Transition Years have been busy this term. The students have classes in their general subjects like English, Irish, Maths and French among others. They will also get a chance, during the year, to sample all subject options offered at Senior Cycle, for example Art, Design, Construction Studies, Accounting, Ag Science, Physics and Engineering to name but a few.
The TY calendar was shared during the summer with students and parents, but, as with everything this year, modifications have had to be made so it is very much a work in progress.
Added to the general schoolwork students have had an outing to Petersburg Outdoor Education Centre for Teambuilding activities. They were fortunate to meet Barrister James Fahy who delivered the TY Law Course. All students got the opportunity to participate in the Redesigning Ireland Workshop in early November and it was very successful and well received by students. In early December all TYs will get to participate in an Internet Safety Training Webinar.
Tuesday Activities are running smoothly. There are 4 activities this year and all students will participate in each of the activities in rotation. The different groups this year will experience Health & Fitness, Hillwalking, Woodturning and Wellbeing activities. These activities are rotated every 6-8 weeks and groups will change after the midterm.
Unfortunately, Work Experience scheduled for October had to be cancelled due to the current pandemic. However, a small number of students who had already had their Work Experience organised availed of TY Leave. We are hoping that February Work Experience will go ahead as planned.
A new programme introduced this year, MakeThatCourse™, has been rolled out also and is generating quite a lot of interest. We look forward to seeing the finished products.
Interested Gaisce students have now signed up for their Bronze medals and have already started on their Gaisce journey. Well done!
A committee to organise TY Hoodies has been established by students and they are in the process of taking orders, researching options and generally shopping around for the best deal.
A committee was also formed to help with the Stand up to Bullying against LGBTQ+ week. Quizzes and other activities were run by the students and this was key to raising awareness.
The Mary Elmes Award is a history competition open to all TYs and all students received details and are encouraged to participate. This is a must for students thinking of taking history in Senior Cycle.
Look into Law is accepting applications for the 2021 workshop. This year the course is being run online and we have had some interest from students. A fantastic opportunity!
The European Youth Parliament is also going online this year and generated interest from some students. Our successful applicants will be participating very soon. A very worthwhile experience.
An new Irish Startup TYM have launched an Irish language app. Faoi láthair tá ailt nuachta laethúla ann le clos, aistriúcháin agus briathra a sholáthraíonn stór focal cothrom le dáta. Cuirfear gnéithe nua leis go rialta ar nós píosaí comhrá agus Sraith Pictiúr. All students will have access to the app for a trial period.
Students are thinking creatively also about their annual TYs got Talent experience. Student voice has always been an important part of the process. This year’s group face challenges but have already been exploring different ideas. There is great creative energy happening in relation to TYs got Talent so watch this space! We have no doubt that the group will rise to the challenge and will treat us to a very entertaining show!
TY is a time for the students to grow and mature. A time to develop existing skills and acquire new skills, students assume greater responsibility for themselves and their own learning. This year will present challenges but we have no doubt that by working together students will have an enjoyable and fulfilling TY.