TRANSITION YEAR PROGRAMME COLÁISTE CHOILM SWORDS

OVERVIEW 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 self- directed 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 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 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 Careers Module - Research into areas of suitability to each student’s interests/capabilities This takes place on each Friday of three terms C.V. preparation/ Application Forms/ Conversation Etiquette Each student is responsible for their own application process All employers report back on students performance and suitability

Application Process Research into Transition Year Programme Application forms submitted by March 20 th 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 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 5 th 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 )