Transition Year
The Transition Year Programme was introduced in Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh in September 1991 and since that time the programme has evolved into a broadly-based educational experience which we believe is both challenging and enriching for student and staff alike. All students entering the senior cycle take Transition Year and the year is now firmly established as an integral part of our six-year educational programme. In devising our programme we have at all times borne in mind that the primary purpose of the year is to assist each boy in the process of maturation. All students are obliged to participate in Transition Year. (Parents of boys who would be 20 years or over on the 1st August in the year following their completion of the Leaving Certificate may however apply to the Board of Management to be allowed to proceed directly to 5th Year).
Overall Aims:
The following aims are inter-related and interdependent and should be strongly reflected in every Transition Year programme;
- Education for maturity with the emphasis on personal development, including social awareness and increased social competence.
- The promotion of general, technical and academic skills with an emphasis on interdisciplinary and self-directed learning.
- Education through experience of adult and working life as a basis of personal development and maturity.
The aims and philosophy of Transition Year should permeate the entire school.
A full evaluation and revision of the Transition Year programme took place in 1996 and various reviews have taken place on an ongoing basis since then. A written programme for all areas of study is available in the school. It should be emphasised however that the programme is in a constant state of evolution and, indeed, no two successive years have ever been the same.
Core areas of study available to students during Transition Year:
- Gaeilge
- English
- Mathematics
- Modern Language (French/German)
- History
- Geography
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Accounting
- Economics
- Business Organisation
- Design and Communication Graphics
- Construction Studies
- Art
- Religious Education
- Physical Education
- Computers (ECDL and Scratch programming)
- Careers (Preparation for work experience)
A range of other modules is also offered to Transition Year students intended to broaden their educational experience. These vary from year to year depending on student choice but typically they include:
Other areas of study available:
- Art, Craft and Design
- Programming
- Trend Micro (Internet Safety)
- Young Social Innovator Programme
- E.C.D.L
- Chinese
- Drama
- First Aid
- Film and Media Studies
- Music Appreciation
- Road Safety
- Social Justice
- Mini-Company
- Film making
- Money management
- Conversational Spanish
- Eco – Environment
Other important elements of the Transition Year Programme in our school include:
- A two-week work experience programme
- S.H.A.R.E.
- Guide-dogs excursion
- A Community Care Programme operated in conjunction with the COPE Foundation
- GAISCE – the President’s Award
- Lunchtime clubs for first years
- Outdoor Pursuits (e.g. Sailing At Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre)
- Theme days (e.g. Arts Day; Business Day)
- Excursions (theatre, cinema etc.)
- Optional extra courses (e.g. video production)
- Seminars, visiting speakers etc.
- Special events (e.g. table quiz, song-writing workshop)
All Transition Year students sit the usual house examinations at Christmas and Summer. Students are also formally assessed through projects, presentations, their T.Y. portfolios and portfolio interviews. The year culminates with a Transition Year Graduation Ceremony at which students present an overview of the various activities in which they have been involved during the course of the year. Parents are invited to attend this event.