TRANSITION YEAR 2018-2019
In designing the programme for TY, we wished to offer our students the opportunity to develop a skill set that will help them for the remainder of the Senior Cycle education and life after Mount Sackville. In doing so a balance had to be found between what is perceived as traditional subjects and new modules.
ACADEMIC SUBJECTS ON OFFER:
IRISH/ENGLISH/MATHS
FRENCH/GERMAN/ITALIAN
ART/HOME ECONOMICS/SCIENCE
CLASSICAL STUDIES/ MUSIC/HISTORY/GEOGRAPHY/BUSINESS
PHILOSOPHY
PE/RE

The duration of the various new transition year modules varies depending on the module. There is a combination of full and half year modules, running beside other shorter mini modules and workshops.
ALL YEAR MODULES:
PROJECTS: choose between Chinese, Student Enterprise award, Junk Kouture, Scifest, Young Social Innovators
The TY Team: Ms Clodagh Havel, Mr Barry White, Ms Anna Jennings, Ms Cristin Kehoe, Ms Jana Elkhawad
Religion
HALF YEAR MODULES:
Video Assessment Diary/ Personal Development
OTHER TY MODULES:
Cookery, Dance, Drama, The Musical, Event Management, First Aid, Film Appreciation, Information Technology, Library Skills, RSE
ACTIVITY AFTERNOONS: TUESDAY/THURSDAY
Kayaking, awesome walls, dance, Forest school, fencing, an Gaisce, the Adventure Rooms
WORK EXPERIENCE/ COMMUNITY WORK:
The girls will participate in 4 work placements throughout the year. Each placement will last for 1 week. Community work can be in areas such as hospitals, nursing homes, community based projects or activities, charity groups
TRIPS:
Italy, Austria, France, Carlingford, Ovoca, Causey Farm, Microsoft Dream space
SPEAKERS/ WORKSHOPS
Fire Safety/ Personal Safety/ financial wellness week/ school bank/ internet safety/ philosophy – and more to be confirmed over the year.
ASSESSMENT:
Core subjects will be assessed in the summer with exams. Otherwise, students will be assessed by their portfolio of work for adjudication in conjunction with an end of year interview. This will all be conducted by their Mentor.
Transition Year in Mount Sackville involves a whole school approach. The overall success of the programme is determined by the combined efforts of the parents, students and teachers. Planning and evaluation are at the core of the TY process and this is reflected in the ongoing changes and improvements as Mount Sackville constantly seeks to ensure that the programme offered continues to fulfil its aims and objectives.
Considerable emphasis is placed on self-directed learning during TY and normal day to day homework and assignments run alongside non-immediate deadlines and to plan accordingly. There is a long-term as well as a short-term view in consideration.
Students are encouraged to consider carefully potential career options in TY. The normal co-curricular programme of Mount Sackville – including games and musical activities – continues to apply to TYs.
The Mount Sackville experience of Transition Year is a positive one. It bridges successfully the transition from junior to senior cycle. On completion of the TY year, our students are ready to embark purposefully and confidently on their Leaving Cert programme.

Ms. Clodagh Havel
Programme Coordinator 2018-2019