Transition Year Option – course duration 1 year

Space to learn, mature and develop in the absence of examination pressure. Statistics show that students’ performance at Leaving Cert. Higher level is enhanced by doing the Transition Year Option.

Transition Year is an optional year offered to all students who have done the Junior Certificate Examination. This year offers students space to learn, mature and develop in the absence of examination pressure. The programme in this year augments the Junior Certificate experience and lays a solid foundation for the Leaving Certificate studies, giving an orientation to the world of work and catering for the students’ personal and social awareness / development.

Subjects are studied in a way that is significantly different from the way in which they are studied in the two years to the Leaving Certificate, e.g. for Enterprise Education, the setting up of a mini-company enriches the syllabus content. The students gain invaluable experience in setting up and running their own company, making and marketing products and attending a Trade Fair.
The Transition Year Programme was introduced in St. Aloysius School for the 1994-95 school year, on a ‘Pilot’ basis. It has since gone from strength to strength.

As well as regular classes, guest speakers are invited and out-of-school visits and placements are arranged. Continuous assessment takes place throughout the course and a portfolio of certificates is presented at a Graduation Ceremony at the end of the year.

Transition Year Subjects:

Communication Skills

• Irish
• English
• European Languages
• Public Speaking
• Debating

Personal Development

• Religious Education
• Community Service
• Physical Education
• Career Guidance

Scientific Skills

• Science
• Mathematics
• History
• Geography

Cultural Studies

• Music Appreciation
• Art
• Heritage Studies
• Drama

Education for Working Life

• Enterprise Education
• Home Economics
• Keyboard skills
• Computer Studies
• Law
• Work Experience

On completion of the programme, students should be more capable of working on their own initiative, should have enhanced social skills and should be enabled to make informed choices about their selection of subjects for the Leaving Certificate. There is widespread agreement that students do benefit significantly from the programme.

If you are interested in applying for a place in any of our cycles, please view our applications page or feel free to contact us.