Curriculum

Transition Year

Programme Overview

At Scoil Chonglais, our Transition Year (TY) programme is aligned with the principles set out by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), offering students a unique year of learning that emphasizes personal growth, skill development, and preparation for life beyond school.

The NCCA describes Transition Year as a time for students to “broaden their learning experiences, deepen their understanding of the world, and gain a clearer sense of who they are as individuals.” In line with these goals, our TY program is designed to provide students with opportunities for self-discovery, academic exploration, and career development in a supportive and flexible environment.

NCCA Vision for Transition Year

According to the NCCA, the key purpose of Transition Year is to:

  • Foster independence and responsibility in students.
  • Encourage active learning and critical thinking through a broad, balanced curriculum.
  • Support personal and social development, helping students prepare for the challenges of senior cycle and adult life.
  • Develop practical skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership.
  • Enhance students’ career awareness and provide opportunities for work experience and vocational learning.

At Scoil Chonglais, our TY programme is built upon these principles, ensuring that each student receives a holistic education that nurtures both their academic and personal development.

Key Features of Our TY Programme

  • A Balanced, Flexible Curriculum: Transition Year at Scoil Chonglais provides a broad curriculum that includes core subjects, as well as a range of electives and rotational modules.
  • Work Experience and Career Exploration: Our TY students gain valuable real-world experience through work placements. These placements are designed to give students a deeper understanding of potential career paths, build their professional skills, and help them make more informed decisions about their future education and careers.
  • Personal Development: Our TY program prioritizes the personal growth of each student. Workshops and activities focus on developing leadership skills, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. Students will also have opportunities to engage in mindfulness and well-being programs to support mental health and resilience.
  • Extracurricular Opportunities: Students can participate in a wide range of activities which contribute to building well-rounded individuals and enhancing teamwork and communication skills.
  • Global Awareness and Social Responsibility: We encourage students to engage with broader societal issues through community service, global awareness initiatives, and volunteering.
  • Innovative Teaching and Learning: The TY program encourages project-based learning, field trips, and interactive workshops. These experiences are designed to foster creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking, key skills that students will carry with them throughout their academic and professional lives.
  • Trips and Workshops: TY students participate in educational trips, guest speaker workshops, and outdoor adventure activities that broaden their horizons and provide practical learning experiences outside the classroom.
  • TY European Tour: One of the highlights of the Transition Year (TY) experience at Scoil Chonglais is our European Tour. The European Tour broadens students’ horizons and is a fantastic way for TY students to bond, create lasting memories, and develop a greater appreciation for the world beyond their classroom.
  • These trips support students in connecting their learning in the classroom to the real world by providing multi-sensory learning experiences and by fostering student independence.

Why Choose the TY Programme at Scoil Chonglais?

Our Transition Year program reflects a vision of education as a time for students to explore, engage, and grow. It provides a holistic learning experience that goes beyond traditional academic subjects. By emphasizing real-world experiences, personal development, and career exploration, the program helps students become confident, responsible, and motivated individuals.

TY is about empowering students to take ownership of their education and development. It’s a year designed not just for academic learning, but for self-discovery and preparing students for the future. By participating in the TY program at Scoil Chonglais, students will gain the skills, confidence, and insights they need to succeed in senior cycle, in further education, and in life.