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Transition Year Parent Information

• INTRODUCTION

• AIMS

• TRANSITION YEAR CURRICULUM COMMITTEE

• STRUCTURE OF YEAR                  

• THE MISSION

• WORK EXPERIENCE 

• THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD 

• ASSESSMENT and CERTIFICATES OF ACHIEVEMENT

• CURRICULUM SUMMARY

• CHARGES AND EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

• THE LEAVING CERTIFICATE CURRICULUM

• EXCHANGE VISITS TO CONTINENTAL COUNTRIES

INTRODUCTION

The College sees the Transition Year Curriculum as the first year of the Senior Cycle programme leading to the Leaving Certificate examination. It is intended for pupils who have completed the Junior Certificate examinations.

Planning of the Curriculum began in 1981 when a committee within the College recommended the adoption of a three-year Intermediate Programme followed by a three-year Senior Cycle. The government document “Ages for Learning” offered a suitable opportunity for the adoption of these ideas and the staff established working groups to plan detailed courses early in 1987. The Transition Year curriculum has now been in operation since September 1989.

We are constantly reviewing and evaluating the Transition Year programme. The College invites parents to write to the College indicating their reactions and suggestions to all aspects of Transition Year.

AIMS

The guiding philosophy of the Transition Year Curriculum is that pupils should be encouraged to mature and to adopt increasing responsibility for their own future. To these ends, the Curriculum will aim to introduce pupils to methods of study appropriate for Leaving Certificate and beyond, while encouraging them to become more responsible for their own progress. It will also aim to provide a sound academic basis for beginning the Leaving Certificate programme.

A comprehensive career education and guidance programme, and experience of the world of work will take place so that pupils will understand their own particular educational and vocational needs. Skills necessary for pupils to cope successfully with life in school and in society will be further developed and time will be given to some desirable aspects of the educational experience, which have tended to be excluded because of pressure of time.

Additional opportunities will be provided for pupils to discover their own individual talents, aptitudes, abilities and creative potential, and their personal development and the programme will facilitate self-awareness.

We are also engaged in improving the links between the College and the wider community with an emphasis on Community Involvement for each student.

TRANSITION YEAR CURRICULUM COMMITTEE

THE PRINCIPAL

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL     VICE PRINCIPAL

TRANSITION YEAR COORDINATOR

YEAR HEAD    GUIDANCE COUNSELOR

4TH YEAR TUTORS

STRUCTURE OF YEAR

3 ELEVEN WEEK TERMS

REPORTS AT END OF EACH TERM

WORK EXPERIENCE WEEKS IN

NOVEMBER, FEBRUARY AND MAY

OUTDOOR PURSUITS WEEK IN APRIL

4^TH YEAR EVENING IN MAY AND

PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES

THE MISSION

TO PROMOTE THE PERSONAL, SOCIAL,

EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

OF THE STUDENTS, AND TO PREPARE THEM

FOR THEIR ROLE AS AUTONOMOUS,

PARTICIPATIVE AND RESPONSIBLE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY.

WORK EXPERIENCE

The College requires that every pupil obtain unpaid work experience for THREE separate weeks during the school year, November, February and May. This is regarded as an integral part of the Guidance programme and detailed preparation and follow-up will take place. To this end, a comprehensive work experience handbook has been prepared and will be distributed to all Transition Year pupils during the first term. It is essential that parents encourage their children to take full advantage of their work experience period by completing this handbook carefully. 

The insurance policy held by the school indemnifies the College automatically against their liability for the participation of students in the Work Experience Programme where the work is of a clerical, office or administrative nature. If the work is likely to contain a manual element then prior approval is required from our insurers. Work Experience should not commence until the Transition Year Coordinator has given clearance.

Employers who provide opportunities for work experience for our students are normally indemnified by their own insurance policies. Our experience in the past has been that insurers make no additional charge for providing cover for such students. However, if an additional charge is levied, the College will reimburse the employer.

THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD

The President’s Award Scheme (An Gaisce) offers young people challenges which will help them develop personally by involving them in four areas: Community Involvement; Personal Skills; Physical Recreation and the Spirit of Adventure.

The scheme is launched in September of Transition Year. Pupils wishing to participate do so as they wish. The elements are organised by the pupil on their own initiative and carried out in their own free time.

The aim is to help develop and encourage service to others, an interest in social and practical skills, participation in physical recreation and a sense of adventure.

The staff of Wesley College monitors the scheme.

ASSESSMENT AND CERTIFICATES OF ACHIEVEMENT 

Throughout Transition Year students will be regularly assessed. This will take many forms including self-assessment. Formal end of year examinations may be held in certain core subjects. Students will receive three sets of reports during the year, one at the end of each module. Marks will be based on homework, projects and participation in class work, interest and enthusiasm. These will form the basis for recording their academic achievement during the year and the level of certificate awarded. This certificate will, in itself, be of value as a reference.

During the year we ask students to keep a student logbook, record and assess their work experience modules, undertake some involvement in their community, help at home. These areas will provide the basis for a portfolio to be compiled by each student which will be assessed by interview at the end of the year. How well they have achieved in these areas will be recorded in a certificate.

There is a great opportunity to be involved in extra curricular activities during Transition Year. The level of participation, the variety of activities, the success achieved will all be awarded in a certificate at the end of the year.

The college will be awarding six academic prizes for the Year and a further six for achievement in other areas. The Past Pupils Association are funding a “Spirit of Transition Year Award” which will take into account the students’ academic achievement, community service, extra curricular activity, work experience, use of initiative, personal development and maturity. The Transition Year tutors and Year Head will consider the top four candidates who achieve in these areas overall and select from among them, taking into account any other relevant information to ensure a worthy winner.

It is the intention of the College that all pupils in Transition Year will be encouraged to be well motivated towards their work and to complete assignments to a high standard. Every student should be able to get three good certificates at the end of the year. By working to the best of their ability at all times, by getting fully involved in as many things as possible they will achieve much in Transition Year and be recognised accordingly.

CURRICULUM SUMMARY

CORE SUBJECTS

(All pupils will take the following courses)

An Ghaeilge - a more accurate and wider understanding of the language – emphasis on oral and aural work, development of writing and composition skills.

Irish Heritage Studies – provide an opportunity to appreciate the richness of our heritage – language, culture, literature, music, art.

English Skills - functional and creative writing and the study of literature, including a novel, short stories and contemporary poetry.

Film Studies – deconstructing visuals, film appreciation and analysis, script writing.

Communications - communicating in public, in groups, clarity of written communication, breaking down barriers to communication and understanding. Role play, assertiveness, listening skills, group work.

Mathematics - development of skills already acquired and, for Ordinary Level students, application of Mathematics to a variety of practical situations in life including practical work with computers.

Faith in the Community - a course relating religion to life and daily living, including community involvement.

First Continental Language - the further development of the language studied for Junior Certificate (French, Spanish and German). The course will incorporate a study of the culture of the country. (Students who did not study a continental language for the Junior Certificate may take a course in practical communication skills instead- this will mainly involve computer skills, a touch typing course which will be of assistance covering texts and assignments in Transition Year English.)

Physical Education and Outdoor Pursuits - this course consists of a compulsory core curriculum with the main emphasis being on fitness, health, team and individual games with an introduction to relaxation techniques. In tandem with this course is a double period offering the opportunity for pupils to select activities such as team games or outward bound activities such as golf, skiing, hill-walking and horse riding. An outdoor pursuits programme is compulsory consisting of an exciting and challenging four-day course at a regional centre. (This will be held just before Easter)

Guidance - career education, welfare counseling, evaluation of progress in the Transition Year as a whole, voluntary work experience, interview training (including production of CV’s with computers)

CORE MODULES

(Each pupil takes all three of these for the year, in 5 week blocks)

Science:

Applied Physics -a study of the effects of electricity on the body with an emphasis on safety in the home, the importance and uses of lenses, with a special emphasis on how this relates to the optics of the eye and a brief analysis of current Physics topics e.g. the research at CERN.

Experimental Organic Chemistry - practical use of chemistry in glass, plastic, aspirin and soap, as well as carbon in nature, water, isotopes and carbon-14, allotropes, catalysts and flame tests.

Human Biology - practical aspects of human biology and their relation to   medical science.

Environmental and Food Science - a study of the human food chain. We study methods of food production, organic and conventional. We study animal welfare and the role played by microorganisms and antibiotics in the production of food.

Forensic Science - a study of detective techniques and their scientific basis.

Science in the Media - a module which examines how the media communicates scientific information to the broader community.

Environmental Studies:

Historical Studies                

          African American Slavery - causes, capture of slaves, conditions on board ship, plantation life, its legacy today

        The Holocaust - to give an understanding of the horrors of war time genocide and racism and to relate it to more contemporary times.

          The First World War - for the pupils to be able to evaluate the decisions made by leaders in World War 1.

Emphasis is given to the study of historical sources and the use of the historical film.

Environmental Studies continued:

Geographical Studies  

          Natural Disasters - a human perspective, making the students aware of environmental, social and economic effects from these disasters.

        Road Safety Awareness - a Department of the Environment programme which may also involve a driving lesson.

        Geographical Skills - students are provided with an opportunity to acquire key geographical skills.

Business:

Accounting - an introduction to the basic concepts of the Leaving Cert course.  The course involves learning how to calculate profit and looks at how companies make financial decisions – all through the use of case studies.

Economics - this course gives a brief overview of microeconomics and macroeconomics. It deals with government budgets, sources of income and expenditure and the area of taxation. In microeconomics, we look briefly at the market place and the issues that influence demand and supply of goods.

Enterprise - pupils are introduced to the concept of enterprise and entrepreneurship in modern Ireland.  They are given the opportunity to assess their entrepreneurial flair and see if they have what it takes to be a millionaire!

Marketing - this course introduces the student to the 5 P’s of marketing i.e. Product, Price, Packaging, Promotion and Place.  Students are required to produce and market a product under the 5 headings.

Stock Exchange –Students are introduced to how the stock market works and are given the opportunity to manage their own share portfolio.

PRACTICAL SKILLS

(Each pupil studies each of these for 10 weeks in rotation)

Home Economics -This is a course with two elements. Food and Culinary Skills is a practical course including basic skills and ethnic cooking. Textiles and Design is an introduction to basic skills, sewing machine use and production of a textile item.

Bridge - An introduction to Bridge and the associated skills, e.g. improved memory work, deductive reasoning, improved concentration, reasoning, enhanced communication.

Science and Technology:

(a choice of 1 course below)

A.      Astronomy and Space Science – topics studied include life on other planets, asteroid impacts and space travel. Students design and make different kinds of rockets and can use the school’s powerful telescopes to study the Sun and the Moon.

B.       Photography and Graphic Design – covers the fundamentals of 35mm photography with both theoretical and practical classes. In addition, students will have the opportunity to learn modern techniques of digital photo enhancement using Adobe Photoshop and digital publishing using Adobe InDesign. Throughout the course students will have the opportunity to create their own original photo designs which will be published.

C.      Cosmetic Science – the Chemistry involved in everyday cosmetics and other products.

D.      Medical Science and First Aid - a practical course including medical topics and a first aid programme.

E.       Architecture and Design (CAD) - It examines planning and designs in relation to individual homes so pupils design a home, taking account of all factors. Most of pupils work is done using AUTOCAD 2000.

NEW EXPERIENCES

(Each pupil studies each of these for 10 weeks in rotation)

Drama – a practical course of role-play, mime, fantasy, documentary play making, cinema technique etc.

(a choice of 1 course below)

A. Music Introduction – including notation, listening, song structure, instruments and performance.

or

B. Art – an introduction to Art, Craft and Design aimed particularly at those who have never studied Art before. Students are encouraged to explore and develop art related activities.

or

C. Judo – an introduction to self defense and the martial arts. (This costs an extra €45)

ICT Project - This course develops students understanding of how to use the World Wide Web (internet). Students select a topic of their own choice, investigate it and complete a detailed project using the internet as the primary source and as a means of presenting their work. The final piece of work will form part of the student’s end of year portfolio and count toward their General Achievement Certificate.

PERSONAL INTEREST

(Each pupil selects TWO of these each for half a year)

Arts and Crafts – This course gives students the opportunity to learn new art related and art specific skills and to further develop existing ones. This course will cover aspects of art, design and craft providing students with plenty of scope to be creative and original.

Craft Design Technology – This course will focus on two competitions – “Young Scientist and Technology” and “Scifest” – one per half year. Areas in which the technology category fits cover a wide variety, including – Internet, Communications, Electronic Systems, Robotics, Automation, Sensors to name a few. Both competitions will provide pupils with a great opportunity to work together as a team, gaining experience in researching and project work and a wonderful learning curve in how to set up and present or market an idea to the public.

European Computer Driving Licence - The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is a certificate, which indicates that the holder has passed a series of tests which measure the knowledge of the basic concepts of information technology and the holder’s competence in using a computer. Each student acquires a Skills Card (approx. €140) before taking the first test. As he/she passes each test, the Skills Card will be updated. When all seven tests have been passed, the student sends the Skills Card to the local ECDL office where it will be exchanged for a European Computer Driving Licence.  Students should complete 5 of the 7 modules in class time and will have the opportunity to take the remaining two modules after school while in Transition Year. Students wishing to retake modules are charged a fee of €8 per test (this is a set fee required by the Electric Paper Company).

European Studies    – Students from schools around Europe are clustered together and exchange information about where they live. Each cluster also compiles and exchanges information on a topic of European interest. Pupils will also are required to prepare an individual topic, which they have researched themselves.

Fashion Design – This is a course which will give the students the skills necessary to design, make a pattern and construct a fashionable item of clothing for themselves. The use of a sewing machine and various craft skills will be learned and it is envisaged that a small scale fashion show will be produced to exhibit their garments.

International Politics – Pupils will explore global politics, international affairs and world issues. The class will provide a forum for debate and engagement with others through resolution-focused classroom and auditorium based activities. They will role play the views of various nation states to world problems and seek resolutions.

PERSONAL INTEREST

Legal Studies - students will be introduced to legal principles, the sources of Irish Law, Law of Contracts, Torts and Criminal Law. It will also include a court visit.

Mini-Company - Pupils organise, set up and run their own business under teacher supervision.  They produce products or sell services, manage the business on a weekly basis and have a shareholders meeting at the end of the module.  Skills used include teamwork, interpersonal skills, communication, initiative taking, risk taking, organisational skills etc.

Model Making – a practical course exploring various aspects of model making from injected plastic kits to vacuum and resin moulding.  Micro electronics, radio control, scratch building, working with balsa wood and fibre glass. The principles of flight and how to fly a radio control plane.  It provides the students with an opportunity to develop creative painting techniques using airbrushes, weathering powders and natural foliage. It is hoped to bring students on a field trip to RAF Duxford during the year.  Students will be required to supply some materials. This course would suit those who are already interested in scale modelling or radio control as well as students who have yet to experience the world in miniature.

Music- (Performance / Composing) - this course places a strong emphasis on performance (playing, singing and improvisation). Projects include composition and arrangement of a popular song. Music is explored in all its variety, and ‘try-out’ lessons are offered to those wishing hands on experience with organ, piano or any other chosen instrument.

Music Technology – here students will get a chance to compose record and produce a CD of their own music. They will use music software such as CUBASE VST along with keyboards, a sampler and mixing desk. Students will also be introduced to many new styles of music such as electronic, ambient, electro-acoustic and twentieth century classical.

Sports Science - this course is designed to promote an understanding of sport from its origins in play to the professional product illustrated in the media with all the surrounding issues of money, drugs, racism, religion, sexism etc. It also looks at team building and motivation. On a more practical level we examine the energy systems of the body and use this knowledge to design training programmes for athletes. Video is also used to analyse movement from a biomechanical aspect.

Wood Turning - This Wood Turning course offers the pupil a great opportunity to create bowls, goblets, base ball bats, and board games on the lathe.  Beautiful objects can be made on the lathe using different woods such as beech and cherry.  Pupils will be introduced to the skills of Wood Turning and will create their own work.

CHARGES AND EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

Our central philosophy in Transition Year is to offer all students an opportunity to undertake a wide range of educational experiences in preparation for their Leaving Certificate, choice of career and adult life. This includes a number of educational events, i.e. fieldtrips, plays and educational visits. Many courses also provide students with, and make us of, additional resources.

In the past these have been funded by cash collections made before each trip. In order to streamline this, a single charge of €185 per annum is made to cover the running costs of these compulsory events, which affect the entire year.

In addition there may be individual charges for the specialised events that do not involve the whole year. Subjects that normally charge for materials used by pupils will continue to do so, e.g. Home Economics and Craft Design Technology.

The above does not include the cost of the one week Outdoor Pursuits trip which will be charged separately on the fees and details of which will be sent out during the Christmas term (Nov). The cost will be in the region of €300.

Students should also be aware that:

If you elect to take Judo as an option this will involve a charge of €50

If you take ECDL as an option there will be an extra charge in the region of €140

If you take Model Making as an option there will be an extra charge of €35

THE LEAVING CERTIFICATE CURRICULUM

For the information of parents/guardians the present choice of subjects offered to 5^th Year leading to the Leaving Certificate examination is shown below. During the Christmas and Spring terms, Transition Year pupils will be given help with the choice of subjects for the Leaving Certificate, beginning in December. They will be addressed by the Guidance Counselor and will sit an aptitude test. A detailed booklet of information will be issued for the guidance of pupils and parents/guardians. A meeting will be arranged in the College at the end of December when staff will brief parents/guardians. The pupils will hear presentations from the various subject departments and also have the results of the aptitude test explained to them in an individual session with the Guidance Counselor, helping them to make an informed choice.

All pupils study the following core subjects: Irish, English, Mathematics, Religious Education, Physical Education, and Choir/Study. In addition, pupils choose one subject from each of the following groups:

Please note:

Latin may be offered outside the time table should sufficient numbers indicate a wish to take up this subject. A pupil may not select Classical Studies and Latin.

EXCHANGE VISITS TO CONTINENTAL COUNTRIES

In order to complete the full Transition Year programme privately arranged exchanges to other countries are not encouraged.

The linguistic, cultural and educational benefits of an exchange are clear but it should also be borne in mind that pupils on exchanges will miss substantial opportunities within Transition Year. For this reason if any exchanges are organised, they should take place during the summer holidays.

Parents are reminded that the appropriate fees are payable to the College during the period of any school based exchange.

We regret that the number of foreign exchange pupils who can be accommodated in the boarding houses is very restricted. Boarders are therefore encouraged to arrange exchanges for the holiday periods.