DUNDALK GRAMMAR

SCHOOL

TRANSITION YEAR

PROGRAMME

2019/2020

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Transition Year (TY) is a one-year school-based programme between Junior

and Senior Cycle. It is designed to act as a bridge between the two, facilitating

smooth transition from the more dependent learning of Junior Cycle to the more

independent self-directed learning required for Senior Cycle.

The Transition Year programme at Dundalk Grammar School, first introduced

back in September 1991, has developed over the years to meet the changing

needs of our students, as well as incorporating the latest teaching

methodologies. Our overall objective is to promote the personal, social,

educational, and vocational development of students, and prepare them for their

future role as autonomous, participative and responsible members of society.

The booklet is designed to give both students and parents an overview of our

programme. It details the information on the Transition Year Curriculum,

modes of assessment and the supportive role that parents can play in helping

their son/daughter to maximise the numerous opportunities that the year offers.

If there are any specific questions regarding any aspect of the Transition Year

programme, please do not hesitate in contacting the Coordinator or any member

of the Transition Year Core Group at the school.

THE TRANSITION YEAR MANAGEMENT TEAM 2019/2020 — – — —

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In Transition Year the academic calendar is divided into 4 modules, each

one being 7- 8 weeks duration. Students will complete courses in each of

the following subjects during the year:

CORE SUBJECTS

English

Maths

Irish

Foreign Language

Career Guidance

Religion

LEAVING CERT SUBJECT SAMPLING

Accounting Agricultural Science

Biology Business

Chemistry Economics

Geography History

Home Economics Music

Physical Education Physics

Politics

TRANSITON YEAR CURRICULUM 2019/2020

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TY SPECIFIC SUBJECTS

Computers/IT

The European Computer Driving License (ECDL) is now essential for many careers and

occupations. Students will complete all stages of their ECDL as part of the TY programme.

There is an additional charge for certification.

Fitness/Outdoor Activity

Students will take part in a number of activities including swimming, boxercise, indoor

soccer, circuit-training, aerobics, gym, yoga, dance, and self-defense classes etc.

The programme is run in conjunction with Aura Swimming Pool & Gym, Martial Arts School

of Fitness, The Gym, Academy Dance Studio, and Oriel Indoor Soccer.

There is an additional charge for these activities.

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There is an additional charge for certification.

Arts & Crafts

Junk Kouture competition will also be offered subject to a sufficient number of students

expressing an interest.

Communication & Team Building

This module is part of the shared learning experience with St Vincents School.

Road Safety

Film Studies

Sociology

Sound Engineering

Drama

Sign Language

Mindfulness

Health Education

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TY OPTION SUBJECTS

Enterprise/Construction/Games/Grow your Own/Drone Racing

Students must choose one option for duration of the year.

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TY OPTION SUBJECTS

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See hand-out for more information.

Drone Racing—Drone Racing involves a mini camera mounted on your drone streaming

live video, giving the pilot first person view of the action! This competition involves

designing and assembling your own FPV Drones. Using hi spec goggles and a mini camera

on top of your drone, whizz around obstacles, LED gates and other competitors as you hurtle

towards the finish line! Not only will you learn how to design and build your own drone but

you will also master controlling it at speeds of up to 185 Km/hr.

Students in this module get to learn about basic forces, electronics, coding, 3D design and

manufacturing methods. It also includes some practical mathematics and physics. In terms

of the business side of this competition, students will demonstrate managerial tasks, financial

management and marketing roles. This gives more options for students to do more than just

engineering based roles.

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ADDITIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

EQUINE STUDIES at Oaktree Stables, Ravensdale, Dundalk.

This course is designed to be educational and have the element of fun involved with a sporting

activity. Students will cover stable management and horse riding.

The course is subject to a sufficient number of students indicating their intention to take the programme

prior to the start of the summer holidays.

There is an additional charge for participants.

SAILING at Carlingford Sail Train Centre

Participants should achieve the Irish Sailing Association (ISA) Level 1 sailing certificate by

the end of this course.

The above course is designed to be enjoyable and fun for all, at the same time imparting

new life-long skills to the participants in a pleasant environment. Team building will also

feature highly.

This option is dependent on a sufficient number of students choosing to take the course.

There is an additional charge for participants.

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ADDITIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

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ADDITIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

TRIP TO DONEGAL ADVENTURE CENTRE

(10th—13th September 2019

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TY CULTURAL TRIP 2019/2020

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EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES

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Exchange arrangements must be sanctioned by the Principal

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TY WORK EXPERIENCE

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‘Confirmation of Placement Form’ at least 3 weeks in advance.

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The dates for next years’ TY Work Placements are:-

1. 25th November 2018– 29th November 2019

2. 24th February 2020– 28th February 2020

3. 18th May 2020—22nd May 2020

There are NO classes for TY students during these weeks.

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TY WORK EXPERIENCE

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ASSESSMENT

HOMEWORK POLICY

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THE CREDITS SYSTEM

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The average number of credits a student is expected to achieve over the course of 4 modules

is 3000.

Students can also earn extra credits for:-

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HOW PARENTS CAN HELP AND SUPPORT THEIR

SON/DAUGHTER IN TRANSITION YEAR?

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DUNDALK GRAMMAR SCHOOL

The Crescent

Dundalk

Co Louth

AF91 FH00

: 042 9334459

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USEFUL WEBSITES:

www.smartfutures.ie

www.careersportal.ie

www.tcd.ie/study/eu/undergraduate/transition-year-programmes