Transition Year

Transition year is an optional one-year programme bridging Junior and Senior Cycle. The Transition Year programme in Rice College is designed by the school, in conjunction with Department of Education & Youth guidelines, to equip our students with competencies and skills for the ever changing requirements of college and working life.

The aims of the programme are to:

Nurture the development of the student as whole person by building on their previous experiences, through a curriculum designed by the school that is aligned to the TY Programme Statement

Create space and opportunities for meaningful and enjoyable learning through experiences through which the key competencies of the student can be developed in the classroom and school, in the home and in their role as local, national and global citizens

Expand the student’s experiences and awareness of diverse future pathways and nurture the student’s capacity to sustain their growth and development through a process of lifelong learning

Evolve continuously to support the learning and development of the student through a reflection and renewal process involving students, teachers, school leaders, parents and community partners.

1. Core Subjects:

It is important to maintain direct links between Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate to assist students with subject choice, hence a continuation of

1: Maths

2: English

3: Irish

4: French or Introduction to Spanish

5: Religion

6: PE

7: SPHE

7: Guidance

2. Senior Cycle Subject Sampling:

1: History and Geography

2: Accounting, Business and Economics

3: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Agricultural Science

4: Computer Science, Art, DCG and Construction

3. TY Specific module and micromodules:

4. Career Exploration:

Students spend one day each week on work experience. They complete three/four different work experiences and are encouraged to seek this experience in different fields of interest to them. This experience provides valuable insight into different careers or areas of work.

Students can also participate in week long work placements during the Transition Year with permission from the school, such work placements must be deemed exceptional in terms of opportunity for permission to be given. This must be applied for in advance.

5. Calendar Events

A live calendar is shared with students on Google classroom. Transition Year is made up of various student experiences which include the following:

1: Bonding trip at an activity centre

2: Pallas driving lesson and go karting

3: Tour in Belfast, Dublin or Cork

4: Musical

5: European tour

6: Guest speakers, workshops and various other trips

7: Community events e.g. Shave or dye, bucket collections and bake sales

8: College Open Days and Job Fairs

9: Aptitude testing

Please note - 90% attendance must be achieved in order to attend trips and will be monitored by the Year Head and TY Coordinator.

6. Assessment in Transition Year

Assessment in Transition Year is carried out in a variety of ways, these include:

In class/subject/module assessment: class tests, presentations, role play, oral and aural etc.

December and May exams in English, Irish and Mathematics followed by reports. These reports also include comments from their teachers delivering TY modules.

Certificates are awarded upon successful completion of some modules.

7. Portfolio

In collaboration with class/module teachers, students carefully select quality pieces of work to include in the creation of their own portfolio. Students meet with their TY coordinator once a week during ‘Portfolio’ class to record, review and reflect on their various experiences throughout the year.

Transition Year Programmes – Guidelines for Schools

Click here to view our Ty Year 2021/2022