Transition Year

BALLYMAKENNY COLLEGE OFFERS TRANSITION YEAR AS AN OPTIONAL ONE-YEAR PROGRAMME, POST JUNIOR CYCLE.

The aims of the Transition Year Programme reflect those specific to the guidelines published by the Department of Education and Skills, namely:

• Education for maturity with the emphasis on personal development including social awareness and increased social competence.
• The promotion of general, technical and academic skills with the emphasis on interdisciplinary and self-directed learning.
• Education through experience of adult and working life as a basis for personal development and maturity.

WHO IS TRANSITION YEAR FOR?

• Students with a genuine interest in tasting a whole range of subjects that will help in choosing senior cycle subjects and a career area.
• Students who want to become better equipped to cope with the self-reliant learning required in third level education.
• Students who want the challenge of work experience and the leadership opportunities that exist in Transition Year.
• Students who are self-motivated, positive and willing to work hard.

SHORT TERM GOALS:

• Broad educational experience that encourages self-confidence and responsibility.
• Develop communication and decision making skills.
• Work experience two times a year provides students with job responsibilities.
• Helps students choose 5th Year subjects, and provides an extra year to mature and develop.

LONG TERM GOALS:

• TY students have been shown in studies (ESRI) to perform better in their Leaving Certificate examinations.
• Students who do Transition Year are better equipped for Third Level.

• TY students are less likely to drop out at the end of first year in college.

  • TY students are encouraged to develop independent learning and study skills.
  • They have a more informed approach to eventually choosing a career area.
  • They develop interpersonal skills to become part of a team in a workplace.

  OPPORTUNITIES:

  • There are many trips and educational events in TY.
  • Students receive certification that adds value to their CV.
  • Students have a great opportunity to take part in extra-curricular activities
  • There are many opportunities for leadership and organisational experiences and training.