Transition Year

Transition Year is an optional one year, school based programme between Junior Cycle 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.

In St Patrick’s, Transition Year offers students an opportunity to engage in independent, self directed learning, to develop general, technical and academic skills, and to mature and develop without the pressure of an examination.
Students get the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas and can make more informed choices about the kind of Leaving certificate programme they want to follow after the Transition Year.

Academic Advantages

Studies show TY Students score 50 CAO points more on average and a higher percentage go on to study at 3rd level. TY enables students to take a greater responsibility for their own learning and decision making.

Career and Work Experience

Gives Students time to explore different career options and then to pursue work experience in these areas. Students also get interview experience, learn to write CV’s and get the opportunity to sample 3rd Level Courses.

Self Confidence and Leadership

Students undertake multiple leadership courses and activities. They also get the opportunity to work with younger classes, which develops confidence in public speaking.

Certification

Over the course of the year, students complete various certifiable courses and are encouraged to achieve the GAISCE presidents award. These will bolster CV and college applications

Personal Development

TY promotes students’ time management and their ability to work independently amongst many others.

Social Contribution

Students undertake various volunteering opportunities with organisations such as SVP and Beaufort House. They also run an annual fundraiser for charities such as Focus Ireland and Barretstown.

Is He? (Or Does he Want to be?)

● Motivated, enthusiastic, committed and willing to engage with all TY has to offer, including finding his own work experience opportunities?
● Enthusiastic about trying all the opportunities and subjects the TY curriculum offers?
● Committed to being present, punctual and engaged with all aspects of the TY course?
● Willing to volunteer his time and expertise to help others?
● Creative, a leader, good at working in a group?
● Interested in improving his skills and gaining useful certification in areas such as First Aid, Sign Language, and many other areas etc.

(*This is not an exhaustive list and may change depending on timetabling and resources.)

On Thursday afternoons, students participate in Rotation Based Modules based around personal development and community involvement.

Modules may include:

• Volunteering in Beaufort House Residential Care Home
• Volunteering in National Learning Network
• Cooking Classes
• Leadership for Life Programme
• Sign Language
• Designing and Marketing your Own Online Course

Students have a weekly Careers class where they get to explore and investigate potential careers as well as develop skills and competencies that will allow them to maximise potential opportunities. They learn how to write CVs and over the course of the year, get various opportunities in Interview settings, and receive feedback from these.

Students are expected to complete 2 seperate week long Work Experience placements in areas that are of interest to them. Students are required to secure their own placements. This will usually take place in the 2 weeks prior to the Easter Holidays. Students will be assigned a Work Experience Mentor who will guide them through the process and also ensure that relevant evaluations have been completed.

Students may apply for leave for additional work experience if there is sufficient educational benefits (maximum 2 extra weeks) and parents must contact the coordinator to ensure that this does not clash with essential programme activities.

They also get to learn about and sample subjects that they may wish to take at senior cycle level.

Some other trips/workshops and activities that the students will participate in may include:

Transition Year students will be assessed continuously over the year, using a credit based system. The rationale for this is as follows:

• It will increase student accountability
• It will reward the students who engage most with the programme
• It will provide a slightly more academic focus, ensuring students can integrate more easily back into 5th year

Each Teacher would be responsible for devising how they wish to allocate credits (Exams/Individual or Group Projects/Pass/Fail Basis). Core Subjects would be encouraged to use a common assessment.

Sample Credit System Based on 2020/21 (Subject to Annual Change/Review)

Distinction  400+
Higher Merit  350+
Merit  300+
Pass  200+

Transition Year Parents will receive reports at Christmas and at the end of the Year. They will also be invited to attend a Parent Teacher Meeting (Combined with 5th Year PTM)

The Fees for the Transition Year Programme in St Patrick’s Classical School will be confirmed at the next Board of Management Meeting and communicated to you in the event that your son is offered a place in Transition Year.

The fee is likely to be €400. A Deposit of €200 must be paid at the time of acceptance and the balance must be paid in full (installments are accepted) before the 1st September.

Any Foreign Trips will be paid in addition to the Transition Year Fee.

The information supplied on the application form will be used as part of the success criteria for the selection of successful candidates. Other criteria (as per the Transition Year Admissions policy available on the school website) will be:
● The student’s disciplinary record
● The recommendation of the Transition Year Coordinator following consultation with subject teachers, Class Tutors, Year Head and school management
● The student’s attendance and punctuality record

Information from the students’ school journal (positive comments/misbehaviour) will be used as evidence to support this application. Students will be scored in accordance with the selection criteria and those who receive the highest score will be offered a place in transition year. A waiting list will be drawn up in the event that successful candidates do not take up their place.

A student’s place is secured upon the receipt of a letter of acceptance and a deposit of €200, payable to the school office. The remainder of the Transition Year Fees must be paid in full or in installments in advance of the 1st September in order for the students’ place to remain secure.

If you have any questions about Transition Year you can contact Ciaran Murphy (Transition Year Coordinator) ciaranmurphy@stpatscs.com