What is the point of the Transition Year Programme?
A major element of Transition Year (TY) is to promote a more mature approach to life and learning in Irish schools. Students become self-directed learners by developing their general, technical and academic skills and Alison’s Introduction to Time Management course may be useful in that regard. Through TY, students also develop their confidence and sense of responsibility, become more aware of life outside school and should be able to make more informed choices about their Leaving Certificate courses. They can also develop skills that will benefit them in their future careers.
What is different about the lessons?
Most TY programmes try to create a balance of continuing with core subjects while allowing pupils to sample other subjects. Schools are encouraged to give pupils a choice in what they can study. Transition Year allows pupils to immerse themselves in a topic and cover it in a different way, for instance, looking at a war from the viewpoint of literature, history, music, art, media coverage and so on. This may lead to a production or a presentation at the end of the year - perhaps with the help of our Digital Photography or Microsoft courses.
Are all TY programmes the same?
No, each school is responsible for its own TY programme with the support of guidelines supplied by the Department of Education and Science. Schools take account of their students’ needs and the views of parents in designing programmes. Alison aims to support schools with free courses covering a broad range of subject
Are all the lessons based in the classroom?
Transition Year work experience is usually an important aspect of TY programmes. Often, students also set up a mini-company to develop their Transition Year business ideas. Some schools invite visiting speakers in and often, field trips are a feature of the programmes. Pupils also undertake projects involving independent research and with thousands of courses on almost every subject under the sun, Alison is a font of knowledge.
Are there exams in Transition Year?
Rather than formal exams, there is on-going assessment where the students are encouraged to identify their own strengths and weaknesses. Projects, portfolios and exhibitions are also an alternative to formal assessment. Schools are encouraged to award certifications. Alison’s raft of courses with certification could see more pupils finish the year with a clutch of awards to show for their endeavours.
