Transition Year
The Transition Year (TY) is a one-year programme that links Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle. It is designed to act as a bridge between the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate programmes,to facilitate students to transit from the more dependent learning of the Junior Cycle to a more independent self-directed learning required for the Senior Cycle. It is available to all secondary-level schools, but only approximately 75% of schools are offering TY programmes. It is a compulsory year for most of the private boarding schools in Ireland.
Each school designs its own Transition Year programme, within set guidelines, to suit the needs and interests of its students. In establishing its own distinctive programme content, the school takes into account the possibilities offered by local community interests.
*Each school has a different TY programme, the below table is for reference only.
Core subject Layer | LC Subject Sampling Layer | TY Modules of subjects layer | Calendar “Once-off” Layer |
English Irish* Maths ICT RE PE Others
* International students who aged 12 or above will be granted an exemption from studying Irish | Business Studies History Politics and Society Biology Chemistry Accounting Others | First-Aid Self-defence Mental Health Matters Mini Company Photography Tourism awareness programme Psychology Log on Learn Young Social Innovators Other | Work experience Outdoor pursuits Social outreach Field trips Visiting speakers Drama/Musical production Other |
We always say the transition year is the most appropriate year for international students to dive into the Irish education system. Below are some of the TY highlights and advantages, know more about how TY helps your students to fit in the education system, thrive in their future.
Senior Subject Taster, try before you do
The Senior subject taster section is absolutely a highlight during Transition Year, the tasters are designed to allow students to explore the content and try out different Leaving Certificate subjects. According to the “ Exploring the Student Experience” report, after completing the subject tasters some students picked up new subjects for the Leaving Certificate which they had not done for the Junior Certificate. This also helped them to make a more suited and informed choice of subjects for the Leaving Certificate. Students will continually study core subjects like English, Irish, Mathematics and PE in this year. However, the number of study hours and length of modules will be reduced in order to match with other learning activities during this year.
No State Examination, less study pressure
There is no state examination during the TY year. Students can devote themselves to explore, learn and expand their interests, help students in self-discovery, and know their strengths and weaknesses. Assessment will be carried out on an ongoing basis throughout the year, it can include school-based assessment of projects or portfolios, oral, aural, practical and written activities. Evaluation of activities such as work experience or community service will often involve the providers or hosts of such activities.Some modules may have their own assessment arrangements.
Work Experience placement, shape future career
TY students will undertake two to three weeks work experience, the arrangements vary from different schools. Students are encouraged to find work experience in areas based on their interest as a possible future career. Students can make good use of school and internet resources to find their work experience placement, types from retail, tourism, human resources, art, sports, law and health science etc. The work experience placement allows students to develop work-related skills and also get a better insight into their potential career areas. Moreover, students also participate in different “hands-on” modules to build up Important life skills like Cooking, photography, Safe driving etc, which will stand to the student long after graduation.
Resources from TY Curriculum – PDST
