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August 21, 2011
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TRANSITION YEAR EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
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The aim of the Transition Year Programme is
“to provide the personal, social, vocational and educational development
of students and prepare them for their role as autonomous
and participative members of society.”
The Transition Year programme in Desmond College formally began this year on 27th August 2010. It is an optional course within the school. Our programme is based on the DES aims for the Transition Year Programme and the calendar focuses on four main areas:
Within Desmond College the core subjects of English, Irish, Maths and French are continued with heavy emphasis on building on pupils knowledge from the Junior Cycle and giving a strong grounding for the Senior Cycle.
Pupils are given the opportunity to sample the subjects on offer in the school for Leaving Certificate:
Within Year specific modules. The modules this year are:
Subjects specific for Transition Year pupils are
also provided. These include:
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Our once off calendar year provides the following for our pupils:
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The year is devoted to facilitating the pupils to learn new skills, have new experiences, travel, teach, improve their academic skills and develop personally and socially.
The Desmond College Transition Year class are proud to be associated with the Brothers of Charity, Newcastlewest. Each student will experience work experience at the centre, as well as organising events and fundraising for charity. This has proved to be personally rewarding and enriching experience for all involved.
The Desmond Credit Union is also affiliated with our school and a selected group of T.Y. are chosen to become co-ordinators. This process teaches each member of the group job application procedures, interview processes and marketing and administration of a banking system.
The group also have the opportunity to participate in a parenting course, where the realities of life as a parent is witnessed first-hand when the class members have the opportunity to take a “virtual baby” home for the night.
The T.Y programme has been crammed full of activities and events such as lifesaving, Judo, Teaching Physical Education in the Gaelscoil, Young Scientist, mini-companies, driving theory tests and mentoring junior students. The list of activities is endless.
The TY group have had many trips. The 2010/2011 class visited Knock, Killaloe Outdoor and adventurous centre, Clarion Hotel (‘spagetti show’), Thomand Park, Mary Immaculate College music recital, Young Scientist Exhibition, Hunt Museum, Killfinane Outdoor centre and not to mention a trip to London.
The Transition Year has been found to have been an enlightening and exciting opportunity for all involved. Students have made well informed decisions for their Senior cycle due to tasting subjects and research on careers. Each individual has grown in maturity and have developed personal and social skills that will stand to them for many years ahead.
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AIMS
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OBJECTIVES
The Transition Year co-ordinator is Ms. Kerrie Collins.
Read about some of the students’ experiences!
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