Transition Year St. Brendan's College 2020 2021 - St. Brendans College Killarney
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St. Brendan’s College
Transition Year
Information Booklet
2020 – 2021
WHY TRANSITION YEAR?
The following brief points should answer that question for you the parents.
Improved
Increased confidence &
Points self esteem
At
Leaving Cert.
Self
Management
skills
Develop Mature, Independent Attitude to Learning
Transition year students learn how to work as part of a team and on their own. The modules studied offer
many opportunities to develop their individual learning styles. Students can enjoy learning for learning’s
sake as oppose to learning for an examination.
Increased Points in the Leaving Certificate
Students who complete Transition Year do better in their Leaving Certificate by an average of 40 points
(research by ERSI). Furthermore, Transition Year students are more likely to retain subjects at higher
level and move up from ordinary level to higher level and from foundation to ordinary.
Improved Study Skills & Learning Strategies
Transition Year offers students a chance to learn-how-to-learn. While all students studying for their
Leaving Certificate will benefit from Study Skills classes and workshops the very nature of teaching and
learning in Transition Year means that students continuously develop the skill they already have, without
the pressure of state examinations, as well as acquiring new skills.
Self Management Skills
Many Transition Year activities are student led not exam driven. Students may be given themes of topics
which they then plan, explore, investigate and present in their own individual way. This process helps stu-
dents to develop self management skills in that they have to plan, organize, keep to deadlines and evaluate
their work and progress. Transition Year students are also more likely to be able to cope with the transi-
tion from Second Level to Third Level and stay on longer at Third Level as a result of having acquired
such skills.
Improved Confidence & Self Esteem
The experiences outlined above will naturally improve a students confidence and develop their self es-
teem. Having tried many new activities and developed many new skills Transition Year students become
confident in their ability to learn and to take on new challenges.
2
Teaching & Learning Strategies
A key feature of Transition Year is the use of a
wide range of teaching and learning
methodologies and techniques.
Presentations
Problem-Solving
Activity based Learning
Experiential Learning
Negotiated Learning
Personal Responsibility for Learning
Group Work/Team Work
Discussion
Debate
Interview
Role Play
Project Work
Research & Investigation
Guest Speakers
Seminars
Study Trips/Field Trips
3
Assessment & Evaluation
Assessment is a vital part of the teaching and learning process, and as such
forms an integral part of the Transition Year programme.
However, since the focus of Transition Year is student-centered, developmental
learning as oppose to examination based learning, assessment takes many forms.
Continuous assessment in each subject/module may include:
Written tasks
Practical tasks
Oral/Discussion Projects/Presentations
Aural/Listening/Understanding Portfolio
Reports Interview
Diary/Journal Exhibitions
Self-Evaluation/Reflection
Home-based tasks
Students will also be required to com- plete
home-based tasks on a regular
basis. These tasks may take the form of written work, learning, reflection,
creative activities, investigations and/or project work.
Reports and Exams
Transition year students will complete end of term exams at Christmas and in
May. These exams may be written, oral, aural or practical, depending on the
subject/module. These results will be combined with their continuous assess-
ment throughout the module to produce a final grade for their report.
Transition Year Portfolio
Throughout Transition Year each student will compile a portfolio of work for as-
sessment. Students will be able to choose the pieces of work they are most
proud of and which demonstrates their progress over the year.
1. Table of contents
2. Calendar of events
3. Diary of all events, courses, visits, etc.
4. Projects
5. Subjects and modular material.
Portfolios will be displayed during the Transition Year Graduation Ceremony at
the end of the school year.
4
Transition
Year
Curriculum
5
The Curriculum is structured
into 4 layers:
Core Subject Layer
Subject Sampling Layer
TY Specific Module & Subject Layer
Calendar “once off” Layer
6
Core
Subject
Layer
7Irish and Cultural Studies
Transition Year will enable students to:
Experience “Gaeilge” as a vibrant spoken language
Experience aspects through Irish Cultural activities—Gaeltacht trip
Develop a sense of love and respect of the Irish language and culture
English, Communication and Language Skills
Written word
Poetry, Novels & Plays
Public speaking & Debates
Film studies, Publications such as magazines newsletters & Theatre studies
Maths
Sample Topics
Algebra
Graphs and Charts
Statistics
Area & Volume
Geometry
Arithmetic
Religious Studies and S.P.H.E.
Human Rights
Types of Prayer
Charity work and fundraising
Philosophy
Personal development
8Subject
Sampling
Layer
9Science:
Biology, Agricultural Science & horticulture, Physics & Chemistry.
Enterprise and Business
Business, Economics & Accounting
Environment and Society
History and Geography
Modern Languages
French and German
Construction & Design and Communication Graphics
Activity for Living
P.E. (to include swimming, gym, sport science & nutrition to mention a few)
Arts and Crafts
Music
10Transition
Year
Module
&
Subject
Layer
11GAISCE
AWARDS
The response of young people to The President’s Award illustrates
not only the great wealth of ingenuity and talent which they have to
offer, but, more importantly, their tremendous willingness to ex-
plore and expand their abilities in a positive and constructive way
The work of The President’s Award Leaders, PALS, in encouraging
and motivating young people to achieve their full potential is central
to the success of the Award programme. Quite often, through fami-
ly circumstance, low-self esteem, lack of encouragement, shyness or
lack of confidence, many young people never reach their potential
and never quite rise to the many challenges and opportunities that
life can throw their way. Through your work as Leaders, you are
facilitating them in taking that initial step, which for many can be a
daunting and frightening leap.
I commend all concerned with the Award, both participants and PALS, for your hard work and
for your dedication to the very spirit of what the Award is about, and I wish you every suc-
cess in your future endeavour.
Michael D Higgins
PATRON
Uachtarán na hÉireann
BRONZE AWARD
1. Community Involvement 13 weeks
2. Personal Skill 13 weeks
3. Physical Recreation 13 weeks
• Additional activity of 13 weeks in any section of your choice in consultation with your
PAL.
4. Adventure Journey:
• Plan, prepare and undertake a 2 day, I night adventure journey in a group covering a
minimum total distance of: Walking 25—35 km or Cycling 100—130 km over
2 consecutive days.
“By doing the Gaisce Award I feel that I helped my community and bettered my health”
www.gaisce.ie
12ECDL European Computer www.ics-skills.net
Driving Licence
WHAT IS ECDL?
The ECDL covers basic computer skills and the use of common applications in the work-
place, the home and in society in general. When a number of modules are completed,
a Certificate is awarded by European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)
ICS Skills is the Irish licensee for the ECDL Foundation, the certifying authority of the
leading international computer skills certification programme – ECDL/ICDL.
The 13 ECDL modules are as follows:
Module 1: Computer Essentials
Module 2: Online Essentials
Module 3: Word Processing
Module 4: Spreadsheets
Module 5: Databases
Module 6: Presentation
Module 7: IT Security
Module 8: Online Collaboration
Module 9: Image Editing
Module10: Web Editing
Module11: Data Protection
Module12: Project Planning
Module13: 2DCAD
ECDL Training is delivered through multimedia training (CBT computer based testing)
This automated testing enables candidates to undertake tests on a computer, which
then automatically assesses the candidate’s performance and provides an immediate
result to the candidate.
BENEFITS OF ECDL
ECDL provides:
• An IT qualification for all
• An internationally recognised qualification for holders.
• An excellent benchmark of employee skills
• Improved confidence for computer users
• Better able to complete assignments for school projects and later for
College
1314
“Log On, Learn”
It is understood that 99% of Leaving Certificate students can use the basic element of
PC’s and technology, however less than 25% of people aged 65 and over have these skills.
This programme, enabled by Intel, is intended to bridge that generational digital divide.
The Log On, Learn (LOL) Programme:
The TY LOL Programme will be offered as an 8—week, single term project. LOL is an initi-
ative which will see transition year students buddy up with older people from the local
community to teach them PC and technology skills. The classes will take place once a week
for up to two hours, over an eight week period in the computer room. Part of the initiative
will involve the transition year students reviewing their own community, assessing where
older people spend time and recruiting them onto the programme. The aim of the initiative
is to help older people to overcome their fear of new technologies e.g. PC, Laptops and mo-
bile phones. It will also provide an insight for each generation into the lifestyle of the
other.
The programme is being designed to allow flexibility in timetabling and implementation. It
will consist of twelve units, including a series of lesson plans, with support material for
each lesson. The lesson plans are intended as guidelines, and certain areas may need
greater or lesser emphasis depending on individual needs. Teachers’ pack (including lesson
plans and resource material) and students’ pack (including plans and resource material) will
be available for download from an interactive website link.
Expected Outcomes for Transition Year
students
• Research Skills
• Marketing Skills
• Improved PC and technology Skills
• Teaching Skills
• Communications and Interpersonal Skills
Expected Outcomes for Older People
• Basic Technology Skills
• Improved understanding of young people
• A greater level of connectivity (local &
global)
15Wednesday Modules
1. First Aid
2. Photography
3. P.E. / self defence
4. Cooking
5. Positive Psychology
6. Computer Coding—Coder dojo
7. Personal Development
4.1 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.3
9.00 – 9.00 – 9.00 – 9.00 – 9.00 –
11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00
Construc- Cooking
tion/ Self De- Photography First Aid
School Im- fense
11.15 – 11.15 – 11.15 – 11.15 – 11.15 –
1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15
P.E.
Coding Positive Gardening First Aid
Psychology
16WORK EXPERIENCE
IN
TRANSITION YEAR
WHAT IS IT:
“Work Experience” involves spending time as part of a school course learning first
hand about life in a workplace.
The employer agrees to co-operate with the school in taking on a student for a work
experience placement, 3 separate weeks during the school year. The employer
knows that s/he is taking on a person as part of a learning experience.
The student needs to be aware that:
• The placement is part of the school course and offers a great learning oppor-
tunity.
• The employer—who has an enterprise to run—is co-operating with the student
with limited direct benefit to the enterprise.
• Both employer will complete an Employer’s Report at the end of the placement.
The student will completer a daily record of his Work Experience. These
reports will become important documents for future reference and assessment
in Transition Year.
Getting the best from Work Experience
To get the most from a work experience placement, it is worth thinking in terms of
three stages. For a student to get maximum benefit, it is important that each stage
goes well.
The three stages are:
1. PREPARATION
• Searching for a placement which will suit your interests—do this during
the Summer months.
• Presenting yourself to the employer and making a good case for yourself.
• Understanding what the employer expects from you.
2. PLACEMENT
• Turning up in good time.
• Presenting yourself appropriately.
• Following the instructions given by your supervisor.
• Performing the given tasks.
• Getting on with the other workers.
• Dealing with people in a friendly and courteous way.
3. REFLECTION
• Thinking about the placement
• Talking about placement with your family—and friends, if you wish.
• Writing a report on your placement.
• Discussing your work experience in class and with your teachers.
• Clarifying, in the light of your placement, your plans for further work
experience , for studying and for the future.
17Calendar
“once off”
Layer
18Community Placement
All students will get further opportunity to experience working life and to link the school with the
local community. This will give them an insight into the work done by others in various work places
such as local primary schools and Kerry Parents and Friends.
Chinese Module
Each class receive one hour of Chinese language and culture (Mandarin) per week over the year.
The Chinese teacher is provided to the school through the Confucius
Institute in UCC.
Car Safety
Students will be given the chance to complete a driver education programme in preparation for be-
coming safe and responsible drivers. Munster Driving Centre, RSA and their own “school car”.
First Aid Training
All students will complete Certified Occupational First Aid Course.
Tours
A Tour which is optional and/or China Visit during Easter Holidays/Skiing Tour.
Law Education for Schools
This course is aimed towards Transition Year students. It gives the students an introduction to
Law and the definition and sources of law. It gives specialised training in the skill of advocacy with
an emphasis placed on a mock trail competition as a classroom activity.
Visiting speakers
Speakers will be talking to the Transition Year students on various relevant topics as
opportunities arise throughout the year - where possible.
Volunteering in the Community
TY is an ideal opportunity for your son to get involved with Special Olympics– Kerry Stars,
St. Vincent de Paul, “Celtic Football for All” and any of the local clubs under age training pro-
grammes.
Fit in Deutsch 1 Enterprise Module
Green Flag Coding — Coder Dojo
School Bank Model United Nations
19TRANSITION YEAR EXPENSES
TY Expenses (Please note events and prices may change)
Upon enrolling into Transition Year a non—refundable deposit of
€300.00 is paid.
Art materials €20.00
ECDL €145.00
Gaisce 2 Day trip €50.00
Bus Trips €100.00+
First Aid training €110.00
Law Education for schools €40.00
Car Safety €50.00
Cookery Demonstration €15.00
Drama, Chinese and Misc. €70.00
Total €600.00
* The school tour is excluded from the above prices.
**Fundraising will take place throughout the school year to help
with expenses of such a varied programme.
Individual payments will be collected in 2 installments
An initial Deposit of €300 in ______of 3rd Year and final payment
by end of September in Term 1 of Transition Year.
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