1. Transition Year at Hansfield ETSS Information Presentation 2018

2. What is Transition Year?
Transition Year is:
A one year school-based programme between Junior and Senior Cycle
Designed to aid as a bridge between the two
A move towards a more independent self- directed learning experience
An opportunity to embrace new experiences and new challenges

3. Aims of Transition Year
To experience a broad curriculum of subject options
To develop new skills
To avail of new opportunities
To experience the world of work
To improve on areas of academic weakness
To give time to mature
To give time to think about the future and potential career options

4. Benefits to Transition Year
Space provided to grow and mature
Students have many opportunities to practice team work skills, research skills , IT skills, project skills
Students become  more self-directed learners through the development of general, technical and academic skills
Students gain in maturity in relation to work and careers by developing work-related skills
Opportunities to develop communication skills, self- confidence and a sense of responsibility

5. Benefits to Transition Year (cont’d)
Social maturity developed with greater ‘people’ skills and more awareness of the world outside school.
Sampling a wide range of subject areas helps students make more informed choices about the kind of Leaving Certificate programme they wish to follow at the end of the Transition Year.
Broader range of skills and insights to deal more effectively with a Leaving Certificate programme and able to maximise their points.

6. Four Layers of a Transition Year Programme
“The Onion”
Ongoing TY curriculum evaluation
Subject departments, teachers, students, external partners
Calendar layer
Evaluation of musical, work experience
TY specific/modular layer
Evaluation of Social Skills programme, Young Social Innovator, Enterprise
Subject sampling layer
Evaluation of French, German, Art & Heritage
Core subject layer
Evaluation of RE and Maths

7. Structure of Transition Year at Hansfield ETSS
Short Modules
Once off calendar Events/Workshops
Core Subjects
Long Modules

8. Core Subjects at Hansfield ETSS
English and Irish
Ethical Education
Maths
European and Foreign Language(s)
Wellbeing
(PE & Lifeskills)
Computer Skills (ICT)

9. Modules 2018/19 (13 week rotational)
Tourism
Music
Humanities
Art
Science
Pet Care
Enterprise
Technology
Horticulture
DIY
Film Studies
Communications
Event Management
Food Studies
Chinese Studies
Journalism

10. Year-long Modules
Work Experience
ACTIVITIES
Physical Pursuits
ICT

11. Work Experience and Community Service
Work Experience: One week placement - employers of choice (Student secures placement) Community Services: One week placement - local organisation e.g. Paired Reading Project/ Nursing home / Animal Shelters / Girl Guides
Work Experience involves Daytime Business hours
Work Experience is assessed via feedback calls and Diary – equivalent up to 50 credits of overall 600 credits for TY
Student needs to write a Letter of Introduction – needs Insurance cover

12. Structure of Students’ Week
Core subjects – 2/3 50min classes each week
Work Experience – 2 Blocks of 1 week
Modules–Short Taster Style (rotation basis 13 weeks
e.g Horticulture / DIY
e.g Food & Culinary Studies / Performing Arts
Modules – Long Style 1 x 50min class a week
e.g Humanities / Computers
Plus Occasional Workshops

13. Once-off Calendar Events
Certified First Aid Course (Day long course)
Don’t Be Mean Behind Your Screen – Online Bullying Talk
Career Options talk – ITB speaker
Manuela Programme (6 week programme on Consent)
Visit from editor of Headstuff, Alan Bennett (Journalism)
Visit from Tidy Towns Ongar Representative
Coffee Morning
Halloween Disco for First Years

14. Trips/Excursions 2017/18
Trip to Art Exhibition in Draoicht, Blanchardstown
TY Expo in Naas Co. Kildare
Overnight trip to Carlingford
Film Studies trip to IFI
German class trip to IFI
Art class ‘Graffiti Tour’ in city centre
Tourism class trip to Crowne Plaza
Maynooth Campus Tour
DCU Campus Tour
Cinema Trip to see ‘Wonder’ in Blanchardstown
Overnight trip to Glendalough for Gaisce
Science Exhibition in RDS

15. Highlights of the Year Carlingford Adventure Centre Gaisce Awards
Chinese Studies
Art Trip to City Centre
Pet Care Module

16. Carlingford Adventure Centre

18. Pet Care

19. Chinese Studies

23. What is Gaisce?
Gaisce is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland to all young people between 15 and 25 years
Gaisce is an opportunity for you to find your passion, get active and make a difference in your community!
In 2016 over 20,000 young people took part in Gaisce
Gaisce is not a competition: the only person you are in competition with is yourself!
Everyone is unique and has different talents
Gaisce allows you to set your own personal challenge and then try to achieve that goal
When we present the Gaisce Awards there are no first, second, or third places
All who achieve the required goals receive the same award
Gaisce is open to all, regardless of ability.

24. Why do Gaisce? Challenge yourself and grow your confidence
Meet people, make friends and share new experiences
Develop your interests and discover new opportunities
Add your Gaisce Award to your CV
Have fun!
Gaisce is a great way of developing your confidence and leadership skills
The Gaisce programme is all about encouraging you to dream big and realise your potential
79% of Gaisce participants felt that Gaisce improved their skills
Above all else, Gaisce is fun! Give it a try, and I don’t think you’ll regret it

25. Gaisce Awards x 3 Minimum Age Minimum Time Commitment Bronze 15 years
26 Weeks
Silver
16 years
52 weeks
Gold
17 years
78 weeks

26. Gaisce Sections x 4 Personal Skill Community Involvement
Adventure Journey
Physical Recreation

27. Transition Year Assessment
Credits for:
Core Subjects
Modules
Long Modules
Workshop reflections
Work experience
TY interview
Portfolio of Achievement
There is no state examination at the end of Transition Year. The different subjects will use a variety of assessment methods, including portfolio and project work, oral presentation, aural, oral, practical and written tests.
At the end of Transition Year, students’ overall grade and certification will be based on a combination of their examination results, portfolio, research project and on-going assessment by their teachers. Students will be expected to display their portfolio, showcase their talents, celebrate their achievements and collect their certificates/awards at the end of Transition Year ( certificate folder will outline student’s attitude, work ethic and motivation)
Certificates at Pass, Merit and Distinction level will be awarded to each student based on this assessment process.

28. Transition Year Portfolio
10 portfolio pieces selected from class work (projects, presentations, artwork, essays etc.)
3 tour/trip evaluations
3 guest speaker evaluations
3 event evaluations (e.g TY disco, Coffee morning)
3 module evaluations
Work Experience Diary X 2
Photographic Diary
An Gaisce – log sheet and evidence of personal skill completion

29. Award: Pass 40-60 Merit 60-80 Distinction 80-100 Assessment Weightings
Subject Credits
40%
Attendance and Punctuality
10%
Work Experience
Portfolio of Achievement
30%
Interview
Award: Pass 40-60
Merit 60-80
Distinction

30. Application & Selection Process
Students complete and submit application form
Students interviewed by a panel (TY Co-ordinator, Year Head, Deputy Principal/Principal) to assess suitability
Teachers’ views sought to check if TY is suitable for applicants - student’s discipline records considered carefully
When a decision is reached, parents and students will be informed by letter on outcome
If more candidates apply than places available, the decision on whom to accept lies with Principal and TY Co- ordinator
Parents and students may appeal a decision.

31. Approach Required from Students
What a student gets out of Transition Year depends hugely on the attitude or approach they take to the programme and what they put into it.
“ You reap what you sow”
Be open-minded
Have a positive attitude
Have-a –go
Respect others