1. Transition Year Programme 2019 - 2020
Holy Child Killiney
Transition Year Programme

2. Aims of TY To promote personal development and maturity
To develop independent learning and academic ability
It acts as a bridge between the dependent learning of JC and the more independent learning of the LC and 3rd Level
To gain new life skills and experiences

3. Evidence has shown…. Higher grade average in Leaving Cert
More likely to retain Higher Level in subjects
Increased entry into 3rd Level
Broader range of courses in 3rd Level
More self-reliant learners

4. Irish Second-Level Students’ Union
Study done by the
Dept. Education & Skills
and the
Irish Second-Level Students’ Union
Published May 2014

5. Students become more mature TY promotes young people’s confidence
It improves the bond between classmates and the year group as a whole
TY facilitates better relationships between students and teachers
Become more assertive in making their own informed decisions
Bond with classmates – group work, shared learning, musical

6. 3rd Level & Adult/Working Life
Self esteem and maturity
Relationships
Teamwork - group/project work
Self-management skills
Time-management skills
Study/research skills: independent self-directed
Careers/Work experience
Interviews – C.V., Portfolio
IT skills

7. Methodologies used in TY that help to achieve all of this….

8. Active & learner-focused
Practical work with teacher as facilitator
Collaborative and independent learning encouraged
Group work / Pair work
Role-play /Simulations
Project work /Fieldwork
Out-of-school activities and trips
Visiting speakers

9. What format does TY take?
3 timetable rotations during the year
All of the girls get a chance to sample a huge variety of subjects

10. Subject Sampling Layer Calendar Layer
There are 4 categories:
Core Subjects
TY Specific
Subject Sampling Layer
Calendar Layer
SPHE: Mental Health, RSE and Life Skills

11. These subjects continue all year
1. Core Subjects
These subjects continue all year
English
Irish
Maths
French/Spanish
Religion PE
Microsoft Online Specialist
RSE
Conference/Wellbeing

12. 2. TY Specific Musical – TBC Physical Pursuits First Aid
Science Club / Coding
Log on, Learn / Pottery
Driver Ed.
Meals on Wheels / Cookery
Cultural Activities
Junk Kouture/Mini Company/GCSE PE
Conference – form teachers; guest speakers;

15. Economics/ Accounting STEM History & Politics Geography
3. Subject Sampling Layer These subjects help when choosing subjects for the Leaving Cert.
Biology
Music
Physics
Classical Studies
Chemistry
Chinese
Business
Art
Economics/ Accounting
STEM
History & Politics
Geography

16. 4. Calendar Layer Work Experience – 2 weeks Community Care – 1 week
Significant Learning Days
Work Experience Preparation, Self Defence, W5 & Titanic Experience, HE Day, Criminal Courts, Subject Specific …
Retreat – Dromantine
Gaisce Hike
Trips abroad:
US Exchange
China
Cultural trip (tbc)
French Exchange
Spain…..
Conference – form teachers; guest speakers;

17. Assessment in TY
“Assessment should be an integral part of the learning process in Transition Year not separate from it ” DoES Guidelines
Folder of Excellence (assessed throughout the year)
Oral/aural assessments
Regular feedback from teachers
Project work/assignments – written and/or practical
Self and peer-assessment
Written report on Work Experience/Community Care
Behaviour Tab on VSware
Credit System
Reports home
Parent/Teacher meeting

18. Opportunities for Certification
DoES Certificate
School Certificate – based on credit system
GCSE PE
Microsoft Online Specialist
First Aid
Level One Self Defence
Gaisce
Driver Ed.
Coding
Specific things they engage in…China, JP 11 – up to girls

19. Work Experience & Community Care

20. The girls must complete:
2 weeks of Work Experience
1 week of Community Care
Designated dates:
11 – 15 November
10 – 14 February
April

21. Work Experience Get a sample of what working life is like.
These valuable experiences have been shown to be very influential in the choices students make at the beginning of their career path.

22. 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 & mental disabilities
Special groups such as children, the chronically ill, people convalescing, the elderly…

23. Your daughter:
Choose which activity they will do for each of the designated weeks (must be 2 w/e + 1 c/c)
Source the placements for work experience and for community care

24. The TY Team:
Writes to the placement, giving insurance details, assessment forms, etc.
Evaluates the written assessment received from placements
Evaluates the placement and experience with the girls

25. Garda Vetting:
Garda Vetting needs to be done for any student over 16 who is working with children or with vulnerable adults (e.g. in a nursing home)
Parents (and those over 16) hosting girls on U.S./French Exchange must also be Garda Vetted
Forms available from the school
Takes a number of weeks to process the forms – make sure to apply in time!

26. Work Experience S.L. Day in September Work Experience – 2 weeks
Career Guidance in TY
Work Experience S.L. Day in September
Work Experience – 2 weeks
Guest Speakers
Aptitude testing
Subject choice preparation
Subject fairs
Information night
Preference form
1-to-1 meetings with Ms Foody – request form in journal
Cv writing, interview
Swopping of parents

27. Challenge areas are:
Community Involvement 13 weeks
Personal Skill weeks
Physical Recreation weeks
One of 1-3 above for an extra 13 weeks
Adventure Journey Sept 20th/21st Plan, prepare and undertake a 2 day, 1 night adventure journey in a group covering a minimum total distance of walking 25 – 35 km or cycling 100 – km over 2 consecutive days

28. Extra Work Experience/Term out of School
Work Experience and Language Studies are, of course, of great importance to the girls’ development.
However, we expect that these activities are organised within the calendar as set out by the school, and we expect the girls to be present in school when they are timetabled for classes.
Work Experience should be only completed within the three weeks that are allocated for such.
Trips abroad should only be completed during school breaks/holidays. (ideally in June / during the Summer)
** Not to be done in 1st Rotation or at time of Musical **

29. Musical - TBC
Dates of the Musical are: Tuesday 28th – Thursday 30th January
Students are expected to be present for rehearsals – if not, they may lose their role
Parents advertising or sourcing advertisements is really important
Not fair to other students
Unforeseen circumstances can be catered for, but communication is essential
Ms McCann to source costumes

30. Evaluation of TY External - The Inspectorate Internal - Students
Parents
Subject Teachers
Core Team Self-Assessment

31. TY is the Year to achieve new things Setting goals is essential
Some Reflections on TY
TY is the Year to achieve new things
Setting goals is essential

32. What can parents do to help?
Understand importance of school attendance – it is vital for overall success of the programme
Don’t believe it when “everyone else is going home”, “we have free classes all afternoon”, “there’s nothing on”….
There is no such thing as a free class!!
Encourage your daughter to avail of the learning opportunities provided
Show interest in her projects & activities – question
Please adhere to school recommendations re times for language exchange programmes, work experience, etc.
Share with us your skills and ideas
Volunteer….

34. What else is in your pack…
Cost of Transition Year
Expression of interest in:
China trip
European trip
US exchange
Year-long module preference form
Permission for Independent Travel
Credit System outline
Insurance certificate