Introduction

The purpose of these pages is to provide pupils with the necessary information to choose the subjects for the Transition Year which suit their needs and interests. Choosing subjects to study in the Transition year should take into account pupil interest and aptitudes and also allows an opportunity to experience a subject they may not have experienced before. Consultation with teachers, parents, pupils and guidance staff is essential.

Subject Choice Process

In general pupils study eight full subjects in Transition Year along with a number of compulsory modules. English, Mathematics and Irish (unless exempt) are compulsory. The remaining subjects on offer (see page 3) are organised into blocks based on pupil preferences. Much work goes into the development of these blocks in order to best suit the requirements of the pupils. In order to derive maximum benefit from the process it is important that pupils give some thought to their strengths and abilities in advance of making their subject choices. Having said that, Transition Year is also an opportunity to try new things and see if a subject suits you before committing to studying it for the Leaving Certificate.

In addition to the eight main subject groupings pupils also study a number of compulsory modules on an 8 week rotation. This is an opportunity to experience a wider range of educational experiences.

In February all pupils for the upcoming Form IV will be given a complete list of the available optional subjects and asked to rank them in order of preference. It is very important that any subject you are really interested in studying is given a high ranking as these initial preferences help determine the contents of the subsequent blocks of subjects from which the pupils make their final choices. In order to help pupils make their choices this booklet gives a brief introduction to each of the optional subjects available for the coming year. Pupils should read through these introductions before making their preference list.

Based on these initial preferences the available subjects are then organised into blocks. These blocks are arranged to best meet the preferences of the majority of pupils. In recent years we have been able to completely satisfy over 95% of pupil wishes, and consistently satisfy the first and second preferences of almost all pupils.

In March/April these final block choices will be issued to all pupils entering Form IV in September.  Pupils then choose one subject in each block. These final choices are then signed off by the pupils and their parents. The entire process must be completed by the start of the Trinity term in order to facilitate the development of the timetable for the coming year.

Mary Singleton, Registrar and Director of Studies

Assessment of the Academic Programme for Transition Year

Assessment techniques throughout the year vary from subject to subject, but will include combinations of: the two end-of-term exams, class tests, essays, projects, practical activities, presentations and the teacher’s own assessment of effort and application - as outlined in individual course plans.

At the end of the year a single grade is awarded for each subject, based on the following scheme:

● Premier 80% and above (with addition of ‘stars’ for really outstanding results)

● Higher 65% to 79%

● Standard 50% to 64%

● Lower 40% to 49%

● Ungraded below 40%

The mark for each subject contributes to the overall year grade, which also takes into account non-classroom based achievements as well, and this information is all summarised in the end of year report.

An Accreditation Folder is built up over the year, largely through the pupils themselves filling in prepared forms. Final certificates and prizes are presented at an end of year TY Awards evening.

Transition Year Academic Prize

Towards the end of the Hilary Term, TY pupils are encouraged to submit a written abstract for a 5 minute talk on any subject of their choice. The TY Team then reviews these abstracts and selects 4 or 5 to go forward for presentation in front of an external judge. This takes place on an evening just before or after the Easter Holiday. Parents and teachers are invited to attend as well as pupils of Transition Year and Form III. The TY Academic Prize Cup is awarded to the winner whose name is inscribed on it. Each speaker is open to questions from the floor after their talk, and is marked on the basis of content, presentation and handling of questions. As an indication of the breadth of opportunity this offers, some of the talks presented by finalists over the past few years have been on topics as diverse as:

The Duck Billed Platypus, Sub Atomic Particles, The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Shakespeare’s Heroines, Hippos, Contrasting Portraits of Marriage in Art, Lameness in Horses, The Holocaust.

Subject Overview

The following subjects are available in Transition Year. English Maths French or Spanish and Irish (unless exempt)  are compulsory. You will choose 4/5 of the other available subjects listed below.