St Raphaela's Secondary School

Transition Year

Transition Year

Overview of Transition Year:

Transition Year in St Raphaela’s is a voluntary one-year programme of study between Junior and Senior Cycle for students who have completed their Junior Cycle education. It lays a solid foundation for Senior Cycle studies in an original and stimulating way as well as introducing students to a whole range of new experiences.

Our students choose Transition Year because they feel they need a change of emphasis after the rigours of the Junior Cycle. Our programme offers the potential for the holistic development of students as flexible learners, active citizens, and future workers. It is an interdisciplinary programme with an emphasis on personal development, social awareness and increased social competence. The Transition Year programme is constantly evolving to meet the needs of young people.

Our Transition Year aims are threefold;

  1. To provide students with the skills necessary to develop their talents and abilities.
  2. To encourage students to become more independent and to recognise the responsibility that comes with greater freedom.
  3. To help students understand their educational needs and encourage confidence and motivation for Senior Cycle and the Leaving Certificate.

Transition Year Subjects:

In Transition Year we build on the learning in Junior Cycle in core subjects. We offer a diverse range of new exciting courses in rotational modules and all-year core and sampling courses. Students will also follow the International Computer Driving License programme to obtain a widely recognised qualification in computer skills. We offer a range of activities and trips and welcome speakers on a range of topics. All students participate in The President’s Gaisce Award and achieve the Gaisce Bronze medal.

Our core subjects are English, Siamsa, Maths, Spanish/French, Japanese, ICDL, Religion, Co-Ordination, Career Guidance, and Wellness.

Students also do a rotation of Biochemistry, Physics, Chemistry, Health & Fitness, Geography, Coding, Linguistics, Craft, Needlework, Art, Home Economics, Religion, Tourism/Outreach, Enterprise, History/Geography, Green Schools, Mindfulness, Yoga, Zumba, Careers, Sailing/Skiing, Drama, First Aid, Music, Fencing, Irish Sign Language, Computer Studies, Politics & Society, Sustainability, Public Speaking, and Media Studies, as well as RSE.

Transition Year Events:

We organise workshops and trips some of which include: Airfield Estate, Radio Workshop, Photography Workshop, School of Improvisation, Haircare Workshop, Drumming Workshop, Wellness Retreat, Bodhrán Making Workshop and Macramé Workshop.

Alongside these subjects and workshops, we also provide some memorable experiences that are hugely beneficial. Every year the Transition Year students put on a school musical production with St. Benildus College. The musical for this year is still being decided. We have collaborated with St Benildus College to create a year-long module dedicated specifically to the TY Musical, covering performance, dialogue, stage design, costume design, audio-visual development, and programme development, etc. The students will get a first-hand experience in what it takes to organise a big production and will learn the importance of collective joint efforts of a shared vision.

The students complete three weeks’ work experience which provides many insights into the outside work environment as well as giving students an opportunity to work in areas of personal interest.

There are trips that feature in the TY calendar annually. Students engage in a bonding trip to Causey Farm, a three-day trip to Delphi Adventure Centre and the year concludes with finale trip. In addition, assistance will be given to students interested in a language trip/exchange to Spain, France and Japan.

Transition Year Assessment:

In Transition Year, students are free to enjoy learning without the pressure of state examinations. Assessment is more formative than summative. Assessment takes place in all subjects and modules and students will be awarded credits based on their engagement and performance. Students keep an online digital portfolio of their work and reflect on their learning and experiences. There are student achievement awards throughout the year and a Graduation Ceremony in May. Record of Achievement is presented at the Graduation Ceremony, along with other notable awards of recognition.

As a result of having done Transition Year our students are a year older and more mature. The year has helped them with career and subject choices. They have formed new friendships. They have improved in their core subjects. They have gained confidence and feel more rested and ready to cope with 5th Year.

4.1 Perspective of Transition Year Term 1 in St. Raphaela's

4.1 had a great first term in Transition Year, we took a trip to Causey Farm to kickstart the year. Here we got to meet baby animals, ceilí dance, make soda bread from scratch and finally jump in a bog, which was the highlight of the day!

We got to try plenty of new subjects, like yoga, drama, physics, needlework, Japanese, green schools and many more. During a regular week we got to do different activities like making scrunchies and purses with a sewing machine, having debates and discussions, gardening and trying different relaxation techniques in mindfulness and yoga.

This term we had two talks from guest speakers outside the school staff, one from the Hope Foundation and one from two Gardaí about the Lifesaver Project. We were also given the option of lots of other opportunities, like the Ploughing Championships, an 80km cycle for Pieta House and programmes like Microsoft Dreamspace.

This term gave us all a great first impression of TY, and learning so many new things that stray from the core subjects and structured routines has been a great experience in making us step out of our comfort zone and we can’t wait to keep trying new things in the following terms!

Alva Cummins & Síle O’Sullivan (4.1 Class Captains)

October 2024

St. Raphaela’s Road, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin
01 288 8730
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