Transition Year Programme
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Transition Year is an optional 1 year programme which links Junior and Senior cycle and gives students the opportunity to develop individual talents and skills while sampling a variety of senior cycle subject options.
Our core values in Transition Year are linked closely with our college core values of Bród, Misneach and Meitheal.
Our aim for students in our Transition Year Programme is to have:
Misneach: Courage to be an individual. Courage to work hard to achieve your goals and dreams.
Bród: Pride in your individuality. Pride in your college. Pride in your achievements.
Meitheal: Supporting each other to learn. Supporting each other through difficult times.
Aims
Our aim for the Transition Year Programme is to give students opportunities to discover and develop their own individual gifts and strengths. We encourage independence and individual responsibility and provide the opportunities for students to mature and develop resilience and confidence to face senior cycle, third level education and life in the working world.
We nurture creativity and entrepreneurism within a caring, considerate community where students can become articulate and self-confident young people.
We aim to provide students with the skills and supports necessary to discover their individual talents, aptitudes, abilities and learning styles.
Our approach is a cross-curricular one with interlinked projects and activities encouraged through our themed semesters in an active learning environment.
Enrolment Policy
Third year students and their parents are introduced to the Transition Year programme early in the academic year through an information session and Parent’s evening.
Students apply formally by written application in January followed by an interview with a TY panel, consisting of the TY Co-Ordinator, Year Head and Deputy Principal.
Candidates are informed of the outcome of their application and interview in writing.
Structure of the TY Programme
Transition Year here at Coláiste Pobail Setanta is divided into themes:
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Semester 1: Culture Vultures: Know Your City
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From literature to music; history to geographical landmarks, students will get to know their city in a new light. Each subject will contribute an element of Dublin culture
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Semester 2: TY on Tour
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This semester takes on an international flavour; students will broaden their horizons and take their cultural explorations on tour with a variety of international European trips
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Semester 3: Make your Mark
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This last semester challenges students to think about their year and what they can give back to their community
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Timetable
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Core Subjects
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English, Irish, Maths, Modern Language, Physical Education:
2 hours per week for the duration of the year
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Subject Sampling
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Students experience a variety of subjects which are available at Senior Cycle. 1-2 hours per week for the duration of the year.
For example, Business, Music, Art, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Religion, History, etc
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Rotating/ Enrichment Modules
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Selection of rotating modules which link in with our entrepreneur programmes and personal development. 2 hours per week which change mid academic year.
For example, Enterprise Craft Business; Beauty Therapy; Environmental Studies; Photography.
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One-off Calendar events
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Trips, activities and events which are planned and booked in advance which enhance students school-based experience and link in with subjects and modules.
For example, National Art Gallery, Kilmainham Gaol, Kairos TV Production, Leinster Driving School, School musical, Fundraising campaigns etc.
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Overseas trips
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Opportunity to take part in a cultural trip to a European city; Paris or Barcelona
Opportunity to take part in a combined fundraising event to walk the Camino de Santiago
Chance to participate in the Erasmus Programme 2019-2021 to visit Italy and Poland
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Work Experience
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There will be three Work Experience Blocks in the year with students encouraged to participate at other times in specialist work placements such as the Trinity Law Module, Mini-Med, Garda Work Placement Programme.
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Assessment
Transition Year follows a continuous assessment Credit System where students are awarded between 5 and 15 credits per subject per semester for work submitted and projects completed. Formal assessment in the form of class-based exams will be included for four Core subjects of: English; Irish, Maths and Modern Language.
Credits are also awarded for ongoing participation and achievement in our Work Experience and Gaisce programmes, as well as the Transition Year Portfolio.
External certification can be achieved from outside agencies, for example, First Aid, Kairos Communication, Leinster Driving School, Build a Bank programme, etc.
TY Portfolio is updated with student’s work and reflections regularly and students are interviewed by their Teacher Mentor on work submitted both physically and digitally, at the end of the year.
Formal reports for parents are issued at the end of each semester with ongoing communication through newsletter updates on a regular basis.
A TY parent-teacher meeting is held once a year.
Students are awarded their Transition Year Certification on Graduation night where they can achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction overall.
Self-Development and Leadership
We encourage students to participate in the following activities which are available in Transition Year and fundamental in developing key skills in Leadership as they move into adulthood:
- Gaisce President’s Award achievement
- Fundraising for their chosen charity
- Young Social Innovators project
- Personal fundraising journey to walk the Camino de Santiago
- Build a Bank project
- Involvement in the Erasmus Programme
- Outdoor Education programme and overnight camping trip
- BT Young Scientist
- Market Day: Build and market a business
- Career Focus, CV building and interview skills
- Mentorship roles with Junior students and primary school
- Involvement in SNIP reading programme
- Organising key school events, e.g. School musical, Seachtain na Gaeilge
Graduation
Graduation is a glamorous and celebratory night in May where students choose the theme and their year’s work is celebrated with parents and teachers.
Students present their own visual display of their experiences and achievements and certification and awards are presented in recognition of outstanding personal and academic achievements.
