The Transition Year Programme is an optional programme provided within the school between the Junior Cycle and the Leaving Certificate. Following from the more structured and prescriptive learning experience of the Junior Cycle, the Transition Year is an opportunity to take stock, to explore new and different ways of learning, to expand the learning environment beyond the school walls into the wider community and the world of work, and to lay a secure foundation for more mature decision making with regard to the Leaving Certificate and all that follows in the future.

Being one of the first schools to be sanctioned by the Department of Education to present the Transition Year Programme, Coláiste Lorcáin has experience in developing the programme over a period of time.

Aims

• To create an atmosphere separate from academic pressure where the student can grow and mature.
• To broaden the student’s awareness of and concern for others and to develop in them a sense of their own unique contribution of life.
• To help develop special skills so that the student may better prepare for the vocational, cultural, recreational and practical demands of life.
• To prepare the student for the Leaving Certificate course.

Programme Content

Subjects taken by students as part of their Leaving Certificate course:

All students study English, Irish, Mathematics and French. All other Leaving Certificate subjects are taken on a modular basis. Final choice of Leaving Certificate subjects takes place at the end of Transition Year.

Subjects studied as part of the broader curriculum of the Transition Year Programme: all students are given short courses (modules) in a selection of following subject areas for three periods per week;

1 Media Studies: Concerned with helping students make sense of the way information is presented through various media, both print and electronic.

2 European Studies: Concentrates on viewing ourselves in the European context and learning more of the diversity of traditions and lifestyles across the boundaries of other European countries.

3 Computer Studies: As information and communications technology has become an integral part of all aspects of the world of work and leisure, students are exposed to a wide range of computer use.

• Firstly all students have the opportunity to study Microsoft's IC3 programme, which is now an internationally recognised skill level, much sought after by business and industry. Students typically complete three modules of this course by the end of the Transition Yr.
• Secondly, students are taught visual programming. As many students are likely to enter courses in business, technology and computer science in third level, an understanding of a modern programming language is of immense help to them. Visual Basic is a popular language, used in almost 70% of software products, and, as such, is an appropriate first language for students of Transition year to study.
• Keyboard skills: with the growth in the application of computers in all aspects of life, the school emphasises the need for students to become proficient in keyboard skills to enhance their ability to use the technology to its full advantage.

4 Singing and Music: Students are encouraged to exploit both vocal and musical gifts and participate in choral work and external competitions.

5 Mini Company: Responsibility and ownership is handed over to students where they set up and manage the business, marketing and production of actual companies.

6 Science Across the World: Together with other schools in various countries around the world students research and study mutual topics and present their findings to their partner schools.

7 Japanese:A brief taste of the language and culture of Japan. Students are encouraged to dip into the rich culture and compare and contrast it with Western Culture.

8 Yoga: Yoga offers students the experience of adapting to our modern life style in a controlled and relaxed mood.

9 Tourism Awareness: This module aims to create an awareness of the Tourism Industry in Ireland and the career opportunities within the industry.

10 Study Skills: Student’s are taught how to organise themselves to approach their studies in an efficient and effective manner. This is of great benefit to students before they embark on their formal Leaving Cerificate programme.

11 Marketing: Step into Marketing. A marketing programme in conjunction with the Marketing Insititute of Irealnd, assessed and certified externally.

12 Citizenship: Transition Year places importance on the student as an individual within a community. Presently this student is expected to leave school and possibly home to begin a new life. Knowledge is the key to survival. In this respect the programme on citizenship is aimed at providing vital information on a range of areas directly pertinent to the needs of the the young person. Designed by the Cork Citizen Infromation Bureau in conjunction with practising teachers, this module explores many topics such as taxation, renting accomodation, health, etc.

13. History: Students are given the opportunity to explore their local environment in an historical context. Castledermot is located in a landscape of rich archiological significance. The town has played a pivotal role in the development of the entire country since early christian times through to more modern times. Students are encouraged to carry out research on local buildings, castles etc. with the aim of broadening their individual knowledge of their own place.

Work Experience

Work Experience with the Transition Year affords the student the opportunity of participating in learning about the work place in a controlled environment.

Students find placements in areas guided by their own interests. They are closely monitored by voluntary contributors to the scheme and complete a report of their experiences.

Tours and Outings

Students are encouraged to participate in tours and educational outings during the year. These outings, whether field trips, industrial tours or cultural outings, are seen as an integral part of the TYP and are considered in the over-all assessment at the end of the year.

Assessment and Certification

All areas of the Transition Year Programme are assessed and a profile of each student is prepared under the areas of personal contribution, effort and performance during the year.

Students are given the opportunity to participate in courses which grant external evaluation and certification in typing, marketing, Microsoft IC3 computer examinations. etc.