TRANSITION YEAR
PROGRAMME
COLÁISTE CHOILM
SWORDS
OVERVIEW
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Introduction
Core Subjects
Multiple Extra Curricular Activities
Community Action
Work Experience
Application process
Conclusion
Introduction
Transition Year in Colàiste Choilm is a year where
pupils are offered a broad educational experience
with a view to attaining increased maturity and
independence. Pupils participate in learning
strategies which are active and experiential and
which help them to develop a range of transferable
critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
Throughout the course there is an emphasis on
both the Leaving Cert curriculum and influence
from outside ‘real life’ situations.
Introduction ctd..
The Department of Education guidelines state
that the course should not be wholly
academic/curriculum based but should
promote “general, technical and academic skills
with an emphasis on interdisciplinary and selfdirected learning” (D.E.S. guidelines) . In
planning each year, T.Y. teachers are mindful
of this and together they devise a course
suitable to the D.E.S. and our students as well
as broadening the capabilities and limits of each
subject.
SUBJECTS CTD…
Choice of Subjects at
present:
 Irish
 English
 Maths
 Sciences
 Languages
 History
 Geography
 Art
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M.T.W.(Materials/
Technology/Woodwork)
Business Studies
Journalism
Religion
Careers
Media Studies
P.E.
S.P.H.E.
Health and Safety
Extra Curricular Activities
Extra Curricular Activities are a core element of T.Y. Each
year there are standard E.C.A.’s arranged in advance, as part
of the course structure. As we get to know the students and they
begin to voice their opinion, other activities may be organised.
The following activities are typical of any year:
* Two nights Induction in Carlingford Outdoor Adventure Centre
* Science Trip
* Irish Aid
* Art Trip
* Trip to the Criminal Courts and Mock Trials
* Circus Skills
* Careers Workshops/Mock Interview/Fujitsu Speed Networking
* Mental Health Awareness Programme
Activities ctd…
* Alcohol Awareness Programme
* Running Module in conjunction with Junior students
* 8 week course in Self Defence
* 4 week course in FAI Coaching training
* Media Studies Trips
* Sports For Success
* Forest Schools Training Programme
* Driving Theory Test Preparation/Driving Skills
* Order of Malta First Aid Training Course
* Memory Skills and Mindmapping Workshop
* Gaisce Programme
* Junior Achievement Ireland Programme
* Blue Shield Anti-bullying Programme
* Architects in Schools Programme
* 5k run for Pieta House…..PLUS MUCH MORE
Community Action
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In line with standard T.Y. Programmes and in keeping with the
school’s Edmund Rice Schools Trust ethos, all our T.Y. students
undertake Community Action where they offer assistance in a
community based programme, e.g. local charities, local voluntary
organisations, caring for the elderly, caring for the homeless etc.
This takes place on each Friday for two terms.
Each student is responsible for their own C.A. placement. They
are encouraged to research local needs and manage all aspects of
their own placement.
Report is received back from each placement
Communication skills/Organisation skills/Awareness of those less
fortunate/Awareness of life in the voluntary sector
Work Experience
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Careers Module - Research into areas of suitability to each student’s
interests/capabilities
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This takes place on each Friday of three terms
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C.V. preparation/ Application Forms/ Conversation Etiquette
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Each student is responsible for their own application process
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All employers report back on students performance and suitability
Application Process
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Research into Transition Year Programme
Application forms submitted by March 20th 2015
Individual Interview before Easter holidays
24 places on offer in Coláiste Choilm
Course fee : €350 plus €120 for the Carlingford trip as
follows:
€ 100 payable on acceptance of place –April
€ 120 payable in September for Carlingford
€ 125 payable before Oct midterm
€ 125 payable before Christmas
Direct debit option available through the office
Conclusion
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Transition Year in Coláiste Choilm will be the perfect
choice for one student, it may be a poor choice for
another. The decision to take part in T.Y. should be
based on all you have read and heard and on discussion
about its merits versus advancing into 5th yr. It is a
commitment to step outside the norm of education and
to embrace new things, remembering all the while that
what you gain from it depends on what you put in.
Mary O’ Keeffe
(T.Y. Coordinator and Year-head)