1. Rationale & Aims of Transition Year

Transition Year (TY) is a unique, one-year programme that bridges the junior and senior cycle and provides students with the opportunity to thrive as whole individuals in a world of constant change. In line with the Transition Year Programme Statement (2025), TY builds on prior learning and prepares students for meaningful participation in senior cycle and beyond.

TY fosters the development of key competencies—such as communication, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and active citizenship—through varied, engaging learning experiences. It provides students with the time and space to grow in confidence, deepen their self-awareness, and become independent, responsible learners.

The programme is inclusive, flexible, and locally designed within a national framework. It empowers students to explore their interests, take initiative, and develop the resilience and ethical awareness needed to navigate adulthood, further education, the world of work, and society at large.

TY supports progression in all aspects of learning and promotes continuity across all stages of education. It values diverse student backgrounds, talents and identities, and encourages every young person to flourish.

Aims of TY:
– Support Personal Growth
– Promote Lifelong Learning
– Strengthen Civic and Community Engagement
– Facilitate Career Exploration

2. TY Programme Overview

Our TY programme is built on the TY Programme Statement 2025 and designed around four Curriculum Dimensions: Learning Areas, Work and Career Exploration, Wellbeing and Relationships, and Creativity and Innovation.

Students engage in a range of core subjects, modules, trips, guest speakers, volunteering, work placements and more, all contributing to their development across four Student Dimensions: Personal Growth, Being a Learner, Civic and Community Engagement, and Career Exploration.

Student agency is central—students help shape their own learning experience.

3. Student Assessment

Assessment in TY is formative, inclusive and reflective. Students are assessed through:
– Ongoing teacher feedback/assessment (effort, participation, creativity, leadership)
– Portfolios
– Reflection logs and goal-setting tasks
– Employer evaluations from work experience

– Projects (individual and group)

– Self and peer assessment and evaluation
Students receive a Christmas Report and a final TY Record of Achievement.

4. Work Experience

Work experience helps students explore future pathways, develop workplace competencies, and reflect on their interests and aptitudes. Students complete Work Experience every Monday throughout the academic year.  The experience is supported by career guidance, mock interviews, and portfolio entries.

5. Community Voluntary Work

Community volunteering promotes empathy, citizenship, and social responsibility. Students arrange their own placement, document their experience, and reflect on their contribution. This activity links closely with the Civic and Community Engagement dimension and helps students connect with the wider world.

6. Tips for Parents / Guardians

Parents are encouraged to:
– Support active participation and wellbeing
– Value learning and growth over grades
– Engage in reflection and goal-setting with their child
– Stay connected with TY communications and events

7. Communications

Communication is key to a successful TY. We facilitate:
– TY Information and Parent Meetings
– Regular updates via email for parents and students
– Teacher check-ins and student assemblies
– Opportunities for student and parent feedback

TY Student Articles