Curriculum
Transition Year
Transition Year (TY) is designed to act as a bridge between Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate programmes.
Students at Assumption Secondary School may avail of an optional Transition Year programme that is school designed (within set Department of Education and Skills Guidelines) to suit the needs and interests of our students.
We recommend TY for almost everyone, but most particularly for students who feel the need for a space to mature, in order to make good decisions about fifth year options and also in order to find out more about themselves and the world around them. The programme offers students the opportunity for further academic, social, emotional and spiritual development. Emphasis is placed on developing students’ sense of self-worth and confidence. Students get the opportunity to try new subjects and to take on new activities, all within a safe and protected learning environment.
Acceptance to the Transition Year programme is based on a combination of interview, personal statement, behaviour, commitment to the school and general suitability.
Our Transition Year students study the following subjects:
- English
- Irish
- Mathematics
- Science (Biology & Chemistry)
- Home Economics
- Physical Education
- Religion
- Modern Foreign Languages
- Information Technology (I.T)
- History
- Health Education(S.P.H.E)
- Guidance
- Music
- Business Studies
- Art
- Geography
- Personal Development
Students have work experience placement(s).
In addition, students are offered a variety of short courses which may vary from year to year. These include: Law, Interview Skills, Business and Enterprise, Public Speaking.
During the year Transition Year Students enjoy a range of co-curricular activities and visit places of economic, social, historical, religious, political and scientific interest
- Participate in Gaisce – The President’s Award and outdoor pursuits
- Engage in activities in the local community
- Have lectures from visiting guest-speakers on a wide range of topics
Examination:
There is no state examination at the end of Transition Year.
- Assessment is carried out on an ongoing basis and can include school-based assessment of projects or portfolios, oral, aural, practical and written activities.
- Transition Year Students sit house exams at Christmas.
- Evaluation of activities such as work placement(s) will involve the providers or hosts of this experience.
- On the basis of the marks accumulated over the year, students are certified at their graduation ceremony with one the following grades – Distinction, Merit, Pass or Registered for the course.
WSE Report: “Transition Year (in Assumption Secondary School) has a varied, interesting, well-planned and well-documented programme”.