1. Good Counsel College Subject Choices 2015 Good Counsel College 2015

2. Transition Year Good Counsel College Ms. S Dempsey Ms. S Murphy Mr. P.J. Walsh Good Counsel College 2015

3. What is Transition Year? Transition Year is a one-year programme after Junior cycle and before Senior cycle. It is an extra year optional programme It acts as a bridge between Junior and Senior Cycle, by facilitating the smooth transition from the more dependent learning of the Junior Cycle to the more independent self- directed learning of the Senior Cycle and beyond. Good Counsel College 2015

4. Aims of Transition Year It develops confidence, independence, self- reliance and maturity in students. It encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning while improving on areas of Academic Weakness It prepares students for further study or working life while giving them time to think about the Future and potential Career Options To experience a Broad Curriculum of subject options Good Counsel College 2015

5. Transition Year Subjects Many parents express a fear that their son will lose touch with Leaving Certificate subjects in Transition Year. In fact, TY offers your son a chance to experience; Academic Subjects Academic Subjects  Broad subject range to keep students engaged with many core and important subject areas.  Flexibility to offer a more tailored tuition to suit the ability levels and interests of the students.  Ample opportunity to engage in valuable learning experiences without the pressure of examination. Developmental Subjects.  Students experience new subjects that are not examined within the constraints of the Leaving Certificate.  The emphasis is on a ‘hands on approach’ from students, allowing them to engage as learners and to really become involved in the subject area. Good Counsel College 2015

6. Leaving Certificate Subjects English Maths Irish History Geography Economics Business Studies Accounting Art Technical Drawing Biology Chemistry Physics Ag. Science Spanish German French Good Counsel College 2015

7. Developmental Subjects Music Computers Young Social Innovators Literacy Cultural Studies Environmental Studies Road Safety Career Guidance Religion/Mindfulness Physical Education Health Education Speech & Drama Pottery Photography Web Design Programming Good Counsel College 2015

8. St. Mary’s Module Students from G.C.C. & St. Mary’s have combined modules on Tuesday afternoons. Four are held in St. Mary’s and four in G.C.C. Students rank their preferences and we try to give them 2/3 of top 4 choices. The modules rotate four times, every 7/8 weeks. Subjects offered at the moment are: D.C.G. Electronics Anthropology French Culture Enterprise: Mini Company Coaching Cooking Space Science Good Counsel College 2015

9. D.C.G Good Counsel College 2015

10. Cookery Good Counsel College 2015

11. Key aim : To develop new skills such as: Social and Interpersonal Skills Through project work & teamwork Co-operation & group work Personal Skills Maturity/Confidence/ Independent learning Leadership (Competitions/An Gaisce) Enterprise Skills Mini Enterprise (Group & Individual) Build a Bank Practical Skills Woodwork Art & Crafts Cooking Presentation Skills Self - At Interview Work - through projects World Wise/Europroject Creativity Skills Time Management Good Counsel College 2015

12. Community Module Each T.Y. class has the opportunity to work within the community for 7/8 weeks on Tuesday mornings. At the moment students are volunteering in:  C.B.S Primary School  New Ross Community Hospital  Green Schools Initiative Good Counsel College 2015

13. Other Opportunities Team Building Activity Day Law Module Road Safety Seminar Car M.O.T. Ireland International Ice- Skating Collins Barracks Strategic Management Bowling I.C.T.U. Talk Matrix Training/Study Skills Young Scientist Interviews Cyber Bullying & Internet Safety Talk CoderDojo European Youth Parliament Waterford Mini Med An Gaisce First Aid Course Gowran Reptile Zoo Safe Pass Course Samba Drumming Film Making Barcelona Trip Good Counsel College 2015

14. Student Leaders Congress

15. Positive Mental Awareness Good Counsel College 2015

16. Baltinglass Team Building Day Good Counsel College 2015

17. Law Module Good Counsel College 2015

18. Matrix Study Skills Good Counsel College 2015

19. CAR M.O.T. Good Counsel College 2015

20. Work Experience Two sessions, which generally take place for two weeks in November and February after the midterm breaks. Students are expected to secure their own work experience, although a small number of students can go on school organised work placements: - Waterford Mini Med. Students are briefed before they go on work experience on punctuality, attendance, etc. Employers are asked to complete and return student evaluation forms. Students complete their own assessment forms and work experience diaries. Good Counsel College 2015

21. Assessment Some class tests Projects Homework Continuous Assessment Work Experience Evaluations Oral tests Certificates Reports Parent Teacher Meetings End of year presentation night and receipt of Certificates. Good Counsel College 2015

22. Credit system in TY Students will receive a total of 500 credits -100 per term for work presented, effort and participation.  -100 for written/ project work presented in their portfolio.  Parents will receive a credit update at the end of each term.  Pass( 200) - Merit (300) – Distinction (400) Good Counsel College 2015

23. Should your child do Transition Year? NB Transition Year does not suit every student. Students must be open to new ideas and willing to participate. Students get out of Transition Year what they put in! Good Counsel College 2015

24. Why your child should consider Transition Year. More mature for Leaving Certificate. Learn to work independently and as part of a team. New skills are acquired. Challenging, new experiences. Use the year to improve on exam subjects. Gain a variety of cultural experiences. Work experience. Achieve a wide variety of certificates. Time to pursue other interests. Good Counsel College 2015

25. What others say about Transition Year? www.careersportal.ie www.independent.ie ESRI report A REPORT BY THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE SHOWED THAT STUDENTS WHO DO TRANSITION YEAR TEND TO SCORE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER POINTS ON THE LEAVING CERT.LEAVING CERT TAKING SOCIAL BACKGROUND INTO ACCOUNT, THE AVERAGE CAO POINTS ADVANTAGE IS 25. Good Counsel College 2015

26. What next? Each student will be informed of all of their options by Coordinators. Interested students will be asked to complete and submit an application form to the TY Coordinator. Students will be interviewed by the coordinator and if deemed necessary the Year Head, Deputy Principal and Principal. Teachers views and student discipline records will be considered. Parents will be informed of the decision to accept or refuse entry to the programme. Parents and students may appeal the decision. Good Counsel College 2015

27. For more Information Thank You Visit wwwgoodcounselcollege.ie www.slss.ie Good Counsel College 2015