Transition Year is a one year programme between the Junior and Senior cycles. It acts as a bridge between the two cycles, helping in the transition from the more "dependent" learning of the Junior Cycle to the more "independent self-directed learning" of the Senior Cycle.

There are currently 28'000 students doing TY in nearly 600 schools. 

"Promote the personal, social, vocational, and educational development of students and to prepare them for their role as autonomous and participative members of society" (Dept. of Education)

• Enables students to take more responsibility for their learning and decision making.
• Helps students develop a range of cognitive and emotional skills.
• Prepares them for the world of work.
• Develops life skills and self confidence.
• Provides a learning structure which promotes maturity.
• Is "learning led" rather than exam driven.
• Provides experiential learning and subject sampling.
• Allows students to network with other schools and outside agencies.

 

Doing Transition Year will give you the chance to mature and develop, sample many different subjects, will give you time to reflect and plan your future and also have some fun experiencing new and exciting things..

In Transition Year you will be taught and learn independently through..

• Completing homework.
• Recording and keeping a TY journal.
• Project work and competition entries.
• Continuous assessment.
• A Portfolio..
• You will receive Certification for all of your subjects and you will have a great graduation ceremony.

Academic Work..

• Core Subjects: English, Irish, Maths and French. Daily classes in each.
• You sample Leaving Cert subjects from across the board and study these in modules.
• Geography, History, Sciences, Personal Development, PE, Home Ec, IT, Business & Enterprise, Construction Studies, Arts and Careers.
• All subjects are examined in line with school policy with term reports posted home.

Work Experience: Supervised work experience for two weeks.

ICT will be an integral element of all work completed in Transition Year. TY students will have a dedicated "HI - TEC" base room where each student will have access to a computer, allowing the teacher to fully integrate ICT into their classes.

 That's the academic aspects of TY, but Transition Year offers many more opportunities for personal and social development. Each subject offers students the opportunity to get involved in all of the following.

• Young Social Innovators.
• Debating Competitions.
• BT Young Scientist in the RDS.
• Bord Bia "Food To Plate" Competition.
• Mini Company - Get up and go!!
• Formula 1 Competition.
• Irish Independent "Student Magazine" Competition.
• Gaisce (Presidential Award).
• First Aid Qualification.
• GAA Coaching Award.
• Referee Coaching Award.
• Outdoor Adventure Activities.
• European Computer Driving Licence Qualification (ECDL).
• Photography and Digital Editing Course.
• Film / Video making and Editing Software.
• Fainne Irish Oral Exam.
• Driving Theory Test lessons and completion of the test. Certificate Awarded.
• Trips Away including Historical, Environmental, Art and Cultural Excursions.
• Business Activities..
• Business in the Community - linked with Cavan Crystal Hotel.
• C.V and Interview Preparation.
• Junior Achievement Ireland.
• "MABS" Award - Get Smart with Your Money.

 

There are alot of other activities that students can get involved with in Transition Year in Breifne College..

• Solid works Projects.
• Dance, Sport and Music.
• Student Mentoring and Vertical Tutoring.
• Fundraising for Local Charities and Film Making.
• The TY Newsletter.
• Journalism Work, reporting on all events and the Breifne College TY Magazine..
• Talks from Guest Speakers on Web Design, Family and Life, Fire Safety, Samaritans, Alcohol/Drug Abuse etc..

 

The Transition Year programme in Breifne College has been a very successful, enjoyable and positive experience for both staff and students.

There are a limited number of places available as there will only be one TY class with 20 places. Students who are interested in the programme must fill out a TY application form and give it to Ms Connolly or Mr Sherry, the TY co-ordinators.

 

Application Form And Selection Process.

Prospective students will then be interviewed by the TY Planning Committee. Parents will be notified by letter if their son/daughter has secured a place in Transition Year