the transition year programme

THE TRANSITION YEAR PROGRAMME

Parents’ Overview2014-2015

Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

TRANSITION YEAR

INTRODUCED IN 1973MAINSTREAMED IN 1994APROX. 75% OF ALL POST PRIMARY SCHOOLSCERTIFIED 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.


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.


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 WRITTEND.E.S. /T.Y PDST/ T.Y.TEMPLATE VARIED TEACHING & LEARNINGVARIED MODES/TECHNIQUES OF ASSESSMENTINTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY EVALUATEDDEPARTMENT SUPPORT/CERTIFICATIONINSPECTORATE MONITORING


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 :

• Helpful in terms of informing Subject Choice • Helpful in terms of Study Skills/Learning Styles

• Helpful in terms of promoting Independent Self Directed Learning

• Assessment/Self assessment/AFL

• CAO choices/Course requirements

Challenges Facing Young People


Third Level :We are mindful of the challenges students will be facing at third level:• Leaving home skills• Self management skills • Time management skills • Group/Project work/Research skills • I.C.T. skills




Adult and Working life :

• Self esteem/awareness/assertiveness• Relationships skills• Teamwork Skills• Maturity/critical judgement• Careers/Work experience/Work simulation • Interviews – C.V. , Portfolios• Technical and Vocational skills • I.C.T. skills• Social/Personal/Health Education


ESRI Assessment of TYP •Transition Year places a strong emphasis on the process of learning.

•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 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

THE TRANSITION YEAR PROGRAMME 2014-2015

Loreto CollegeSt. Stephen’s Green


PEELING THE LAYERS OF A TY PROGRAMME


Core Subject Layer English x 3 Irish x 3 Mathematics x 4 Religious Education x 2 Careers – Vocational & Personal

Guidance x 1 French/Spanish/German x 3 Science x 3 P.E. x 2


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, Computers/digital literacy - Scratch Choir or Drama Relationships & Sexuality Education Aerobics Chinese Language and Cultural Studies Mind Gym (helpful for Project Maths) International Relations Debating


Set Module (as anticipated for 2014/15): a double period per week) Italian For Fun

Horticulture

Young Environmentalist Award

Step into Marketing Programme

City Quay student teaching/learning initiative – 8 places

Social and Political Studies: Northern Ireland places (Incorporating Glenlola Collegiate

exchange)

Craft – Junk Kuture - Fashion Design Module


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


Calendar – ‘Once Off’ Layer

Placements:

Work Experience Placement

Monday 13th Oct. – Friday 24th Oct. 2014

Community Work Placement

Monday 2nd Feb. – Friday 13th Feb. 2015

Dedicated period for Language Exchanges:

Monday 9th March – Friday 10th April 2015 incl.

• Additional Work Experience or Community Work Placement : Monday 25th May – Friday 29th May

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 – Negotiating Relationships Adventure Centre (2 nights) Public Access to Law Computer & Internet Safety Cookery Demonstrations – Cloughjordan

House Dance (Contemporary) Fire Safety Health Matters – Nutrition; Mental

Health; Physical Well-being & Fitness; substance abuse prevention.



Martial Arts Retreat Road Safety Awareness – Gardai Samba Music Workshops Skiing lessons (4) Song School and Film School Visits to Museums & Art Galleries;

chocolate factory Visit to Criminal Courts Conservation module – Dublin Zoo


T.Y. Competitions & Projects include:

Debating Competitions Gaisce President’s award - Bronze Model United Nations Young Scientists’ Exhibition 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 testsSkills assessment.


Homework & Assessment in T.Y.

Homework: Aural / Oral / Written Project Research

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

• 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 –Read and sign her school journal on a weekly basis, also request to look at her Transition Year Website where she will be logging her experiencesAsk about the your daughter’s additional reading requirement

Parents – How can you help?

Endeavour to adhere to school recommendations re times for language exchange programmes, work experience etc.Share with us your skills and ideasAttend Parent Teacher MeetingRead 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

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