St. Brendan’s College Transition Year Information Booklet

2020 – 2021

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WHY TRANSITION YEAR?

The following brief points should answer that question for you the parents.

Self

Management

skills

Improved

confidence &

self esteem

Increased Points

At Leaving Cert.

Develop Mature, Independent Attitude to Learning Transition year students learn how to work as part of a team and on their own. The modules studied offer many opportunities to develop their individual learning styles. Students can enjoy learning for learning’s sake as oppose to learning for an examination. Increased Points in the Leaving Certificate Students who complete Transition Year do better in their Leaving Certificate by an average of 40 points (research by ERSI). Furthermore, Transition Year students are more likely to retain subjects at higher level and move up from ordinary level to higher level and from foundation to ordinary. Improved Study Skills & Learning Strategies Transition Year offers students a chance to learn-how-to-learn. While all students studying for their Leaving Certificate will benefit from Study Skills classes and workshops the very nature of teaching and learning in Transition Year means that students continuously develop the skill they already have, without the pressure of state examinations, as well as acquiring new skills. Self Management Skills Many Transition Year activities are student led not exam driven. Students may be given themes of topics which they then plan, explore, investigate and present in their own individual way. This process helps stu-dents to develop self management skills in that they have to plan, organize, keep to deadlines and evaluate their work and progress. Transition Year students are also more likely to be able to cope with the transi-tion from Second Level to Third Level and stay on longer at Third Level as a result of having acquired such skills. Improved Confidence & Self Esteem The experiences outlined above will naturally improve a students confidence and develop their self es-teem. Having tried many new activities and developed many new skills Transition Year students become confident in their ability to learn and to take on new challenges.

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Teaching & Learning Strategies

Presentations

Problem-Solving

Activity based Learning

Experiential Learning

Negotiated Learning

Personal Responsibility for Learning

Group Work/Team Work

Discussion

Debate

Interview

Role Play

Project Work

Research & Investigation

Guest Speakers

Seminars

Study Trips/Field Trips

A key feature of Transition Year is the use of a wide range of teaching and learning

methodologies and techniques.

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Assessment & Evaluation Assessment is a vital part of the teaching and learning process, and as such forms an integral part of the Transition Year programme. However, since the focus of Transition Year is student-centered, developmental learning as oppose to examination based learning, assessment takes many forms. Continuous assessment in each subject/module may include: Written tasks Practical tasks Oral/Discussion Aural/Listening/Understanding Reports Diary/Journal Home-based tasks Students will also be required to com- plete home-based tasks on a regular basis. These tasks may take the form of written work, learning, reflection, creative activities, investigations and/or project work.

Reports and Exams Transition year students will complete end of term exams at Christmas and in May. These exams may be written, oral, aural or practical, depending on the subject/module. These results will be combined with their continuous assess-ment throughout the module to produce a final grade for their report.

Transition Year Portfolio Throughout Transition Year each student will compile a portfolio of work for as-sessment. Students will be able to choose the pieces of work they are most proud of and which demonstrates their progress over the year. 1. Table of contents 2. Calendar of events 3. Diary of all events, courses, visits, etc. 4. Projects 5. Subjects and modular material. Portfolios will be displayed during the Transition Year Graduation Ceremony at

the end of the school year.

Projects/Presentations Portfolio Interview Exhibitions Self-Evaluation/Reflection

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Transition

Year

Curriculum

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The Curriculum is structured into 4 layers:

Core Subject Layer Subject Sampling Layer TY Specific Module & Subject Layer Calendar “once off” Layer

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Core

Subject

Layer

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Irish and Cultural Studies Transition Year will enable students to:

Experience “Gaeilge” as a vibrant spoken language

Experience aspects through Irish Cultural activities—Gaeltacht trip

Develop a sense of love and respect of the Irish language and culture

English, Communication and Language Skills Written word

Poetry, Novels & Plays

Public speaking & Debates

Film studies, Publications such as magazines newsletters & Theatre studies

Maths Sample Topics

Algebra

Graphs and Charts

Statistics

Area & Volume

Geometry

Arithmetic

Religious Studies and S.P.H.E. Human Rights

Types of Prayer

Charity work and fundraising

Philosophy

Personal development

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Subject

Sampling

Layer

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Science: Biology, Agricultural Science & horticulture, Physics & Chemistry. Enterprise and Business Business, Economics & Accounting Environment and Society History and Geography Modern Languages French and German Construction & Design and Communication Graphics Activity for Living P.E. (to include swimming, gym, sport science & nutrition to mention a few) Arts and Crafts Music

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Transition Year

Module &

Subject Layer

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GAISCE AWARDS

The response of young people to The President’s Award illustrates not only the great wealth of ingenuity and talent which they have to offer, but, more importantly, their tremendous willingness to ex-plore and expand their abilities in a positive and constructive way The work of The President’s Award Leaders, PALS, in encouraging and motivating young people to achieve their full potential is central to the success of the Award programme. Quite often, through fami-ly circumstance, low-self esteem, lack of encouragement, shyness or lack of confidence, many young people never reach their potential and never quite rise to the many challenges and opportunities that life can throw their way. Through your work as Leaders, you are facilitating them in taking that initial step, which for many can be a daunting and frightening leap.

I commend all concerned with the Award, both participants and PALS, for your hard work and for your dedication to the very spirit of what the Award is about, and I wish you every suc-cess in your future endeavour. Michael D Higgins PATRON Uachtarán na hÉireann

BRONZE AWARD 1. Community Involvement 13 weeks 2. Personal Skill 13 weeks 3. Physical Recreation 13 weeks

• Additional activity of 13 weeks in any section of your choice in consultation with your

PAL. 4. Adventure Journey:

• Plan, prepare and undertake a 2 day, I night adventure journey in a group covering a minimum total distance of: Walking 25—35 km or Cycling 100—130 km over

2 consecutive days. “By doing the Gaisce Award I feel that I helped my community and bettered my health” www.gaisce.ie

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ECDL European Computer Driving Licence

WHAT IS ECDL? The ECDL covers basic computer skills and the use of common applications in the work-place, the home and in society in general. When a number of modules are completed, a Certificate is awarded by European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) ICS Skills is the Irish licensee for the ECDL Foundation, the certifying authority of the leading international computer skills certification programme – ECDL/ICDL. The 13 ECDL modules are as follows: Module 1: Computer Essentials Module 2: Online Essentials Module 3: Word Processing Module 4: Spreadsheets Module 5: Databases Module 6: Presentation Module 7: IT Security Module 8: Online Collaboration Module 9: Image Editing Module10: Web Editing Module11: Data Protection Module12: Project Planning Module13: 2DCAD ECDL Training is delivered through multimedia training (CBT computer based testing) This automated testing enables candidates to undertake tests on a computer, which then automatically assesses the candidate’s performance and provides an immediate result to the candidate.

BENEFITS OF ECDL ECDL provides: • An IT qualification for all • An internationally recognised qualification for holders. • An excellent benchmark of employee skills • Improved confidence for computer users • Better able to complete assignments for school projects and later for College

www.ics-skills.net

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“Log On, Learn”

It is understood that 99% of Leaving Certificate students can use the basic element of PC’s and technology, however less than 25% of people aged 65 and over have these skills. This programme, enabled by Intel, is intended to bridge that generational digital divide.

The Log On, Learn (LOL) Programme: The TY LOL Programme will be offered as an 8—week, single term project. LOL is an initi-ative which will see transition year students buddy up with older people from the local community to teach them PC and technology skills. The classes will take place once a week for up to two hours, over an eight week period in the computer room. Part of the initiative will involve the transition year students reviewing their own community, assessing where older people spend time and recruiting them onto the programme. The aim of the initiative is to help older people to overcome their fear of new technologies e.g. PC, Laptops and mo-bile phones. It will also provide an insight for each generation into the lifestyle of the other. The programme is being designed to allow flexibility in timetabling and implementation. It will consist of twelve units, including a series of lesson plans, with support material for each lesson. The lesson plans are intended as guidelines, and certain areas may need greater or lesser emphasis depending on individual needs. Teachers’ pack (including lesson plans and resource material) and students’ pack (including plans and resource material) will be available for download from an interactive website link.

Expected Outcomes for Transition Year students

• Research Skills • Marketing Skills • Improved PC and technology Skills • Teaching Skills • Communications and Interpersonal Skills

Expected Outcomes for Older People • Basic Technology Skills • Improved understanding of young people • A greater level of connectivity (local &

global)

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1. First Aid 2. Photography 3. P.E. / self defence 4. Cooking 5. Positive Psychology 6. Computer Coding—Coder dojo 7. Personal Development

Wednesday Modules

4.1

4.1

4.2 4.3 4.3

9.00 – 11.00

Construc-tion/

School Im-

9.00 – 11.00 Cooking

9.00 – 11.00

Self De-fense

9.00 – 11.00

Photography

9.00 – 11.00

First Aid

11.15 – 1.15

Coding

11.15 – 1.15

Positive

Psychology

11.15 – 1.15 P.E.

11.15 – 1.15

Gardening

11.15 – 1.15

First Aid

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WORK EXPERIENCE IN

TRANSITION YEAR

WHAT IS IT: “Work Experience” involves spending time as part of a school course learning first hand about life in a workplace. The employer agrees to co-operate with the school in taking on a student for a work experience placement, 3 separate weeks during the school year. The employer knows that s/he is taking on a person as part of a learning experience. The student needs to be aware that: • The placement is part of the school course and offers a great learning oppor-

tunity. • The employer—who has an enterprise to run—is co-operating with the student

with limited direct benefit to the enterprise. • Both employer will complete an Employer’s Report at the end of the placement.

The student will completer a daily record of his Work Experience. These reports will become important documents for future reference and assessment in Transition Year.

Getting the best from Work Experience To get the most from a work experience placement, it is worth thinking in terms of three stages. For a student to get maximum benefit, it is important that each stage goes well. The three stages are: 1. PREPARATION

• Searching for a placement which will suit your interests—do this during the Summer months.

• Presenting yourself to the employer and making a good case for yourself. • Understanding what the employer expects from you.

2. PLACEMENT • Turning up in good time. • Presenting yourself appropriately. • Following the instructions given by your supervisor. • Performing the given tasks. • Getting on with the other workers. • Dealing with people in a friendly and courteous way.

3. REFLECTION

• Thinking about the placement • Talking about placement with your family—and friends, if you wish. • Writing a report on your placement. • Discussing your work experience in class and with your teachers. • Clarifying, in the light of your placement, your plans for further work experience , for studying and for the future.

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Calendar

“once off”

Layer

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Community Placement

All students will get further opportunity to experience working life and to link the school with the local community. This will give them an insight into the work done by others in various work places

such as local primary schools and Kerry Parents and Friends.

Chinese Module

Each class receive one hour of Chinese language and culture (Mandarin) per week over the year. The Chinese teacher is provided to the school through the Confucius

Institute in UCC.

Car Safety

Students will be given the chance to complete a driver education programme in preparation for be-coming safe and responsible drivers. Munster Driving Centre, RSA and their own “school car”.

First Aid Training

All students will complete Certified Occupational First Aid Course.

Tours

A Tour which is optional and/or China Visit during Easter Holidays/Skiing Tour.

Law Education for Schools

This course is aimed towards Transition Year students. It gives the students an introduction to Law and the definition and sources of law. It gives specialised training in the skill of advocacy with an emphasis placed on a mock trail competition as a classroom activity.

Visiting speakers

Speakers will be talking to the Transition Year students on various relevant topics as

opportunities arise throughout the year - where possible.

Volunteering in the Community

TY is an ideal opportunity for your son to get involved with Special Olympics– Kerry Stars,

St. Vincent de Paul, “Celtic Football for All” and any of the local clubs under age training pro-grammes.

Fit in Deutsch 1 Enterprise Module

Green Flag Coding — Coder Dojo

School Bank Model United Nations

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TRANSITION YEAR EXPENSES

TY Expenses (Please note events and prices may change)

Upon enrolling into Transition Year a non—refundable deposit of €300.00 is paid.

Art materials €20.00 ECDL €145.00 Gaisce 2 Day trip €50.00 Bus Trips €100.00+ First Aid training €110.00 Law Education for schools €40.00 Car Safety €50.00 Cookery Demonstration €15.00 Drama, Chinese and Misc. €70.00 Total €600.00 * The school tour is excluded from the above prices.

**Fundraising will take place throughout the school year to help with expenses of such a varied programme.

Individual payments will be collected in 2 installments An initial Deposit of €300 in ______of 3rd Year and final payment by end of September in Term 1 of Transition Year.