Transition Year
Transition Year is a compulsory element in the curriculum of Sandford Park, forming an essential part of each student’s education. The programme is built around a range of academic, personal, vocational, social and cultural activities. These activities draw on the wealth of skills and talents available among our teachers, providing students with challenging and stimulating experiences. Excellent resources and effective co-ordination result in a superb learning atmosphere that fosters a sense of enjoyment and engagement in learning.
Throughout Transition Year, pupils continue their regular studies in the core subjects, English, Maths, Irish and French, so as to maintain momentum towards the Leaving Certificate. In addition, they complete modules in all Leaving Certificate subjects such as the Sciences, Accounting, and Classical studies, as well sampling options outside the standard curriculum. In recent years, these have include Architectural studies, Chinese, Debating, Film studies, Philosophy and Yoga. Then there are the activities which promote active citizenship and involvement in the local community: fundraising and working with a nominated charity; the home management module and work experience placements; and participation in the President’s Gaisce Award to bronze level.
Activities and excursions are a key part of the year, with both on side and off site sessions organised, and there really is a wide variety planned to cater for all students. The year also includes two overnight trips, a year bonding trip to Carlingford in September, and a overnight hiking trip as part of the Gaisce award in April. Continuous assessment through our credit system is a key component of Transition Year and reporting to parents is comprehensive. The programme is continually evaluated by Mr Smith as the coordinator, along with the students, staff and parents, so that changes can be made to further enhance the learning experience in subsequent years.
Subjects
All students study the following subjects: English, Irish, Mathematics, French, Science, Geography, History and Classical Studies, Information Technology and Physical Education. Choice: Business Studies or Spanish. Option Francais
Modules
All students study the following subjects offered on a rotational basis: Architectural Studies, Art, Chinese, Debating, Drama, Film Studies, Martial Arts, Music, Personal and Social Development, Philosophy, Strength and Conditioning, Yoga and Sustainability.
TY Activities
It is safe to say that trips and activities play a central role in the TY experience for all students. They create great opportunities for students to mix together and form new friendships, all while creating many unforgettable memories.
Work Experience
Work Experience plays an important role for students in the transition from school to adult working life. Experiencing the world of work, work simulation and work shadowing enhances their personal, social, vocational and educational development. There are three weeks of work experience throughout the year. Alongside this there is a ‘Home Management’ module that students may opt to take also.
Trips
Some example of these events include overnight trips to Carlingford Adventure Centre in September and the Gaisce hike in April, alongside activities such as PAL Law day, TeamWorks day, Bubble Football, GoQuest, Bushcraft Survival, sailing at the INSS, lunch at Sano, and a visit from Reptile Haven.
Gaisce
Gaisce, The President’s Award, is a personal development programme for young people aged between 15 and 25, to dream big and realise their potential. All TY students in Sandford Park are encouraged to complete the Bronze Award. This involves four key challenge areas; community involvement, personal skill, physical recreation, and an adventure journey. The adventure journey is always a highlight of the year, as all TY students and their supervising teachers, travel to Glendalough in Co. Wicklow. The group stay in the Glendalough International Youth Hostel and over two days, completed a 25km hike. Definitely a trip that creates sore legs, alongside some brilliant memories!
Guest Speakers
TY students have one lecture period a week on a Friday afternoon with Mr Smith. This works as the ideal time to get in guest speakers throughout the year. These range from entrepreneurs to charities, and several third level institutions. Some example include the ISPCC, ECO-UNESCO, the Irish Heart Foundation, An Garda Siochana, the Irish Wheelchair Association, the Road Safety Authority, HUH, and also UCD, TCD, TUD, and IADT.
