Transition Year at Hansfield ETSS Information Presentation 2018

What is Transition Year? Transition Year is: A one year school-based programme between Junior and Senior Cycle Designed to aid as a bridge between the two A move towards a more independent self- directed learning experience An opportunity to embrace new experiences and new challenges

Aims of Transition Year To experience a broad curriculum of subject options To develop new skills To avail of new opportunities To experience the world of work To improve on areas of academic weakness To give time to mature To give time to think about the future and potential career options

Benefits to Transition Year Space provided to grow and mature Students have many opportunities to practice team work skills, research skills , IT skills, project skills Students become  more self-directed learners through the development of general, technical and academic skills Students gain in maturity in relation to work and careers by developing work-related skills Opportunities to develop communication skills, self- confidence and a sense of responsibility

Benefits to Transition Year (cont’d) Social maturity developed with greater ‘people’ skills and more awareness of the world outside school. Sampling a wide range of subject areas helps students make more informed choices about the kind of Leaving Certificate programme they wish to follow at the end of the Transition Year. Broader range of skills and insights to deal more effectively with a Leaving Certificate programme and able to maximise their points.

Four Layers of a Transition Year Programme “The Onion” Ongoing TY curriculum evaluation Subject departments, teachers, students, external partners Calendar layer Evaluation of musical, work experience TY specific/modular layer Evaluation of Social Skills programme, Young Social Innovator, Enterprise Subject sampling layer Evaluation of French, German, Art & Heritage Core subject layer Evaluation of RE and Maths

Structure of Transition Year at Hansfield ETSS Short Modules Once off calendar Events/Workshops Core Subjects Long Modules

Core Subjects at Hansfield ETSS English and Irish Ethical Education Maths European and Foreign Language(s) Wellbeing (PE & Lifeskills) Computer Skills (ICT)

Modules 2018/19 (13 week rotational) Tourism Music Humanities Art Science Pet Care Enterprise Technology Horticulture DIY Film Studies Communications Event Management Food Studies Chinese Studies Journalism

Year-long Modules Work Experience ACTIVITIES Physical Pursuits ICT

Work Experience and Community Service Work Experience: One week placement - employers of choice (Student secures placement) Community Services: One week placement - local organisation e.g. Paired Reading Project/ Nursing home / Animal Shelters / Girl Guides Work Experience involves Daytime Business hours Work Experience is assessed via feedback calls and Diary – equivalent up to 50 credits of overall 600 credits for TY Student needs to write a Letter of Introduction – needs Insurance cover

Structure of Students’ Week Core subjects – 2/3 50min classes each week Work Experience – 2 Blocks of 1 week Modules–Short Taster Style (rotation basis 13 weeks e.g Horticulture / DIY e.g Food & Culinary Studies / Performing Arts Modules – Long Style 1 x 50min class a week e.g Humanities / Computers Plus Occasional Workshops

Once-off Calendar Events Certified First Aid Course (Day long course) Don’t Be Mean Behind Your Screen – Online Bullying Talk Career Options talk – ITB speaker Manuela Programme (6 week programme on Consent) Visit from editor of Headstuff, Alan Bennett (Journalism) Visit from Tidy Towns Ongar Representative Coffee Morning Halloween Disco for First Years

Trips/Excursions 2017/18 Trip to Art Exhibition in Draoicht, Blanchardstown TY Expo in Naas Co. Kildare Overnight trip to Carlingford Film Studies trip to IFI German class trip to IFI Art class ‘Graffiti Tour’ in city centre Tourism class trip to Crowne Plaza Maynooth Campus Tour DCU Campus Tour Cinema Trip to see ‘Wonder’ in Blanchardstown Overnight trip to Glendalough for Gaisce Science Exhibition in RDS

Highlights of the Year Carlingford Adventure Centre Gaisce Awards Chinese Studies Art Trip to City Centre Pet Care Module

Carlingford Adventure Centre

Pet Care

Chinese Studies

What is Gaisce? Gaisce is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland to all young people between 15 and 25 years Gaisce is an opportunity for you to find your passion, get active and make a difference in your community! In 2016 over 20,000 young people took part in Gaisce Gaisce is not a competition: the only person you are in competition with is yourself! Everyone is unique and has different talents Gaisce allows you to set your own personal challenge and then try to achieve that goal When we present the Gaisce Awards there are no first, second, or third places All who achieve the required goals receive the same award Gaisce is open to all, regardless of ability.

Why do Gaisce? Challenge yourself and grow your confidence Meet people, make friends and share new experiences Develop your interests and discover new opportunities Add your Gaisce Award to your CV Have fun! Gaisce is a great way of developing your confidence and leadership skills The Gaisce programme is all about encouraging you to dream big and realise your potential 79% of Gaisce participants felt that Gaisce improved their skills Above all else, Gaisce is fun! Give it a try, and I don’t think you’ll regret it

Gaisce Awards x 3 Minimum Age Minimum Time Commitment Bronze 15 years 26 Weeks Silver 16 years 52 weeks Gold 17 years 78 weeks

Gaisce Sections x 4 Personal Skill Community Involvement Adventure Journey Physical Recreation

Transition Year Assessment Credits for: Core Subjects Modules Long Modules Workshop reflections Work experience TY interview Portfolio of Achievement There is no state examination at the end of Transition Year. The different subjects will use a variety of assessment methods, including portfolio and project work, oral presentation, aural, oral, practical and written tests. At the end of Transition Year, students’ overall grade and certification will be based on a combination of their examination results, portfolio, research project and on-going assessment by their teachers. Students will be expected to display their portfolio, showcase their talents, celebrate their achievements and collect their certificates/awards at the end of Transition Year ( certificate folder will outline student’s attitude, work ethic and motivation) Certificates at Pass, Merit and Distinction level will be awarded to each student based on this assessment process.

Transition Year Portfolio 10 portfolio pieces selected from class work (projects, presentations, artwork, essays etc.) 3 tour/trip evaluations 3 guest speaker evaluations 3 event evaluations (e.g TY disco, Coffee morning) 3 module evaluations Work Experience Diary X 2 Photographic Diary An Gaisce – log sheet and evidence of personal skill completion

Award: Pass 40-60 Merit 60-80 Distinction 80-100 Assessment Weightings Subject Credits 40% Attendance and Punctuality 10% Work Experience Portfolio of Achievement 30% Interview Award: Pass 40-60 Merit 60-80 Distinction 80-100

Application & Selection Process Students complete and submit application form Students interviewed by a panel (TY Co-ordinator, Year Head, Deputy Principal/Principal) to assess suitability Teachers’ views sought to check if TY is suitable for applicants - student’s discipline records considered carefully When a decision is reached, parents and students will be informed by letter on outcome If more candidates apply than places available, the decision on whom to accept lies with Principal and TY Co- ordinator Parents and students may appeal a decision.

Approach Required from Students What a student gets out of Transition Year depends hugely on the attitude or approach they take to the programme and what they put into it. “ You reap what you sow” Be open-minded Have a positive attitude Have-a –go Respect others