THE TRANSITION YEAR PROGRAMME Parents’ Overview

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. TRANSITION YEAR INTRODUCED IN 1973 MAINSTREAMED IN 1994 APROX. 75% OF ALL POST PRIMARY SCHOOLS OFFER THIS PROGRAMME CERTIFIED by Dept.of Education and Science in 2000

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. TRANSITION YEAR Transition Year is a one year school based programme between Junior and Senior Cycle. It is designed to act as a bridge between the two by facilitating the smooth transition from the more dependent learning of the Junior Cycle to the more independent self-directed learning required for the Senior Cycle.

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. TRANSITION YEAR Mission Statement of Transition Year “ To promote the personal, social, vocational, and educational development of students and to prepare them for their role as autonomous and participative members of society” (Dept of Education, Transition Year Guidelines 1994/1995 )

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. AIMS of Transition Year Education for MATURITY with emphasis on social awareness & increased social competence Education through experience of ADULT & WORKING LIFE as a basis for personal development & maturity Promotion of general, technical and academic SKILLS with an emphasis on interdisciplinary and self-directed learning

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Transition Year Rationale To provide a learning structure which promotes maturity To develop a wide range of cognitive and emotional skills To be learning led rather than exam driven To ensure breadth and balance in the curriculum To provide experiential learning To challenge students in all areas of development To facilitate interdisciplinary and cross-curricular links To develop life skills To learn through networking with other schools and social agencies To encourage variety in teaching and learning styles To enable students to become independent, self-directed and self-regulated learners To encourage a more professional use of assessment To promote compensatory and remediatory education. To co-operate with all educational partners in providing a broad and enriching experience.

SLSS / D. Hickey, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory in T.Y. Bodily-Kinesthetic – Sport, Body Language, Craft, Drama, Touch Logical/ Mathematical – Maths, Science, Debating, Analysis Linguistic – Languages, Oral Presentations, Writing, Poetry, Novels Visual/Spatial – Graphics, Maps, Design, Art, 3-D imagery, Collage Musical – Musical, Learn/play instrument, Write Lyrics, Languages Interpersonal – Teamwork, Group projects, Lead, Mediate, Share Intrapersonal- Reflection, Individual goals, Self directed learning Naturalist – Environment, flora, fauna, animals, collections, series.

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Planning and Timetabling Transition Year ……. LEARNING LED not EXAM DRIVEN SCHOOL BASED –UNIQUE TO EACH SCHOOL STUDENT FOCUSED TEACHERS’ EXPERTISE IS USED INDIVIDUAL SYLLABII WRITTEN VARIED TEACHING & LEARNING VARIED MODES/TECHNIQUES OF ASSESSMENT

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. TRANSITION YEAR Why do Transition Year?  Time to mature and develop  Space to reflect and plan  Develop new competencies  Preparation for challenges that lie ahead

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Leaving Certificate : More Informed on Subject Choice Independent self-directed learning Assessment (AFL)/Self assessment CAO choices/Course requirements Benefits Associated with Completion of TY

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Third Level : Self management skills Time management skills Study skills –independent self-directed Group/Project work/Research skills I.C.T. skills Benefits Associated with Completion of TY

SLSS / Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Benefits Associated with Completion of TY Adult and Working life : Self esteem/awareness/assertiveness Relationships Teamwork Skills Maturity/critical judgement Careers/Work experience/Work simulation Interviews – C.V., Social/Personal/Health Education

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Issues for Transition Year Recent Research NCCA Longitudinal Study Report of Commission on Points System Skills Initiative Unit Report NCCA – Senior Cycle Consultative Paper ESRI Evaluation 2003 ESRI Assessment of the TYP 2004 NUI Maynooth 2007 Report to DES – “Attitudes to Transition Year” ‘War on Attrition’ –HEA Types of issues investigated Impact on LC performance Enhanced capacity of TY students to ‘navigate’ Personal / Ed./ Voc. benefits of TY

SLSS / D. Hickey, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. NCCA LONGITUDINAL STUDY RESULTS OF STUDENTS WHO SAT LCE IN ‘96 COMPARED WITH THOSE OF ‘97 TY STUDENTS DO BETTER BY AN AVERAGE OF 26 POINTS REPEAT STUDENTS ONLY GAIN BY AN AVERAGE OF 5 POINTS TY CANDIDATES LIKELY TO BE MORE ‘EDUCATIONALLY ADVENTURUS’

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. ESRI Assessment of TYP 2004 On average, students who took part in TY achieved higher Leaving Certificate exam grades and were more likely to go on to higher education than non-participants, all else being equal. Transition Year is found to have definite academic benefits for students and is thought by the majority of principals nationally to have a positive impact on student development.

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Attitudes to TY – NUIM 2007 Report to DES Perceptions of Outcomes of T.Y. : Students more mature as result of TY experience Promotes young people’s confidence Improves bond between classmates Facilitates better relationship between students and teachers Opportunities to explore adult & working life seen as distinct benefits Teachers indicate that TY has positive impact on school climate

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Young people enthusiastic about the programme They highlight TY activities that involve learning beyond conventional classrooms They value classes in which their opinions are sought and listened to 5 th & 6 th Yr students spoke about TY in terms of personal freedom and becoming responsible for their own learning Attitudes to TY – NUIM 2007 Report to DES

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Parents highlighted variety of learning situations as valuable opportunities that enabled their children to relate to each other & to their teachers in more varied way Teachers indicated most important external factors for TY’s success are: Work experience opportunities Engagement with local community Involvement and support of parents Attitudes to TY – NUIM 2007 Report to DES

THE TRANSITION YEAR PROGRAMME Loreto College St. Stephen’s Green

SLSS, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. PEELING THE LAYERS OF A TY PROGRAMME

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Core Subject Layer  English (4 periods per week)  Irish (3 periods per week)  Mathematics (4 periods per week)  Religious Education (2 periods per week)  Careers – Vocational & Personal Guidance (1)  French/Spanish/German (3 periods per week)  Science (3 periods per week)  P.E. (2 periods per week)

SLSS / Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Subject Sampling Layer  Home Economics (Cookery for Today)  Art  Commerce – Business, Accounting & Economics  History  Geography  Biology  Chemistry  Physics

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. T.Y. Specific Module & Subject Layer  Information Technology – e portfolio, students build their own websites  Choir or Drama  Relationships & Sexuality Education  Aerobics  Chinese Language and Cultural Studies  Mind Gym (helpful for Project Maths)  International Relations

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Set Module (as anticipated for 2013/14): a double period per week)  Italian For Fun – 16 places  Horticulture – 18 places  Young Environmentalist Award – 12 places  Mini Company – 12 places  City Quay student teaching/learning initiative – 8 places  Social and Political Studies: Northern Ireland – 16 places (Incorporating Glenlola Collegiate exchange)  Craft – 18 places

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. METHODOLOGIES Active & learner-focused Teacher as facilitator Collaborative learning encouraged Group work / Pair work Role-play /simulations Project work /Fieldwork Out-of-school activities Visiting speaker Practical work

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Calendar – ‘Once Off’ Layer Placements:  Work Experience Placement Monday 14 th October – Friday 25 th October 2013  Community Work Placement Monday 3rd February – Friday 14 th February 2014  Designated period for Language Exchanges: Monday 14 th March – Friday 28 th April 2014 incl. Additional Work Experience or Community Work Placement – 26th - 30 st May 2014

Work Experience In the last term the 3 rd years will receive instruction and guidance from the Careers Guidance Teacher Ms Hynes, on how to approach companies, letter writing etc The Chaplain Ms Fitzpatrick will also address the girls about Community Care Placements.

What is Community Care? Experience in any of the community care services is a relevant element in the preparation for adult life. Services such as those concerned with social and economic disadvantage; physical, sensory and mental disabilities; and for special groups such as children, the chronically ill and the aged are most appropriate for this placement. SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

Calendar – ‘Once Off’ Layer Lectures/Workshops:  Accord – Relationships Workshop  Adventure Centre (2 nights)  Aromatherapy Workshop  Visit to Cloughjordan Cookery School  Dance (Contemporary) Workshop  Fire Safety Workshop  First Aid Workshop  Health Matters – Nutrition; Mental Health; Physical Well-being & Fitness; substance abuse prevention.

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Calendar – ‘Once Off’ Layer  Martial Arts  Public Access to Law – Visit to Central Criminal Court  Road Safety Awareness – Gardai  Samba Music Workshops  Skiing lessons (4)  Skincare & Hygiene Workshop  Songschool – Students write and produce music  Visits to Museums & Art Galleries; chocolate factory  Conservation module – Dublin Zoo  Retreat – Reflection towards end of year  Photography workshop/ Film making

SLSS / D. Hickey, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. T.Y. Competitions & Projects include:  Debating Competitions  Gaisce President’s award - Bronze  Model United Nations  Young Scientists’ Exhibition/ Scifest  Young Environmentalist Awards/Mini Company  Marketing Institute of Ireland - Step into Marketing  Subject related competitions/projects – e.g Junk Kuture Fashion Competition

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. ASSESSMENT ‘Assessment should be an integral part of the learning process in Transition Year not separate from it’ (D.E.S.Guidelines) Portfolio assessment Oral/Aural assessment Project work Self-assessment Peer-assessment Written/Practical Class tests

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Homework & Assessment in T.Y. Homework:  Aural / Oral / Written  Project  Research Reading:  Additional reading requirement – read and review 8 books – 6 in English, one Irish and one foreign language Assessment:  Assignments  Examination (Oral / Written)  Port Folio  Interview & Presentation

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. EVALUATION ENCOURAGED AS A REGULAR FEATURE External – INSPECTORATE / Dept. of Education and Skills Internal – SCHOOL – WHOLE STAFF TRANSITION YEAR TEACHING TEAM TRANSITION YEAR CORE TEAM INDIVIDUAL SUBJECT TEACHER STUDENTS PARENTS PLACEMENT PROVIDERS

SLSS / D. Hickey, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Certification DES Certificate BT Young Scientists’ Competition First Aid Certificate Gaisce Bronze Medal Award Model United Nations IMRO Certificate - Songschool Mini-Company/Young Environmentalist

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Parents – How can you help? Understand importance of school attendance – it is vital for overall success of the programme Encourage your daughter to avail of the learning opportunities provided Show interest in her projects & activities – question Read and sign her school journal on a weekly basis Endeavour to adhere to school recommendations re times for language exchange programmes, work experience etc. Share with us your skills and ideas Read materials provided - TY Programme; TY section on website; correspondence sent home etc.

SLSS / Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. TRANSITION YEAR Transition Year Motto “You will get back from T.Y. what you put into it.” Be Active! Be Involved!