Transition Year in Adamstown Community College

Transition Year (TY) is a one-year school based programme between Junior and Senior Cycle. It is designed to act as a bridge between the two, facilitating a smooth transition from the more dependent learning of Junior Cycle to the more independent self-directed learning required for Senior Cycle. 


The Transition Year programme at Adamstown Community College has developed over the years to meet the changing needs of our students, as well as incorporating the latest teaching methodologies. Our overall objective is to promote the personal, social, educational, and vocational development of students, and prepare them for their future role as autonomous, participative and responsible members of society.


You can find detailed information about our TY Program in this booklet. 

 

Why choose transition year?

  • Students are given the time to mature and develop

  • It offers a skills based learning experience

  • It provides a space for students to reflect and plan for their future

  • Students experience many different subjects to inform their subject choices for senior cycle

  • Students develop new competencies

  • Students take part in two work placements which may help they decide on their future careers

  • The NCCA found that on average students who choose transition year achieve 26 more points CAO points in their leaving certificate than those who go straight into senior cycle

In Transition year the timetable is composed of Core Subjects, Modular sampling and Specific options. The Modular sampling and options are divided up into 3 modules of 10-12 weeks each. Core subjects run all year. Students will complete courses in each of the following subjects during the year.


Core Subjects

Modular Subjects

Option Subjects

Maths

Psychology

Home Skills

English

Development Studies

Culinary Arts

Irish

Law

Media Studies

Science

Music

Portuguese

Modern Foreign Language

Speech and Drama

Outdoor Pursuits

PE

Community Studies


IT

Technology


SPHE

Art



Horticulture

 


Opportunities outside the curriculum

  • GAISCE AWARDS 

Gaisce is an old Irish word which means ‘a great achievement’ and it is in the spirit of this meaning that the programme challenges young people to set and pursue personal goals in four different areas of activity: 

* Community Involvement * Personal Skills * Physical Recreation * Adventure Journey

  • CARLINGFORD ADVENTURE CENTRE TRIP
  • FIRST AID 

We endeavour to provide first aid training for all students as a useful tool for later life. Date to be confirmed.

  • SELF DEFENCE 

 We endeavour every year to provide workshops in self defence. Date to be confirmed. 

  • COMMUNITY AND CULTURE WEEK 

22nd November - 26th November 2022 

During this week students do not attend classes. We plan some group visits to some of the cultural hotspots in Dublin. We usually visit Glasnevin Cemetery, Botanical Gardens, do a walking tour of Dublin and Croke Park. Students are then asked to either volunteer in the community or host/run a charitable event for the remainder of the week.

  • WORK EXPERIENCE 

Week 1 - 14th February - 18th February 2023 

Week 2 -27th March- 31st March 2023 

Students are requested to undertake two separate work placements throughout TY. This exercise is hugely beneficial as it enables each individual to discover their own personal strengths. It also provides them with an opportunity to gain an insight into different occupational backgrounds which will assist them in making informed subject and career choices during their Leaving Certificate.

  • TY MENTOR PROGRAMME 

Every year students apply for and are interviewed for the very coveted role of a TY mentor. TY students are assigned a class of 1st year students to look after and throughout the year they will organise, hold and run special events to ensure all of the 1st years have a senior student they can look to for advice and guidance.