Transition Year
Transition Year was reintroduced to the school in 2018 and is currently optional. Students are invited to apply for a place on the programme. Criteria for acceptance includes previous attendance, behaviour and a personal statement. In 2018 there were 44 students and this has grown steadily to 96 students in 2024. Irish, English, Maths, French, Religion and P.E. are compulsory subjects on the timetable however they do not follow the Senior Cycle Syllabus. Instead, the subjects are taught in such a way that students develop an appreciation for culture, improve their language skills and apply their learning to a variety of tasks.
Students have Work Experience one day per week or on block release and must source this themselves. By the end of the year it is hoped that students will have a range of experiences from a variety of different employments.
TY students undertake modules in Art, Music, Spanish, Chinese, Business, Science, History and Geography. They are also involved in the Gaisce Awards and The Green Schools Project. Opportunities have arisen in areas of Forensic Science, Aeronautics, Engineering and Arts through private companies and NUIG.
A recent TY student recently wrote his recommendation about the year for prospective students:
"TY has been one of the best school years in my life. It’s great to have the chance to get your head out of the books and focus on other things, whether it be taking up a new hobby or even making new friends. Each day you arrive at school there is something new and exciting around the corner. Work experience really opens you up to what real working environments are like. Combining this with the tasters of leaving cert subjects, it really helps to get an idea of what you would like to do in the future. It is a great year, full of brilliant experiences as long as you approach everything with an open mind and get involved in any activities or opportunities that come your way".
Transition Year Co-Ordinator - Mr. A. Murphy (can be contacted at a.murphy@bish.ie)
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