THE TRANSITION YEAR
PROGRAMME
Parents’ Overview
2013-2014
TRANSITION YEAR
INTRODUCED IN 1973
MAINSTREAMED IN 1994
APROX. 75% OF ALL POST PRIMARY
SCHOOLS OFFER THIS PROGRAMME
CERTIFIED by Dept.of Education and
Science in 2000
SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
TRANSITION YEAR
Transition Year is a one year school
based programme between Junior and
Senior Cycle.
It is designed to act as a bridge
between the two by facilitating the
smooth transition from the more
dependent learning of the Junior Cycle
to the more independent self-directed
learning required for the Senior Cycle.
SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
TRANSITION YEAR
Mission Statement of Transition Year
“To promote the personal, social,
vocational, and educational
development of students and to
prepare them for their role as
autonomous and participative
members of society”
(Dept of Education , Transition Year Guidelines 1994/1995 )
SLSS / , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
AIMS of Transition Year
Education for
MATURITY
with emphasis on
social awareness
& increased social
competence
Education through
experience of ADULT
& WORKING LIFE
as a basis for personal
development &
maturity
Promotion of general,
technical and academic
SKILLS with an
emphasis on
interdisciplinary and
self-directed learning
SLSS / , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
Transition Year Rationale
To provide a learning
structure which promotes
maturity
To develop a wide range of
cognitive and emotional skills
To be learning led rather
than exam driven
To ensure breadth and
balance in the curriculum
To provide experiential
learning
To challenge students in all
areas of development
To facilitate interdisciplinary
and cross-curricular links
To develop life skills
To learn through networking
with other schools and social
agencies
To encourage variety in
teaching and learning styles
To enable students to become
independent, self-directed and
self-regulated learners
To encourage a more
professional use of assessment
To promote compensatory and
remediatory education.
To co-operate with all
educational partners in
providing a broad and
enriching experience.
SLSS / , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory
in T.Y.
• Bodily-Kinesthetic –Sport, Body Language, Craft, Drama, Touch
• Logical/ Mathematical – Maths, Science, Debating, Analysis
• Linguistic – Languages, Oral Presentations, Writing , Poetry , Novels
• Visual/Spatial – Graphics, Maps, Design, Art, 3-D imagery, Collage
• Musical – Musical, Learn/play instrument, Write Lyrics, Languages
• Interpersonal – Teamwork, Group projects, Lead, Mediate , Share
• Intrapersonal- Reflection, Individual goals , Self directed learning
• Naturalist – Environment, flora, fauna, animals, collections, series.
SLSS / D. Hickey, Loreto College, St.
Stephen's Green.
Planning and Timetabling
Transition Year …….
LEARNING LED not EXAM DRIVEN
SCHOOL BASED –UNIQUE TO EACH SCHOOL
STUDENT FOCUSED
TEACHERS’ EXPERTISE IS USED
INDIVIDUAL SYLLABII WRITTEN
VARIED TEACHING & LEARNING
VARIED MODES/TECHNIQUES OF ASSESSMENT
SLSS / , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
TRANSITION YEAR
Why do Transition Year?
 Time to mature and develop
 Space to reflect and plan
 Develop new competencies
 Preparation for challenges that lie
ahead
SLSS / , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
Benefits Associated with Completion of TY
Leaving Certificate :
• More Informed on Subject Choice
•
• Independent self-directed learning
• Assessment (AFL)/Self assessment
• CAO choices/Course requirements
SLSS / , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
Benefits Associated with Completion of TY
Third Level :
• Self management skills
• Time management skills
• Study skills –independent self-directed
• Group/Project work/Research skills
• I.C.T. skills
SLSS / , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
Benefits Associated with Completion of TY
Adult and Working life :
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Self esteem/awareness/assertiveness
Relationships
Teamwork Skills
Maturity/critical judgement
Careers/Work experience/Work simulation
Interviews – C.V.,
Social/Personal/Health Education
SLSS / Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
Issues for Transition Year
Recent Research
NCCA Longitudinal Study
Report of Commission on
Points System
Skills Initiative Unit
Report
NCCA – Senior Cycle
Consultative Paper
ESRI Evaluation 2003
ESRI Assessment of the TYP
2004
NUI Maynooth 2007 Report to
DES – “Attitudes to Transition
Year”
‘War on Attrition’ –HEA
Types of issues
investigated
Impact on LC performance
Enhanced capacity of TY
students to ‘navigate’
Personal / Ed./ Voc. benefits
of TY
SLSS / , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
NCCA LONGITUDINAL STUDY
RESULTS OF STUDENTS WHO SAT LCE IN ‘96
COMPARED WITH THOSE OF ‘97
TY STUDENTS DO BETTER BY AN AVERAGE OF 26
POINTS
REPEAT STUDENTS ONLY GAIN BY AN AVERAGE OF
5 POINTS
TY CANDIDATES LIKELY TO BE MORE
‘EDUCATIONALLY ADVENTURUS’
SLSS / D. Hickey, Loreto College, St.
Stephen's Green.
ESRI Assessment of TYP 2004
•On average, students who took part in TY
achieved higher Leaving Certificate exam grades
and were more likely to go on to higher education
than non-participants, all else being equal.
•Transition Year is found to have definite academic
benefits for students and is thought by the
majority of principals nationally to have a positive
impact on student development.
SLSS / , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
Attitudes to TY –
NUIM 2007 Report to DES
Perceptions of Outcomes of T.Y. :
•Students more mature as result of TY experience
•Promotes young people’s confidence
•Improves bond between classmates
•Facilitates better relationship between students and
teachers
•Opportunities to explore adult & working life seen as
distinct benefits
•Teachers indicate that TY has positive impact on
school climate
SLSS / , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
Attitudes to TY –
NUIM 2007 Report to DES
Young people enthusiastic about the
programme
They highlight TY activities that involve
learning beyond conventional classrooms
They value classes in which their opinions are
sought and listened to
5th & 6th Yr students spoke about TY in terms
of personal freedom and becoming
responsible for their own learning
SLSS / , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
Attitudes to TY –
NUIM 2007 Report to DES
•Parents highlighted variety of learning situations as
valuable opportunities that enabled their children to
relate to each other & to their teachers in more varied
way
•Teachers indicated most important external factors for
TY’s success are:
Work experience opportunities
Engagement with local community
Involvement and support of parents
SLSS / , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
THE TRANSITION YEAR
PROGRAMME 2013-2014
Loreto College
St. Stephen’s Green
PEELING THE LAYERS OF A
TY PROGRAMME
SLSS , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
Core Subject Layer
 English (4 periods per week)
 Irish
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(3 periods per week)
Mathematics (4 periods per week)
Religious Education (2 periods per week)
Careers – Vocational & Personal Guidance (1)
French/Spanish/German (3 periods per week)
Science (3 periods per week)
P.E. (2 periods per week)
SLSS / , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
Subject Sampling Layer
 Home Economics (Cookery for Today)
 Art
 Commerce – Business, Accounting &
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Economics
History
Geography
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
SLSS / Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
T.Y. Specific Module & Subject Layer
 Information Technology – e portfolio,
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students build their own websites
Choir or Drama
Relationships & Sexuality Education
Aerobics
Chinese Language and Cultural Studies
Mind Gym (helpful for Project Maths)
International Relations
SLSS / , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
Set Module (as anticipated for 2013/14): a
double period per week)
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Italian For Fun – 16 places

Horticulture – 18 places
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Young Environmentalist Award – 12 places

Mini Company – 12 places

City Quay student teaching/learning initiative – 8
places
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Social and Political Studies: Northern Ireland – 16
places (Incorporating Glenlola Collegiate exchange)

Craft – 18 places
SLSS / , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
METHODOLOGIES
Active & learner-focused
Teacher as facilitator
Collaborative learning encouraged
Group work / Pair work
Role-play /simulations
Project work /Fieldwork
Out-of-school activities
Visiting speaker
Practical work
SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
Calendar – ‘Once Off’ Layer
Placements:

Work Experience Placement
Monday 14th October – Friday 25th October 2013

Community Work Placement
Monday 3rd February – Friday 14th February 2014
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Designated period for Language Exchanges:
Monday 14th March – Friday 28th April 2014 incl.
Additional Work Experience or Community Work Placement – 26th - 30st May 2014
SLSS / , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
Work Experience
In the last term the 3rd years will
receive instruction and guidance from
the Careers Guidance Teacher Ms
Hynes, on how to approach companies,
letter writing etc
The Chaplain Ms Fitzpatrick will also
address the girls about Community Care
Placements.
What is Community Care?
Experience in any of the community care
services is a relevant element in the
preparation for adult life. Services such as
those concerned with social and economic
disadvantage; physical, sensory and mental
disabilities; and for special groups such as
children, the chronically ill and the aged are
most appropriate for this placement.
SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
Calendar – ‘Once Off’ Layer
Lectures/Workshops:
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Accord – Relationships Workshop
Adventure Centre (2 nights)
Aromatherapy Workshop
Visit to Cloughjordan Cookery School
Dance (Contemporary) Workshop
Fire Safety Workshop
First Aid Workshop
Health Matters – Nutrition; Mental Health;
Physical Well-being & Fitness; substance
abuse prevention.
SLSS / , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
Calendar – ‘Once Off’ Layer
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Martial Arts
Public Access to Law – Visit to Central Criminal Court
Road Safety Awareness – Gardai
Samba Music Workshops
Skiing lessons (4)
Skincare & Hygiene Workshop
Songschool – Students write and produce music
Visits to Museums & Art Galleries; chocolate factory
Conservation module – Dublin Zoo
Retreat – Reflection towards end of year
Photography workshop/ Film making
SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
T.Y. Competitions & Projects
include:
Debating Competitions
Gaisce President’s award - Bronze
Model United Nations
Young Scientists’ Exhibition/ Scifest
Young Environmentalist Awards/Mini
Company
 Marketing Institute of Ireland - Step into
Marketing
 Subject related competitions/projects – e.g
Junk Kuture Fashion
Competition
SLSS / D. Hickey, Loreto College, St.
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Stephen's Green.
ASSESSMENT
‘Assessment should be an integral part of
the learning process in Transition Year
not separate from it’ (D.E.S.Guidelines)
Portfolio assessment
Oral/Aural assessment
Project work
Self-assessment
Peer-assessment
Written/Practical Class tests
SLSS / , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
Homework & Assessment in T.Y.
Homework:
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Aural / Oral / Written
Project
Research
Reading:
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Additional reading requirement – read and review 8 books – 6 in
English, one Irish and one foreign language
Assessment:
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Assignments
Examination (Oral / Written)
Port Folio
Interview & Presentation
SLSS / , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
EVALUATION
ENCOURAGED AS A REGULAR FEATURE
External –
INSPECTORATE / Dept. of Education and
Skills
Internal –
SCHOOL – WHOLE STAFF
TRANSITION YEAR TEACHING TEAM
TRANSITION YEAR CORE TEAM
INDIVIDUAL SUBJECT TEACHER
STUDENTS
PARENTS
PLACEMENT PROVIDERS
SLSS / , Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
Certification
• DES Certificate
• BT Young Scientists’ Competition
• First Aid Certificate
• Gaisce Bronze Medal Award
• Model United Nations
• IMRO Certificate - Songschool
• Mini-Company/Young Environmentalist
SLSS / D. Hickey, Loreto College, St.
Stephen's Green.
Parents – How can you help?
Understand importance of school attendance –
it is vital for overall success of the programme
Encourage your daughter to avail of the learning
opportunities provided
Show interest in her projects & activities – question
Read and sign her school journal on a weekly basis
Endeavour to adhere to school recommendations re
times for language exchange programmes, work
experience etc.
Share with us your skills and ideas
Read materials provided - TY Programme; TY section
on website; correspondence sent home etc.
SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.
TRANSITION YEAR
Transition Year Motto
“You will get back from T.Y. what you put
into it.”
Be Active! Be Involved!
SLSS / Loreto College, St. Stephen's
Green.