Transition Year

1. The programme will help students to develop high levels of self-esteem and a confident, outward-looking approach to their interpersonal relationships. The approach will focus on, and develop, the varying attitudes of individual students while simultaneously building a spirit of co-operative endeavour.
2. Transition Year aims to develop the student as an autonomous self-motivated learner. It will foster a high degree of individual responsibility towards all aspects of the students school life.
3. The emphasis will be on experiential task based learning with a high degree of student input.
4. A broadly based curriculum will be provided. This will offer opportunities to develop and refine skills in traditional academic areas as well as exploring new and innovative areas of learning.

The Transition Year programme combines traditional academic study with the opportunity to develop social, vocational and personal skills. Students will study core subjects.

English: The aim of the English program is to develop the communication skills of our students. It will encourage the individual students’ appreciation for and enjoyment of the artistic merits of the language in its various form. It will also provide preparation in the skills required for the new Leaving Certificate English Syllabus.

Gaeilge: aims to further develop the Oral, Aural, Written and Reading skills of our native language in a variety of ways.

Maths: aims to bridge the gap between curricular and practical mathematics with an emphasis on logical thinking skills.

French: aims to develop confidence in a foreign language and an interest in the culture of the country.

S.P.H.E. seeks to fulfil the general aim of education which is to contribute towards the development of all aspects of the individual.

P.E. aims to foster leadership qualities in our Transition Year students. They will acquire a variety of organisational and motivational skills through practical experience.

Computers: aims to develop skills in Information Technology and open up career possibilities.

Religion: aims to inform and discover our Celtic, Religious and Cultural heritage through Spiritual development, pilgrimage and social awareness through self-directed learning and the experience of peer ministry.

Guidance: aims to enable students to assess and interpret information on Careers and the World of Work in a way which is appropriate to their ability, skill and interest.

Drama/Musical: students will have an opportunity to study drama and be involved in the school musical.

Enterprise Studies & Mini Company: To develop enterprise skills in the students and a general awareness of business and enterprise issues in our environment. Students study all three Leaving Cert Business subjects. Students also have an opportunity to play an active part in school mini companies.

Science: The aims of all modules incorporate the advancement of knowledge and experiences in many scientific spectrums, from simple fact finding, knowledge attainment to practical field work experience and presentation of scientific data.

Social Environmental Studies: This subject will explore and record the historical and geographical features of the local environment. It will also equip students with research skills which are necessary in the workplace.

Arts: Aims to expose students to the living Arts, to develop a cultural awareness and appreciation among students, facilitating the development of self-expression and non-verbal language.

Technologies: Students will undertake the design and implementation of practical tasks. This will give them considerable opportunities to develop their practical skills. This will benefit all students especially those who didn’t study a practical subject for the Junior Certificate.

Work Experience is an integral part of Transition Year. Two weeks work experience with preparation before the work placement and follow up exercises after work takes place will be an important aspect of Transition Year. This will take place at the beginning of February.

• Junior Achievement Ireland courses
• UCC Computer Programming and BIS courses
• Tour of UCC
• Outdoor Pursuits
• Foreign Trip
• Field Trips
• Gaisce
• School Bank, Mini Company
• Buddy Programme
• Wheelchair Baskball
• Public Speaking,
• Careers exhibitions
• Guest Speakers
• CIT Exploring Technology course
• Junk Couture
• Faith Friends
• Driving Courses
• Law Course
• Personal Development Courses
• Self Defence
• Seachtain na Gaeilge
• Bootcamp, French Drama
• UCC BioChem course
• UCC Accounting courses,
• First Aid, Dancing
• GAA Coaching Courses
• Leadership courses
• Yoga, Charity Work
• Homework Club, Massage
• Road Safety exhibitions
• Percussion
• Italian
• Forensics
• Drama
• Venture activities
• Log On Learn
• Kick boxing
• Turas go dtí an Ghaeltacht and many more

Every care will be taken to keep costs to a minimum. Participation in all activities, outings and classes is compulsory. Students in Transition Year must take part in all events. A non-refundable deposit of Î100.00 will be required when offers of places are given. The remaining €150 will be payable in September 2016.

Students will be asked to apply for Transition Year