Transition Year

TY Information Presentation 24/25
Application Form for 24/25 (Word or PDF)

Transition Year Overview

Transition 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. In Carrigtwohill Community College, Transition Year (TY) is an optional year and suitable candidates are chosen after application, based on our TY Admissions Policy. It is expected that all participants will benefit from and contribute to the shared learning experience of the group.

Carrigtwohill Community College Transition Year Mission Statement

Learning for personal effectiveness seeks to promote the personal development and social competence of Carrigtwohill Community College students. In concentrating on the development of existing skills and the acquisition of new skills, the students will assume greater responsibility for their own learning.

Transition Year Aims

• Education through experience of adult and working life as a basis for personal development & maturity.
• Education through emphasis on personal development and social competence.
• Promotion of general, technical and academic skills with an emphasis on interdisciplinary and self-directed learning

The Transition Year Calendar

1. Transition Year is made up of four layers
2. Core subject layer
   Subject sampling layer
3. TY specific and subject layer
4. Calendar ‘once off’ layer

TY Subjects 2024/25

Teaching Methodologies

A key feature of Transition Year is the use of a wide range of teaching/learning methodologies and situations. Examples are these are:

• negotiated learning
• personal responsibility in learning
• activity-based learning
• integration of appropriate areas of learning
• team teaching approaches
• group work: discussion, debate, interview, role play
• project work and research
• visiting speakers and seminars
• study visits and field trips
• work experience & community service

Work Experience

Work experience placements assist students in their transition from school to work and aim to:

• Provide students with an opportunity to relate school studies with a workplace
• Give students an insight into the diversity of employees in the workplace
• Prepare students for the demands and expectations of the working world
• Help students make informed career decisions by assessing their aptitudes and interests, and exploring potential careers
• Improve students’ maturity and confidence
• Provide a link between school and local community

In Carrigtwohill Community College, all TY students complete three 1-week blocks of work experience – this includes one block of community involvement. Students are encouraged to find their own placements using documentation provided by the co-ordinator. Work experience accounts for 20% of the overall grade for TY. Assessment of each work experience block is through an Employer Evaluation and Student Reflection (written) both of which must be submitted after each placement. A work experience diary must be kept for each placement.

E-Portfolio

All students will create an e-Portfolio on Microsoft 365 OneNote during their Transition Year. This portfolio should be a purposeful collection of students’ work that​:

• Involves students in his/her own learning​
• Records successes, identifies areas for improvement​
• Provides information for parents​
• Helps assessment process​
• Focuses reflection​

There are a number of Significant Learning Experiences (SLEs) and Significant Learning Days (SLDs) during the Transition Year Programme. Students are asked to complete an evaluation/reflection after each Significant Learning Experience in their ePortfolio. The work experience diary will form part of the ePortfolio and the work students’ complete in their subjects will be showcased in their subject folders. Students are encouraged to upload photos, screenshots, videos, projects, and presentations here. At the end of the year, all students participate in a Portfolio Presentation interview with their subject teachers. The ePortfolio and end of year interview accounts for 20% of the overall TY grade.

Assessment

• Credit system: 45% Subjects (180 credits)​
• 20% Work Experience & Community Placement (80 credits)​
• 20% Interview/Portfolio Presentation (80 credits)​
• 10% Participation/Work Ethic based on VSware points (40 credits)​
• 5% Attendance (20 credits)​

Total credits determine level of achievement:​

• Distinction: 320 – 400 credits​
• Merit: 240 – 319 credits​
• Pass: 80 – 239 credits (100% = 400 credits)​

Opportunities

Transition year is a unique opportunity for our students to explore their strengths, interests and potential. To make the most of what the year has to offer students must be willing to:

• Actively participate in as many opportunities as the year offers
• Step out of their comfort zone and try new things
• Volunteer, as it builds confidence and develops communication skills
  Be pro-active
• Take on extra-curricular activities
• Reflect on their personal learning (portfolio)