Assessment & Evaluation

Assessment

Individual Subjects

Pupils have a full 6-day academic timetable in TY. They continue some of the same subjects as they did throughout the Junior Cycle and try some new ones. They also take modules on a rotation - Drama, Finance, Astronomy, PE, Cookery, Crochet and Photography were the module options in 2024/2025.

Assessment techniques vary from subject to subject, but will generally include the two end-of-term examinations, class tests, essays, projects, practical activities, experiments, presentations and a teacher’s general assessment of the contribution made to the subject by the pupil. Teachers have autonomy in subject assessments methods.

At the end of the academic year all subjects award a single grade as follows:

Premier: 80% and above
Higher: 65% to 79%
Standard: 50% to 64%
Lower: 40% to 49%
Ungraded: below 40%

Each subject will award a subject prize to the top pupil each year. Our pupils receive certificates in various areas and an overall TY Certificate is awarded at the end of the year.

TY Digital Portfolio

Is the major method of recording extra-curricular activities. Introduced during the induction period this is intended to grow into a worthwhile keepsake for pupils. It also forms a major part of our overall TY Assessment. Under the guidance of their mentor, pupils will compile a personalised compendium of their year. They are left in no doubt that the responsibility for this record of the year is theirs alone.

Spirit of Transition Year

is a prestigious award for the outstanding member(s) of transition year. An assessment of individual and team membership contribution is the basis of this award. Pupils are interviewed about their personal blogs and a final assessment is given. This may be recorded as a grade, score, comment or a mixture of each. A pupil’s overall report is written after the analysis of information relating to his/her general involvement in the year’s activities. Mentors write this report having consulted widely among the staff body and beyond.

Evaluation

Recognising that Transition Year is dynamic, we engage in evaluation in advance of subsequent year planning. We use numerous types of evaluation procedures:

●Pupils are encouraged to engage in self-evaluation and reflection after each activity. They are encouraged to commit their thoughts to writing and record these in their TY personal blogs.

●The standard of the personal blog is used as a benchmark in our evaluation of the year.

●Subject teachers and those who organise and conduct activities will also reflect on the events that concern them.

●Pupils will be surveyed as to their thoughts on the year just past.

●Subject teachers and other staff will be surveyed as to their thoughts on the year just past and will be asked to evaluate pupils in a general and also a specific sense.

●Our general Conventions (staff meetings) offer an opportunity to elicit opinion as to the value of a given activity.

●Parents who give their opinions will have these recorded and discussed at TY Team meetings.

●Each activity is recorded and evaluated as to its individual merits in the programme.