the transition year programme parents’ overview 2013-2014

THE TRANSITION YEAR PROGRAMME

Parents’ Overview2013-2014

SLSS /, Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

TRANSITION YEAR

INTRODUCED IN 1973MAINSTREAMED IN 1994APROX. 75% OF ALL POST PRIMARY SCHOOLS OFFER THIS PROGRAMMECERTIFIED by Dept.of Education and Science in 2000


TRANSITION YEARTransition 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 )


AIMS of Transition Year

Education forMATURITYwith emphasis on social awareness& increased social competence

Education throughexperience of ADULT & WORKING LIFEas a basis for personaldevelopment & maturity

Promotion of general,technical and academicSKILLS with an emphasis on interdisciplinary and self-directed learning


Transition Year RationaleTo provide a learning structure which promotes maturityTo develop a wide range of cognitive and emotional skillsTo be learning led rather than exam drivenTo ensure breadth and balance in the curriculumTo provide experiential learningTo challenge students in all areas of developmentTo facilitate interdisciplinary and cross-curricular linksTo develop life skills

To learn through networking with other schools and social agenciesTo encourage variety in teaching and learning stylesTo enable students to become independent, self-directed and self-regulated learnersTo encourage a more professional use of assessmentTo 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.


Planning and TimetablingTransition Year …….

LEARNING LED not EXAM DRIVEN SCHOOL BASED –UNIQUE TO EACH SCHOOLSTUDENT FOCUSEDTEACHERS’ EXPERTISE IS USEDINDIVIDUAL SYLLABII WRITTENVARIED TEACHING & LEARNINGVARIED MODES/TECHNIQUES OF ASSESSMENT


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


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


Third Level :• Self management skills

• Time management skills

• Study skills –independent self-directed

• Group/Project work/Research skills

• I.C.T. skills


SLSS / Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.


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


Issues for Transition YearRecent Research

NCCA Longitudinal Study Report of Commission on Points System Skills Initiative UnitReportNCCA – Senior Cycle Consultative PaperESRI Evaluation 2003 ESRI Assessment of the TYP 2004NUI 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


NCCA LONGITUDINAL STUDY

RESULTS OF STUDENTS WHO SAT LCE IN ‘96 COMPARED WITH THOSE OF ‘97TY STUDENTS DO BETTER BY AN AVERAGE OF 26 POINTSREPEAT STUDENTS ONLY GAIN BY AN AVERAGE OF 5 POINTSTY CANDIDATES LIKELY TO BE MORE ‘EDUCATIONALLY ADVENTURUS’


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.


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


Young people enthusiastic about the programmeThey highlight TY activities that involve learning beyond conventional classroomsThey value classes in which their opinions are sought and listened to5th & 6th Yr students spoke about TY in terms of personal freedom and becoming responsible for their own learning



•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


THE TRANSITION YEAR PROGRAMME 2013-2014

Loreto CollegeSt. Stephen’s Green

SLSS , Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

PEELING THE LAYERS OF A TY PROGRAMME


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)


Subject Sampling Layer Home Economics (Cookery for Today) Art Commerce – Business, Accounting &

Economics History Geography Biology Chemistry Physics


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


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


METHODOLOGIESActive & learner-focusedTeacher as facilitatorCollaborative learning encouragedGroup work / Pair workRole-play /simulations Project work /FieldworkOut-of-school activitiesVisiting speakerPractical work


Calendar – ‘Once Off’ Layer

Placements:

Work Experience Placement

Monday 14th October – Friday 25th October 2013

Community Work Placement

Monday 3rd February – Friday 14th February 2014

Designated period for Language Exchanges:

Monday 14th March – Friday 28th April 2014 incl.

Additional Work Experience or Community Work Placement – 26th - 30st May 2014

Work ExperienceIn the last term the 3rd years will receive instruction and guidance from the Careers Guidance Teacher Ms Hynes, on how to approach companies,

letter writing etcThe 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.




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.



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


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


ASSESSMENT‘Assessment should be an integral part of the learning process in Transition Year not separate from it’ (D.E.S.Guidelines)

Portfolio assessmentOral/Aural assessmentProject workSelf-assessmentPeer-assessmentWritten/Practical Class tests


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


EVALUATIONENCOURAGED AS A REGULAR FEATUREExternal –

INSPECTORATE / Dept. of Education and SkillsInternal –

SCHOOL – WHOLE STAFFTRANSITION YEAR TEACHING TEAMTRANSITION YEAR CORE TEAMINDIVIDUAL SUBJECT TEACHERSTUDENTS PARENTS PLACEMENT PROVIDERS


Certification• DES Certificate

• BT Young Scientists’ Competition

• First Aid Certificate

• Gaisce Bronze Medal Award

• Model United Nations

• IMRO Certificate - Songschool

• Mini-Company/Young Environmentalist


Parents – How can you help?

Understand importance of school attendance – it is vital for overall success of the programmeEncourage your daughter to avail of the learning opportunities providedShow interest in her projects & activities – questionRead 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 ideasRead materials provided - TY Programme; TY section on website; correspondence sent home etc.


TRANSITION YEARTransition Year Motto

“You will get back from T.Y. what you put into it.”

Be Active! Be Involved!

the transition year programme parents’ overview 2013-2014

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