AppTransition Year
Transition Year at Coláiste Cholmcille is guided by the four student dimensions of the 2024 Transition Year Programme Statement. Our curriculum blends core subjects with a wide variety of modules, workshops, and experiences designed to support students’ growth and development.
The programme is structured to help students:
- Experience personal growth – building self-confidence, resilience, and independence.
- Become active learners – developing curiosity, critical thinking, and new approaches to learning.
- Engage with the local community – contributing positively to the school, local, and wider communities.
- To be career explorers – gaining insight into future pathways through work experience and career-focused opportunities.
This curriculum is deliberately broad. Students explore academic learning, practical skills, creative expression, and personal development. It gives them the space to discover new interests, nurture their strengths, and prepare for the challenges of Senior Cycle and beyond.
TY Curriculum Plan
The Transition Year programme at Coláiste Cholmcille offers students a wide range of opportunities beyond the traditional classroom. The year includes workshops, trips, guest speakers, project-based learning, community involvement, and two blocks of work experience. Steeped within these activities and opportunities are the core values of our school: respect, fairness and personal growth.
Our curriculum structure balances examinable academic study with year-long developmental modules and an extensive menu of rotations and options:
- Examinable Core Subjects
- Mathematics
- English
- Irish
- Non-Examinable Core Subjects
- Physical Education
- SPHE (Social, Personal & Health Education)
- Religious Education
- Year-Long Modules
- Careers
- Guided Reflective Practice
- Theatre and Stage
- Enterprise Education
- Road Safety
- European Studies
- Rotations and Options (which may vary from year to year)
- World of Science
- Music Appreciation
- History
- Leaving Certificate P.E.
- Home Economics Skills
- Art Appreciation
- Woodcraft and Furniture
- Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Spanish
- Public Speaking
- Modern Foreign Languages (German and French)
- Erasmus Project
- School News
- Green Schools
- Personal Growth
- Computer Studies
This layered programme encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, develop new skills, and discover new interests. By engaging fully, they build independence, teamwork, leadership, and resilience — all essential for Senior Cycle and life beyond school.
TY Credit System
Assessment in Transition Year at Coláiste Cholmcille is based on a credits system rather than traditional examinations. This system values participation, effort, and engagement across all areas of the programme.
Students earn credits for:
- Classwork and project participation
- Completion of portfolio work and reflective tasks
- Attendance and punctuality
- Positive behaviour and contribution to school life
At the end of the year, each student’s accumulated credits determine their Certificate of Completion, which is awarded at different levels of achievement (see below). This approach recognises the broad skills, experiences, and personal growth that TY offers. It motivates students to engage consistently and rewards them for active participation throughout the year.
There are 10 credits available for each TY subject. Students can achieve a maximum of 260 for subject credits. There are 100 credits available for the TY portfolio, which will be assessed in May by the TY Coordinator and TY Year Head.
TY Credits: End of Year Awards
- Distinction: 324–360 credits (≥90%)
- Higher Merit: 252–323 credits (70–89%)
- Pass: 144–251 credits (40–69%)
- Participation: 0–143 credits (<40%)
