in Transition Year is on oral and aural work.
  • Environmental Studies
  • Arts and Crafts: Modules of Home Economics, Art, Engineering and Wood Technology.
  • Religious Education: Guest speakers come to the school and speak to the students on a wide range of topics.
  • Career Guidance: Consists of project work on careers, students attend career seminars.
  • Information Technology: Information processing including the use of a broad range of word processing, data base, spread sheet, desk top publishing and communications. Students also develop the TY school website, create and develop app’s and explore current and latest technologies.
  • Debating and Public Speaking in both English and Irish.
  • P.E. A wide range of sports activities are taught. Students take part in Sports Coaching Courses. A First Aid Course is organised
  • Drama: Transition Year students stage plays at Christmas each year.
  • Driving: Students are given an opportunity to learn about driving through practical workshops.
  • Tractor Driving Skills Module delivered by the Farm Relief Service.
  • Work Experience: Two periods of work experience are provided each year. A variety of work situations are available to the school. Students are closely monitored by the school while on work experience.
  • Outdoor Education Trips: Students travel to an outdoor education centre in late September for three days and participate in a wide range of activities such as, hill-walking, rock climbing, abseiling, orienteering, canoeing, surfing, wind-surfing and caving.
  • Music: Students are introduced to an appreciation of Music.​​
  • GAA Future Leaders Programme: This programme offers the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised Leadership Award.
  • Junk Kouture
  • Poetry Workshop: Students creative writing skills are developed.
  • First Aid: As part of the Heart Safe School Initiative all students are trained in the life saving skills of CPR and use of the AED.
  • Gaisce Programme – Click Here for details.

Education Trips: A wide variety of Educational Trips are organised during the year including: • Trips to the Theatre. • Media Training Day in Kairos Studios, Maynooth, Co. Kildare. • Optional Trip to Paris. • Interactive Law Education Day. • Exchange with German Partner School.

Assessment: Continuous Assessment takes place throughout the year with projects and portfolios in many subjects. Students are interviewed at the end of the year. School Reports are issued to parents twice during the year when credits are awarded to students in all subjects. Certificates are presented to students at the end of the year.

Documents for Transition Year 2021/2022  – Click on the Links Below.

Transition Year Presentation to Parents – Click Here.

Transition Year Application Form 2021/2022 – Click Here.