The Transition Year Programme is a unique one year programme that promotes the personal, social, vocational and educational development of students and prepares them for their role as autonomous, participative and responsible members of society (Transition Year Guidelines, 1994, Department of Education). TY provides a bridge to enable students to make the transition from the more dependent type of learning associated with the Junior Cycle to the more independent learning environment associated with Senior Cycle. It encourages the development of a wide range of transferable critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
Transition Year is designed to cater for the students’ personal and social development with particular emphasis on increasing maturity and self-confidence. It offers an opportunity, between Junior and Senior Cycle studies, to develop a more self-directed approach to work and study; some orientation towards the world of work; and experience of personal commitment to those considered more vulnerable in society; and to help students take responsibility for their own learning and decision-making.
Our desire is that students at the end of Transition Year would have grown in greater maturity and confidence, as well as a greater appreciation of themselves, others and the world in which they live.
What subjects are studied in Transition Year?
As part of the Transition Year Programme in the Abbey Vocational School students study the following modules throughout the year:
Irish, English, Theatre and Stage Studies, Maths, Woodwork, Business & Enterprise, Computer Studies, Geography, Arts & Craft, Physical Education, Video Production, Modern Languages, World of Science, Hotel, and Catering, Personal Development, Career Guidance, Environmental & Soc. Studies, Music, History, Active Leisure studies, Jewellery Design, Cultural studies, and Architecture.
As well as formal academic studies, TY involves work experience, personal skill development, community outreach, foreign educational trips, outdoor education trips, cultural experiences, visits by guest speakers, a variety of workshops and the opportunity to achieve national recognised certification eg, sports coaching and leadership programme. Work experience is also a very important part of TY.
Transition Year Core team
Mr. C Hegarty (TY Co-ordinator), Ms. P Rooney, Ms. L Kelly, Mrs. E O’Mahoney, Mr S Mc Fadden Ms L O Donnell