What is Transition Year?
Transition Year (also called TY) is an optional one-year programme between Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle. Transition Year is part of a 3-year Senior Cycle, but it is separate to the Leaving Certificate programme which lasts 2 years.
Transition Year can help students as they change from the more dependent learning of the Junior Cycle to the more independent, self-directed learning of the Senior Cycle. It also offers opportunities for personal, social and academic development and experience of adult and working life.
Transition Year offers students an opportunity to:
- Engage in independent, self-directed learning
- Develop general, technical and academic skills
- Develop work-related skills
- Develop social skills such as communication and building self-confidence
Aims
- Nurture the development of the student as a whole person by building on their previous experiences, through a curriculum designed by the school that is aligned to the TY Programme Statement.
- Create space and opportunities for meaningful, enjoyable learning experiences through which the key competencies of the student can be developed in the classroom and school, in the home and in their role as local, national and global citizens.
- Expand the student’s experience and awareness of diverse future pathways and nurture the student’s capacity to sustain their growth and development through a process of lifelong learning.
- Evolve continuously to support the learning and development of the student through a reflection and renewal process involving students, teachers, school leaders, parents and community partners.
Why consider Transition Year?
Transition Year offers students a valuable opportunity for personal growth and maturity. This year allows students to approach the Leaving Certificate with renewed purpose and motivation. Designed with a strong academic focus, the curriculum prepares students both academically and personally for the challenges of the Leaving Certificate.
Subjects
Irish, English, Maths, Spanish, History, Geography, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Ag. Science, Engineering, Construction Studies, Enterprise, Cookery, ICT, Physical Education, Music Production, Drama, Vocational Preparation and Guidance, EAL, SPHE.
Other Activities
- Drivers Education
- Street Law
- Drama Workshops
- First Aid
- Subject Related Projects/Competitions
- Educational visits/trips
- Green Schools
- Charity Fundraising
- Driving Campus
- Drumming Workshop
- Musical/Alternative/Variety Show
- Gaisce
- Film Making/Song School/Rap Workshop
Competitions
Transition Year students participate in a wide range of competitions, offering them unique opportunities to develop skills, showcase talents, and engage in healthy competition
Competitions include:
SciFest, Student Enterprise, NFTE, Money Smarts Challenge, Donegal Schools Drama Festival, TY All Ireland Drama Competition, and Junk Kouture.
Work Experience
Work experience is a core part of Transition Year. It aims to bring new kinds of learning opportunities to students by experiencing working life. It also helps students get some work experience for their CV, which is useful when looking for jobs in the future.
At Errigal College, Transition Year students participate in work experience placements every Thursday throughout the academic year, gaining valuable hands-on experience and practical insights into various careers.
