Transition Year
A year of growth, exploration and opportunity at St Ciarán’s Community School.
Transition Year (TY) is an optional one-year programme that gives students the time, space and opportunity to grow — academically, personally and socially — before beginning the Leaving Certificate.
TY bridges the gap between Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle, supporting students as they mature, build confidence, develop key life skills and make informed choices about their future learning and career pathways.
Why Choose Transition Year?
Develop confidence, resilience and independence
Explore new subjects, interests and talents
Learn through real-world experiences and teamwork
Make informed subject and career choices
Our Four Key Areas
Personal Growth
Wellbeing, leadership, teamwork and personal responsibility are developed through meaningful experiences and challenges.
Being a Learner
Students set goals, reflect on progress and prepare for Leaving Certificate study through varied teaching approaches.
Civic & Community Engagement
Volunteering, sustainability initiatives and active participation in school life foster responsible citizenship.
Career Exploration
Work experience, guest speakers and enterprise activities help students explore future pathways.
What Students Experience
- Continuity subjects such as English, Irish and Maths
- TY-specific modules including Enterprise, Law, Digital Skills, Leadership and Creative Projects
- Subject sampling for Leaving Certificate choices
- Work experience placements
- Community and voluntary work
- Group initiatives such as Young Social Innovators and Mini-Company
Assessment & Certification
Assessment in TY recognises the whole student — not just exam results. The Transition Year ePortfolio and End of Year Interview Reflection capture each student’s learning across all four areas.
Students are assessed through classroom participation, project work, work experience reports and personal reflection.
At the end of the year, students are awarded a Transition Year Certificate at Distinction, Merit or Pass level, reflecting engagement, effort and personal growth.