Transition year
Welcome to the transition year webpage! Below you will find all sorts of information about transition year in St. Mary’s. Scroll down the page to see the TY Syllabus, Highlights for the year, School trips, Assessment procedures and much more!
Rationale for TY
Holistic Development
Transition Year promotes personal, social and educational development of our students.
Bridging the gap
TY provides a bridge to enable students to make the transition from dependent type learning associated with the Junior Cycle to a more independent learning environment associated with the senior cycle .
New Opportunities
The TY year provides an extra year in school to mature, an opportunity to explore new subjects and make better decisions about subject choices in 5th year.
Academic Excellence.
Our accreditation system ensures continuous assessment, thus allowing students to catch up or develop academically and be better equipped for the demands of 5th year
The Transition year PR Team
Welcome to the Transition Year PR section! This dedicated space will feature regular newsletters, offering an inside look at the myriad activities, projects, and events that define this transformative year. Click on the image to open the newsletter!
Newsletters
Syllabus 2023-2024
Core subjects
Students study the following core subjects all year round.
Modular subjects
Students take the following modules for a half of the year before rotating onto the second module.
The modules below are taken for six to seven weeks before moving onto the next.
| Geography | History |
| Bridge | Yoga |
| Wellbeing | Guidance |
| Chess |
| Public Speaking |
| Self-Defence |
| LIFT (Leadership Programme) |
Practical subjects
Students choose any two of the following subjects to take for half of the year.
| Home-economics | Music | DCG | Art | Woodwork | Technology |
Work experience
Students undertake two blocks of two weeks of work experience, in November and February.
Assessment
Students are awarded a certificate and graded according to a credit system, which includes continuous assessment of Key Projects, 2 Portfolio Interviews, Credit for Work Experience and attendance as well as quality of class projects and participation.
TY Highlights
Transition Year at St. Mary’s offers a diverse range of experiences beyond the classroom, focusing on practical life skills and personal growth. In September, students delve into creativity through drama workshops, while our First Aid course ensures they are equipped with essential life-saving knowledge. Our Mini-Company in Enterprise promotes teamwork and an entrepreneurial spirit for future success. Students also participate in the annual Sci-Fest competition, fostering a love for science. Engaging with Gaisce and the John Paul II Award encourages leadership and community involvement. Additional student favourites include the Forensic Fun workshop, self-defence training, and drumming workshops. Transition Year at St. Mary’s aims to provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for their future endeavours.
Transition year trips
The Achill Trip
Students spend four days in the Gaeltacht area, engaging in various outdoor activities and water sports
The Gaisce Hike
Students undertake a 25 km hike over 2 days in Ireland.
The Foreign Trip
Students spend four days trip in a European country, with cultural visits and fun activities
