Transition Year Programme
Presentation De La Salle College, Bagenalstown
School’s Mission Statement:
"This school aims to be a caring community dedicated to the development of the whole person in an atmosphere of mutual respect."
Aims of Transition Year
Transition Year in PDLS Bagenalstown aims to:
Encourage personal and social development of students.
Further academic achievement and to help prepare students for further study and adult working life.
Increase social awareness of students with emphasis on development of confidence and personal talent.
Provide education through real life experience, use of ICT, peer teaching, research and self-directed learning and community-based focus, whilst retaining a focus on more traditional methodologies, subjects and assessments.
Create a positive environment in which students have opportunities to reach their true potential while availing of a supportive framework for personal development.
Include parents, guardians and school management in a process of consultation and support for the mutual benefit of all.
Programme design overview:
- TY-specific modules (short courses/projects)
- Work experience (Thursdays)
- Extra-curricular and community enrichment activities
Core Subjects: English, Irish, Maths, Business, Languages, History, Religion, SPHE
Sampling: 6-8 week block rotations: Practical subjects: Materials Technology, Home Economics, Art, Graphics, Music. Sciences: Geography, Ag. Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
TY Specific modules: English, Communications and Media, Mini Company, Careers, TY reflective folder class, RCSI Mini Med. Poetry Ireland Creative writing workshop, Movie making/editing, Cyber Security, Forensic Science workshop, Fund literacy through State Street, RSA road safety, Driving School workshop, International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL), Wellbeing, Self Defence, Yoga/Pilates, Circuit classes, Junk Kouture, Child safeguarding and Introduction to Gaelic Games course
Work Experience: Every Thursday, Students are encouraged to sample different careers they may be interested in, a typical work experience block might be from September to November, November to March and March to May. We have established strong relationships with many local employers, and we encourage students to reach out over the Summer and contact businesses in the local area. There are other TY work experience programmes through Engineers Ireland, The Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, as well as the RCSI MINI Med online information week delivered in school. All these programmes will be based on an application process carried out through the TY Coordinator.
Extra-Curricular and Community Enrichment activities : Extra-curricular and enrichment activities are a core part of a successful Transition Year, helping students grow in confidence, explore new interests, and gain life skills outside of traditional academics. These experiences often leave the biggest impact on students and can shape future career or personal interests. Bagenalstown Pool (Water safety), Baltinglass Adventure Centre, Dunmore East Adventure Centre, guest speakers from the world of Engineering, Payroll, Medical Industries, alumni speakers , Footgolf, Emerald Park, Sporting events, Erasmus French/German trip/mobility trips, Careers Options Fair, Women in Technology lecture in SETU Waterford, Workshop on healthy relationships, K Bowl Christmas Party, Primary School Debating Trip, Primary school GAA coaching,Pirates Cove Adventure Centre, Emerald Park, Young SVP, Amnesty, Bagenalstown Nursing home visits, Direct Provision visits, Green Schools projects, Liaising with Bagenalstown Improvement Group, intergenerational tech. Teaching in Bagenalstown Library, selling Mini Company products at Christmas markets, organising Primary school quiz nights in PDLS, coaching and referring with local clubs, this list is not exhaustive.
Option subjects
Option subjects are TY specialist subjects chosen in September of TY. Students choose a subject for the whole academic year. They will choose one subject from the following five subjects: French/German, Art/Junk Kouture, English, Communication & Media and History. We strive to assign every student to their preferred subject, however due to class size this is not always possible. It is recommended that students doing a language for their Leaving Certificate should study that language in TY.
Coordinator & Core team:
The coordinator (Michael Meaney) and senior management team through admin classes, assemblies and interactions with the students evaluate the programme. They note the various issues that may arise and where necessary speak with the relevant parties. The coordinator constantly gives feedback to the senior management team, especially the direct line manager, Bridget Murphy regarding any issues in TY.
Meetings with TY staff:
The Annual meeting with the full Transition Year team along with Senior management will be held in August/September. Induction information is prepared for all Transition Year teachers and is shared at this meeting. Each Staff meeting will allocate time to TY affairs.
Subject planning
All subject plans are prepared by individual teachers or by teachers of the same subject areas. Plans are made with the support of subject departments where applicable. Plans are prepared considering that all classes are of mixed academic ability. Students who may be receiving help from the S.E.N. Department are made known to all teachers in August/September. If a specific need exists, the coordinator meets with the S.E.N. department and /or with the Principal to discuss how this need is to be addressed. Each teacher consults with the coordinator and in turn with Senior management regarding budgeting and required resources.
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Assessment:
December/May reports. Subject specific assessment tools vary considerably from project work to portfolio assessment, presentations to PowerPoint design, peer teaching to reflective journals, written, oral and aural exams.
Exams take place during specific Examination windows in December and April/May. These form part of the school's in-house exam system. These exams will take place in all subject areas; a comment and grade are given also.
TY Folder. Each student uses a portfolio to compile evidence of learning and experiences throughout the year. Some subjects use this platform as part of their assessment procedure. Within the portfolio,
Cost
Each student pays €450 for TY- specific costs. This money is managed by the senior management team and the school’s Office Manager. Receipts are issued for payments made. Accounts are checked and updated throughout the year. Payments can be made online or through the school. A student who is unable to pay the cost of Transition Year is supported by the Board of Management. Cost is not a factor/ deterrent in applying for Transition Year.
TY Certification and Celebration
At the end of the year, a TY Showcase afternoon is held in school to showcase to parents, students and staff the variety of work that has been undertaken and to celebrate students’ achievements. Students are awarded their TY Certificate at this event, as well as any other certs they may have attained throughout the year (e.g. IDCL, Junk Kouture, Introduction to Gaelic Games & Safeguarding etc.). The TY folder is placed on display for all to see and we celebrate all the achievements in our transition year programme.
Trips
Each year trips to outdoor pursuits centres are undertaken in September and October and in April/May. All students are encouraged to attend, over the last number of years, TYs have travelled to Dunmore East and Baltinglass adventure centres. Pirates Cove, Waterford Greenway and Emerald Park are also visited in April/May. Other trips may be offered during the year, for example, previous groups have travelled to France/Germany through the Erasmus Plus Programme, Christmas shopping and Bowling in Kilkenny, Sporting events, careers fairs. These trips are subject to change from year to year.