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 sample options outside the standard curriculum. In recent years, these have included architectural studies, debating, film studies and philosophy. Then there are the activities which promote active citizenship and involvement in the local community: participation in the Young Social Innovator programme; fundraising and working with a nominated charity; work experience placements; and participation in the President’s/Gaisce Award to bronze level. We encourage students to pursue this to gold level. Continuous assessment is a key component of Transition Year and reporting to parents is comprehensive. The programme is continually evaluated so that changes can be made to further enhance the learning experience in subsequent years.