Transition Year

Introduction

The TY Programme in St. Mary’s is designed around the development and learning of students moving from junior cycle into senior cycle, and as they prepare for their future lives as local, national and global citizens.

TY is a one year optional programme. As a standalone programme within the senior cycle experience, the TY programme offers a unique opportunity where schools and communities can collaborate to encourage young people to thrive now and into the future.

TY offers time, space and autonomy to create enjoyable and meaningful educational experiences that support students in senior cycle. It can be a bridge to opening up a broader range of possibilities and pathways. The programme enables our students to develop a greater capacity to respond to uncertainty, manage complexity, nurture personal interests and become agents of positive, ethical change in society. During TY students can develop more mature relationships with teachers and other adults, becoming more active agents in designing their own educational experiences. (TY PROGRAMME STATEMENT 2024)

Dimensions of the TY programme in St. Mary's

The TY timetable is unique as it consists of a mix of full year core and elective modules, eight week module rotations, weekly reflection in e-portfolio class, Gaisce and Work experience.

Students continue work in Core subjects; English, Irish, Maths and Modern Foreign Language
Subject sampling of a variety of modules such as Politics & Society, Music appreciation, Japanese
Elective modules; Performing arts, Art & Design, Coding, PE Expo and Mini-Company
Gaisce
LIFT

Workshops & Trips

Each year a range of workshops are offered outside the TY Timetable. These include; Guest speakers, Barista Training, Hair Care and Make up courses, Life Skills, Movie Making and many more. Students also have a range of trips such as a Howth Hike, Dublin Zoo, EPIC & GPO museum, Emerald Park and Causey Farm.

A weekly schedule of events is posted on the TY Teams page.