THE TRANSITION YEAR PROGRAMME

1. THE TRANSITION YEAR PROGRAMME Parents’ Overview 2014-2015

2. TRANSITION YEAR • INTRODUCED IN 1973 • MAINSTREAMED IN 1994 • APROX. 75% OF ALL POST PRIMARY SCHOOLS • CERTIFIED by Dept.of Education and Science in2000 Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

3. TRANSITION YEAR • Transition Year is a one year school based programme between Junior and Senior Cycle. • It is designed to act as a bridge between the two by facilitating the smooth transition from the more dependent learning of the Junior Cycle to the more independent self-directed learning required for the Senior Cycle. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

4. TRANSITION YEAR Mission Statement of Transition Year “To 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 , Transition Year Guidelines 1994/1995 ) Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

5. AIMS of Transition Year Education for MATURITY with emphasis on social awareness & increased social competence Promotion of general, technical and academic SKILLS with an emphasis on interdisciplinary and self-directed learning Education through experience of ADULT & WORKING LIFE as a basis for personal development & maturity Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

6. To provide a learning structure which promotes maturity To develop a wide range of cognitive and emotional skills To be learning led rather than exam driven To ensure breadth and balance in the curriculum To provide experiential learning To challenge students in all areas of development To facilitate interdisciplinary and cross-curricular links To develop life skills To learn through networking with other schools and social agencies To encourage variety in teaching and learning styles To enable students to become independent, self-directed and self-regulated learners To encourage a more professional use of assessment To promote compensatory and remediatory education. To co-operate with all educational partners in providing a broad and enriching experience. Transition Year Rationale Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

7. Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory in T.Y. • Bodily-Kinesthetic –Sport, Body Language, Craft, Drama, Touch • Logical/ Mathematical – Maths, Science, Debating, Analysis • Linguistic – Languages, Oral Presentations, Writing , Poetry , Novels • Visual/Spatial – Graphics, Maps, Design, Art, 3-D imagery, Collage • Musical – Musical, Learn/play instrument, Write Lyrics, Languages • Interpersonal – Teamwork, Group projects, Lead, Mediate , Share • Intrapersonal- Reflection,Individual goals , Self directedlearning • Naturalist – Environment, flora, fauna, animals,collections, series. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

8. Planning and Timetabling Transition Year ……. • LEARNING LED not EXAM DRIVEN • SCHOOL BASED –UNIQUE TO EACH SCHOOL • STUDENT FOCUSED • TEACHERS’ EXPERTISE IS USED • INDIVIDUAL SYLLABII WRITTEN • D.E.S. /T.Y PDST/ T.Y.TEMPLATE • VARIED TEACHING & LEARNING • VARIED MODES/TECHNIQUES OF ASSESSMENT • INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY EVALUATED • DEPARTMENT SUPPORT/CERTIFICATION • INSPECTORATE MONITORING Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

9. TRANSITION YEAR Why do Transition Year? • Time to mature and develop • Space to reflect and plan • Develop new competencies • Preparation for challenges that lie ahead Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

10. Challenges Facing Young People Leaving Certificate : • Helpful in terms of informing Subject Choice • Helpful in terms of Study Skills/Learning Styles • Helpful in terms of promoting Independent Self Directed Learning • Assessment/Self assessment/AFL • CAO choices/Course requirements Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

11. Challenges Facing Young People Third Level : We are mindful of the challenges students will be facing at third level: • Leaving homeskills • Self management skills • Time management skills • Group/Project work/Research skills • I.C.T. skills Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

12. Challenges Facing Young People Adult and Working life : • Self esteem/awareness/assertiveness • Relationships skills • Teamwork Skills • Maturity/critical judgement • Careers/Work experience/Work simulation • Interviews –C.V. , Portfolios • Technical and Vocational skills • I.C.T. skills • Social/Personal/Health Education Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

13. ESRI Assessment of TYP • Transition Year places a strong emphasis on the process of learning. • On average, students who took part in TY achieved higher Leaving Certificate exam grades and were more likely to go on to higher education than non-participants, all else being equal. • Transition Year is found to have definite academic benefits for students and is thought by the majority of principals nationally to have a positive impact on student development. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

14. Attitudes to TY – NUIM Report to DES Perceptions of Outcomes of T.Y. : • Students more mature as result of TY experience • Promotes young people’s confidence • Improves bond between classmates • Facilitates better relationship between students and teachers • Opportunities to explore adult & working life seen as distinct benefits • Teachers indicate that TY has positive impact on school climate Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

15. THE TRANSITION YEAR PROGRAMME 2014-2015 Loreto College St. Stephen’s Green

16. PEELING THE LAYERS OF A TY PROGRAMME Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

17. Core Subject Layer • English x 3 • Irish x 3 • Mathematics x 4 • Religious Education x 2 • Careers– Vocational & Personal Guidance x 1 • French/Spanish/German x 3 • Science x 3 • P.E. x 2 Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

18. Subject Sampling Layer • Home Economics (Cookery for Today) • Art • Commerce – Business, Accounting & Economics • History • Geography • Biology • Chemistry • Physics Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

19. T.Y. Specific Module & Subject Layer • Information Technology – e portfolio, • Computers/digital literacy - Scratch • Choir or Drama • Relationships & Sexuality Education • Aerobics • Chinese Language and Cultural Studies • Mind Gym (helpful for Project Maths) • International Relations • Debating Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

20. Set Module (as anticipated for 2014/15): a double period per week) • Italian For Fun • Horticulture • Young Environmentalist Award • Step into Marketing Programme • City Quay student teaching/learning initiative – 8 places • Social and Political Studies: Northern Irelandplaces (Incorporating Glenlola Collegiate exchange) • Craft – Junk Kuture - Fashion Design Module Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

21. METHODOLOGIES • Active & learner-focused • Teacher as facilitator • Collaborative learning encouraged • Group work / Pair work • Role-play /simulations • Project work /Fieldwork • Out-of-school activities • Visiting speakers • Negotiated learning • Practical work Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

22. Calendar – ‘Once Off’ Layer Placements: • Work Experience Placement Monday 13th Oct. – Friday 24th Oct. 2014 • Community Work Placement Monday 2nd Feb. – Friday 13th Feb. 2015 • Additional Work Experience or Community Work Placement : Monday 25th May – Friday 29th May 2015 Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

23. What is Community Care? • Experience in any of the community care services is a relevant element in the preparation for adult life. Services such as those concerned with social and economic disadvantage; physical, sensory and mental disabilities; and for special groups such as children, the chronically ill and the aged are most appropriate for this placement. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

24. Calendar – ‘Once Off’ Layer Lectures/Workshops: • Accord – Negotiating Relationships • Adventure Centre (2 nights) • Public Access to Law • Computer & Internet Safety • Cookery Demonstrations – Cloughjordan House • Dance (Contemporary) • Fire Safety • Health Matters – Nutrition; Mental Health; Physical Well-being & Fitness; substance abuse prevention. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

25. Calendar – ‘Once Off’ Layer • Martial Arts • Retreat • Road Safety Awareness – Gardai • Samba Music Workshops • Skiing lessons (4) • Song School and Film School • Visits to Museums & Art Galleries; chocolate factory • Visit to Criminal Courts • Conservation module – Dublin Zoo Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

26. T.Y. Competitions & Projects include: • Debating Competitions • Gaisce President’s award - Bronze • Model United Nations • Young Scientists’ Exhibition • Young Environmentalist Awards/Mini Company • Marketing Institute of Ireland - Step into Marketing • Subject related competitions/projects – e.g Junk Kuture Fashion Competition Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

27. ASSESSMENT ‘Assessment should be an integral part of the learning process in Transition Year not separate from it’ (D.E.S.Guidelines) • Portfolio assessment • Oral/Aural assessment • Project work • Self-assessment • Peer-assessment • Written/Practical Class tests • Skills assessment. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

28. Homework & Assessment in T.Y. Homework: • Aural / Oral / Written • Project • Research Assessment: • Assignments • Examination (Oral / Written) • Port Folio • Interview & Presentation Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

29. EVALUATION ENCOURAGED AS A REGULAR FEATURE External – • INSPECTORATE / Dept. of Education and Skills Internal – • SCHOOL – WHOLE STAFF • TRANSITION YEAR TEACHING TEAM • TRANSITION YEAR CORE TEAM • INDIVIDUAL SUBJECT TEACHER • STUDENTS • PARENTS • PLACEMENT PROVIDERS Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

30. Certification • DES Certificate • BT Young Scientists’ Competition • Gaisce Bronze Medal Award • Model United Nations • IMRO Certificate - Songschool • Mini-Company/Young Environmentalist Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

31. Parents – How can you help? • Understand importance of school attendance – it is vital for overall success of the programme • Encourage your daughter to avail of the learning opportunities provided • Show interest in her projects & activities – • Read and sign her school journal on a weekly basis, also request to look at her Transition Year Website where she will be logging her experiences • Ask about the your daughter’s additional reading requirement Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

32. Parents – How can you help? • Endeavour to adhere to school recommendations re times for language exchange programmes, work experience etc. • Share with us your skills and ideas • Attend Parent Teacher Meeting • Read materials provided - TY Programme; TY section on website; correspondence sent home etc. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

33. TRANSITION YEAR Transition YearMotto “You will get back from T.Y. what you put into it.” Be Active! Be Involved! Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.