Transition Year

Transition year is an optional one-year programme bridging Junior and Senior Cycle. The Transition Year programme in Mount Saint Michael Secondary School is designed by the school, in conjunction with Department of Education & Skills guidelines, to cater for the needs of our students.

Transition Year aims to develop the whole person through its skills focused approach as opposed to the more content focused programmes at Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate levels.

Core Subjects

It is important to maintain direct links between Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate hence a continuation of English, Irish, Mathematics, French or German, Science and Religion

Subject Sampling

Transition Year Specific Courses

These courses/subjects are usually offered in a modular form.

Career Placement

Students spend one day each week on work experience. They complete three different work experiences and are encouraged to seek this experience in different fields of interest to them. This experience provides a valuable insight into different careers or areas of work.

Calendar Events

Transition Year is made up of different events, trips and outside- the- classroom activities which include:

• First Aid
• Pantomime
• European tour
• Retreat
• Outdoor pursuit trip
• Gaisce trip
• Local excursions
• Community events e.g. fundraising activities for the community.

Assessment in Transition Year

Assessment in Transition Year takes place in three areas

1. In class/subject assessment.
2. Portfolio Assessment. Students carefully compile their own efolio of work. They continue to improve on the standard/quality of the portfolio content and take part in an interview, in relation to the portfolio, at the end of the Transition Year programme.
3. Transition Year review. Students meet with a member of the Transition Year planning team, mid -way through the Transition Year programme, to reflect, discuss and discuss their commitment to the Transition Year programme to date.