The Transition Year is a one-year programme that forms the first year of a three-year senior cycle. It is designed to act as a bridge between the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate programmes. Each school designs its own Transition Year programme, within set guidelines, to suit the needs and interests of its students.
Transition Year offers learners an opportunity to mature and develop without the pressure of an examination. It also provides an opportunity for learners to reflect on, and develop an appreciation of, the value of learning in preparing them for the ever-changing demands of the adult world of work, further and higher education and relationships.
There is no state examination at the end of Transition Year. Assessment is usually carried out on an ongoing basis and can include school-based assessment of projects or portfolios, oral, aural, practical and written activities. – NCCA
Sandymount Park ETSS’s Transition Year (TY) Programme is grounded in the interconnected principles of excellence in teaching and learning, positive relationships and student voice which are central to all aspects of school life. Our TY programme is divided into eight strands: Health, Language, STEM, Aesthetics, Humanities, Enterprise, the World of Work and Communication, with a unifying theme of personal growth and development through opportunity and challenge.
It is essential that Transition Year Programmes offer a challenge to pupils in all areas of their development and our aims are to empower students with opportunities:
(Statistics from Education by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)
Transition year can give students opportunities to:
Transition Year is a fantastic opportunity for students to develop several personal, social, and academic skills to prepare them for their future. In all areas of Transition Year, we strive to encourage, promote and uphold our 4 featured values – Fun, Friendship, Freedom and Future. Tailoring this programme to meet the needs of our students is a priority for us. Student participation and engagement enhances their experience and allows them to gain the most from every opportunity this year provides.
There is plenty of work to be done along with a lot fun to be had!
Susan Flynn
TY Coordinator
Transition Year Subjects 2024-2025
Core Subjects
Modules
Options
Other Learning Experiences
Work Experience
Work experience is seen as a key part of Transition Year in Sandymount Park ETSS. Students are encouraged to source their own work and therefore must take responsibility for this. The summer holiday after their Junior Certificate examinations is an ideal time to start securing placements as there is a lot of demand for various job opportunities.
Aims of Transition Year Work Experience Programme
Dates of Transition Year Work Experience Placements 2024-2025
Week 1: Monday 18th November – Friday 22nd November
Week 2: Monday 10th February – Friday 14th February
Week 3: Monday 12th May – Friday 16th May
Student progress to be monitored by Transition Year Coordinator, Susan, through contact with employers and/or visits to places of work where appropriate.
Transition Year Work Placements Selection
Flexible Learning Opportunities secured for Transition Year students