Transition Year PROGRAMME

The Transition Year programme at The High School is designed to provide Form 4 pupils with the opportunity to discover their own talents, aptitudes, and abilities whilst developing skills and competencies within a well-defined academic structure.  It challenges pupils to accept responsibility for their own learning, to improve their performance in many core areas, explore new subjects, develop their own interests, and to evaluate their progress.  It also introduces pupils to the world of adult work.

In addition, Transition Year programme gives Form 4 pupils an opportunity to develop other skills.  In addition to academic achievement, personal qualities such as organization, application, and initiative - as well as the ability to participate in a team and relate well with others - will be important factors in achieving successful outcomes throughout Form 4.  Please note that due to an ongoing process of evaluation, review, and improvement the curriculum is subject to change. There is a brief description of each course below.  It should be emphasized that normal rules and regulations regarding attendance, punctuality, uniform, and behaviour apply to all Form 4 pupils.

Core curriculum

Every pupil undertakes the following courses which provide academic continuity whilst utilizing varied teaching and learning approaches:

Irish, English, Mathematics                       4 periods each
Science, Computer applications               4 periods  
History, Geography                                    3 periods each
PE, Games                                                2 periods each
Social, Personal, and Health Education    1 period

In addition, every pupil undertakes a Form Period during which planning and evaluation of the Transition Year programme takes place.

Full year options

Pupils choose one of the following from option group A to be studied for the whole year (3 periods per week):

•  Business A (a foundation course for the Leaving Certificate)
•  Design and Communication Graphics (a foundation course for the Leaving Certificate for those who have not studied Technical Graphics for the Junior Certificate)    
•  French (for those who have already studied the language)
•  German (a foundation course for the Leaving Certificate for those who have not studied the language)    
•  Road Safety Authority course
•  Spanish (a foundation course for the Leaving Certificate for those who have not studied the language)    

Pupils also choose one of the following from option group B to be studied for the whole year (3 periods per week):

•  Accounting and Economics (a foundation course for Leaving Certificate)
•  Business B (Enterprise class)
•  Construction Studies (useful if you wish to study for Leaving Certificate)
•  European Studies and Global Issues
•  French (for those who have already studied the language)
•  German (for those who have already studied the language)

Life skills

All pupils undertake the following revolving modules for 6 weeks each (4 periods per week):

•  Educational Skills
•  Education for the Future    
•  Film Appreciation    
•  Information and Communication Technology
•  Media Studies
•  Religious and Personal Studies
•  Sports Science  

Personal enrichment and confidence-building courses

Pupils choose two of the following from option group C, each to be studied for half of the school year (2 periods per week):

•  Art
•  Bridge
•  Chinese (introduction to language and culture)    
•  Dance    
•  Food and Culinary Skills (for beginners)        
•  Judo    
•  Photography
•  Rock/Pop Musical Show    
•  Woodwork

Pupils also choose two of the following from option group D, each to be studied for half of the school year (2 periods per week):

•  Chinese (introduction to language and culture)
•  Crafts    
•  Drama    
•  Food and Culinary Skills (for beginners)    
•  Music
•  Orienteering    
•  Pilates
•  Website Design and Publishing
•  Woodwork