1. THE TRANSITION YEAR PROGRAMME Parents Overview 2014-2015

2. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. TRANSITION YEAR INTRODUCED IN 1973 MAINSTREAMED IN 1994 APROX. 75% OF ALL POST PRIMARY SCHOOLS CERTIFIED by Dept.of Education and Science in 2000

3. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. TRANSITION YEAR Transition Year is a one year school based programme between Junior and Senior Cycle. It is designed to act as a bridge between the two by facilitating the smooth transition from the more dependent learning of the Junior Cycle to the more independent self-directed learning required for the Senior Cycle.

4. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. TRANSITION YEAR Mission Statement of Transition Year To promote the personal, social, vocational, and educational development of students and to prepare them for their role as autonomous and participative members of society (Dept of Education, Transition Year Guidelines 1994/1995 )

5. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. AIMS of Transition Year Education for MATURITY with emphasis on social awareness & increased social competence Education through experience of ADULT & WORKING LIFE as a basis for personal development & maturity Promotion of general, technical and academic SKILLS with an emphasis on interdisciplinary and self-directed learning

6. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Transition Year Rationale To provide a learning structure which promotes maturity To develop a wide range of cognitive and emotional skills To be learning led rather than exam driven To ensure breadth and balance in the curriculum To provide experiential learning To challenge students in all areas of development To facilitate interdisciplinary and cross-curricular links To develop life skills To learn through networking with other schools and social agencies To encourage variety in teaching and learning styles To enable students to become independent, self-directed and self-regulated learners To encourage a more professional use of assessment To promote compensatory and remediatory education. To co-operate with all educational partners in providing a broad and enriching experience.

7. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Gardners Multiple Intelligences Theory in T.Y. Bodily-Kinesthetic – Sport, Body Language, Craft, Drama, Touch Logical/ Mathematical – Maths, Science, Debating, Analysis Linguistic – Languages, Oral Presentations, Writing, Poetry, Novels Visual/Spatial – Graphics, Maps, Design, Art, 3-D imagery, Collage Musical – Musical, Learn/play instrument, Write Lyrics, Languages Interpersonal – Teamwork, Group projects, Lead, Mediate, Share Intrapersonal- Reflection, Individual goals, Self directed learning Naturalist – Environment, flora, fauna, animals, collections, series.

8. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Planning and Timetabling Transition Year ……. LEARNING LED not EXAM DRIVEN SCHOOL BASED –UNIQUE TO EACH SCHOOL STUDENT FOCUSED TEACHERS EXPERTISE IS USED INDIVIDUAL SYLLABII WRITTEN D.E.S. /T.Y PDST/ T.Y.TEMPLATE VARIED TEACHING & LEARNING VARIED MODES/TECHNIQUES OF ASSESSMENT INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY EVALUATED DEPARTMENT SUPPORT/CERTIFICATION INSPECTORATE MONITORING

9. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. TRANSITION YEAR Why do Transition Year? Time to mature and develop Space to reflect and plan Develop new competencies Preparation for challenges that lie ahead

10. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Leaving Certificate : Helpful in terms of informing Subject Choice Helpful in terms of Study Skills/Learning Styles Helpful in terms of promoting Independent Self Directed Learning Assessment/Self assessment/AFL CAO choices/Course requirements Challenges Facing Young People

11. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Third Level : We are mindful of the challenges students will be facing at third level: Leaving home skills Self management skills Time management skills Group/Project work/Research skills I.C.T. skills Challenges Facing Young People

12. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Challenges Facing Young People Adult and Working life : Self esteem/awareness/assertiveness Relationships skills Teamwork Skills Maturity/critical judgement Careers/Work experience/Work simulation Interviews – C.V., Portfolios Technical and Vocational skills I.C.T. skills Social/Personal/Health Education

13. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. ESRI Assessment of TYP Transition Year places a strong emphasis on the process of learning. On average, students who took part in TY achieved higher Leaving Certificate exam grades and were more likely to go on to higher education than non-participants, all else being equal. Transition Year is found to have definite academic benefits for students and is thought by the majority of principals nationally to have a positive impact on student development.

14. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Attitudes to TY – NUIM Report to DES Perceptions of Outcomes of T.Y. : Students more mature as result of TY experience Promotes young peoples confidence Improves bond between classmates Facilitates better relationship between students and teachers Opportunities to explore adult & working life seen as distinct benefits Teachers indicate that TY has positive impact on school climate

15. THE TRANSITION YEAR PROGRAMME 2014-2015 Loreto College St. Stephens Green

16. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. PEELING THE LAYERS OF A TY PROGRAMME

17. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Core Subject Layer English x 3 Irish x 3 Mathematics x 4 Religious Education x 2 Careers – Vocational & Personal Guidance x 1 French/Spanish/German x 3 Science x 3 P.E. x 2

18. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Subject Sampling Layer Home Economics (Cookery for Today) Art Commerce – Business, Accounting & Economics History Geography Biology Chemistry Physics

19. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. T.Y. Specific Module & Subject Layer Information Technology – e portfolio, Computers/digital literacy - Scratch Choir or Drama Relationships & Sexuality Education Aerobics Chinese Language and Cultural Studies Mind Gym (helpful for Project Maths) International Relations Debating

20. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Set Module (as anticipated for 2014/15): a double period per week) Italian For Fun Horticulture Young Environmentalist Award Step into Marketing Programme City Quay student teaching/learning initiative – 8 places Social and Political Studies: Northern Ireland places (Incorporating Glenlola Collegiate exchange) Craft – Junk Kuture - Fashion Design Module

21. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. METHODOLOGIES Active & learner-focused Teacher as facilitator Collaborative learning encouraged Group work / Pair work Role-play /simulations Project work /Fieldwork Out-of-school activities Visiting speakers Negotiated learning Practical work

22. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Calendar – Once Off Layer Placements: Work Experience Placement Monday 13th Oct. – Friday 24th Oct. 2014 Community Work Placement Monday 2nd Feb. – Friday 13 th Feb. 2015 Dedicated period for Language Exchanges: Monday 9th March – Friday 10th April 2015 incl. Additional Work Experience or Community Work Placement : Monday 25 th May – Friday 29 th May

23. What is Community Care? Experience in any of the community care services is a relevant element in the preparation for adult life. Services such as those concerned with social and economic disadvantage; physical, sensory and mental disabilities; and for special groups such as children, the chronically ill and the aged are most appropriate for this placement. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

24. Calendar – Once Off Layer Lectures/Workshops: Accord – Negotiating Relationships Adventure Centre (2 nights) Public Access to Law Computer & Internet Safety Cookery Demonstrations – Cloughjordan House Dance (Contemporary) Fire Safety Health Matters – Nutrition; Mental Health; Physical Well-being & Fitness; substance abuse prevention.

25. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Calendar – Once Off Layer Martial Arts Retreat Road Safety Awareness – Gardai Samba Music Workshops Skiing lessons (4) Song School and Film School Visits to Museums & Art Galleries; chocolate factory Visit to Criminal Courts Conservation module – Dublin Zoo

26. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. T.Y. Competitions & Projects include: Debating Competitions Gaisce Presidents award - Bronze Model United Nations Young Scientists Exhibition Young Environmentalist Awards/Mini Company Marketing Institute of Ireland - Step into Marketing Subject related competitions/projects – e.g Junk Kuture Fashion Competition

27. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. ASSESSMENT Assessment should be an integral part of the learning process in Transition Year not separate from it (D.E.S.Guidelines) Portfolio assessment Oral/Aural assessment Project work Self-assessment Peer-assessment Written/Practical Class tests Skills assessment.

28. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Homework & Assessment in T.Y. Homework: Aural / Oral / Written Project Research Assessment: Assignments Examination (Oral / Written) Port Folio Interview & Presentation

29. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. EVALUATION ENCOURAGED AS A REGULAR FEATURE External – INSPECTORATE / Dept. of Education and Skills Internal – SCHOOL – WHOLE STAFF TRANSITION YEAR TEACHING TEAM TRANSITION YEAR CORE TEAM INDIVIDUAL SUBJECT TEACHER STUDENTS PARENTS PLACEMENT PROVIDERS

30. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Certification DES Certificate BT Young Scientists Competition Gaisce Bronze Medal Award Model United Nations IMRO Certificate - Songschool Mini-Company/Young Environmentalist

31. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green. Parents – How can you help? Understand importance of school attendance – it is vital for overall success of the programme Encourage your daughter to avail of the learning opportunities provided Show interest in her projects & activities – Read and sign her school journal on a weekly basis, also request to look at her Transition Year Website where she will be logging her experiences Ask about the your daughters additional reading requirement

32. Parents – How can you help? Endeavour to adhere to school recommendations re times for language exchange programmes, work experience etc. Share with us your skills and ideas Attend Parent Teacher Meeting Read materials provided - TY Programme; TY section on website; correspondence sent home etc. Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green.

33. TRANSITION YEAR Transition Year Motto You will get back from T.Y. what you put into it. Be Active! Be Involved!