Larkin Community College Guide to the Transition Year Programme 2018/19

The Transition Year Team Year Head: Ms McKenzie Transition Year Coordinators: Ms Creighton and Mr Delaney Tutors: TBC

The Aims of Transition Year • To provide a transition between Junior and Senior Cycles and to lay the foundations for further study • To introduce a new range of experiences beyond the scope of the traditional curriculum • To encourage initiative, self-reliance and responsibility

Aims of Transition Year To develop the qualities of courtesy, co-operation and concern for other people, to develop self-awareness, decision-making and coping skills • To establish realistic educational, occupational and life ambitions

Student Expectations and ‘Contract’ The key to success in TY is that all students push themselves as hard as they can in all areas of TY and try as many NEW subjects / activities as possible. Key expectations: • Completion of assignments and reflective pieces • Punctuality and attendance • Respect and lasting impressions • Embracing diversity and change

The Transition Year Journal All students in TY are expected to have a journal throughout the year. They will be required to fill in the usual assignments and projects and important dates throughout the year. They will also record their activities and relevant dates in this journal too.

Attendance and Punctuality All students are expected in school every day barring illness or exceptional circumstances. A note must be provided to cover any absences. There are credits awarded (and lost) for attendance and punctuality – students are expected to be present.

Application for TY Leave All students are encouraged to do as much as is possible during their TY Programme. They must apply for leave from TY Coordinator / Year Head if they wish to do something outside of the ‘normal’ times during the year. Forms are available from the co-ordinators Leave will only be granted for educational experiences.

Extra TY Activities If you choose to do an ‘extra’ work experience outside of the regular times this is NOT a replacement for the official times. Students still have to complete their work experience at the allotted times.

The Shape of the Year Students will study the 4 core subjects all year (English, Maths Irish & Italian) The remainder of the year will be broken into two 15 week blocks where students study a range of modules Students will have 2 weeks work experience (in February Specific dates TBC) Students will graduate in the 3rd week in May (Date to be confirmed)

The Transition Year Curriculum Core Subjects (2 classes per week ALL year) • English • Irish • Mathematics • Italian PE or Peer Education Historical Investigation AND Geographical Investigation** Outdoor Activities **

Modular Programme Each 15 week block will be comprised of different modules Students will have some options between these modules All students will experience a wide variety of modules to help guide them in their subject choices for 5th Year

Modular Programme Sample List First Aid Philosophy/ Religious studies Home Economics Applied Maths Creative Writing Yoga Mechanics Biology Forensics Business and Accounting Enterprise Spanish Foreign Film Studies Art/Photography Creative science Drama Junk Kouture Computer Programming & Animation Career Guidance/ Well Being *These modules are subject to change*

Community Action Students work with Alone and Localise as part of the community action section Every year the TY students have organised a party with the help of Alone for the elderly in the area.

Partnerships Students will be working with our outside partners on specific projects Localise/Alone Sept-Dec M&S Jan – March KPMG April - May

Work Experience Students must source 2 weeks work experience. This will take place February Specific dates TBC There are opportunities for additional work experience through the partnerships the school has with local companies. (e.g. Matheson, M&S, Rotunda, GAA). **These are on a limited basis and students must apply for the positions.

Garda Vetting New legislation was put in place from May 2016 Lack of clarity around requirements for those aged 16- 18 . Current Procedure: Vetting forms NB1 and NB3 (Parental Consent) filled in and given to TY co-ordinators Sent on school management body who send online form to be completed by the applicant. Then sent to Vetting Bureau Returned to management body and then to school The procedure appears to be taking between 10-21 days currently.

Transition Year Folder Each student must complete a TY Folder. This folder should be updated through the year and saved to their emails or moodle accounts only. At the the end of the year the folder is printed and graded so the student can be awarded credits

The Transition Year Folder Contents: The key aspect of the Portfolio is that it is a reflective document of the year as it goes by. Aims and aspirations for the Year Review of each activity Review / diary of work experience Review of Extra-curricular Activities Samples of modular projects and work

Transition Year: Credits Some of this may be subject to some changes this year. Seeks to acknowledge both the academic and non- academic sides of Transition Year. Credits allocated to each of the two 15 week module blocks. Up to 1000 Credits are available over the course of the year Credits are awarded for Effort and Attainment in academic subjects (based on exam/ project results) Credits are awarded for Effort and Enthusiasm in Special Studies.

Transition Year: Credits The Transition Year Certificate 850 Credits Distinction Certificate. 700 Credits Merit Certificate. 600 Credits Pass Certificate

Transition Year Booklet The TY Booklet is given to every student on the first day of term in August. Each student receives 2 copies. (1 for home and 1 to be returned to the students Form Teacher) Inside the booklet: Modular and Subject choice forms Work experience forms TY Contract Time table Important dates Other information important to TY

Transition Year Booklet The booklet will need to be returned signed in all the relevant places on or before FRIDAY 1st SEPTEMBER 2017

Transition Year Trip Students will be given the option of a trip during the year Location and cost will depend on interest from the students