Transition Year students are afforded the opportunity to learn, develop skills and discover individual talents, aptitudes and abilities in a variety of ways both inside and outside the classroom. The following are a sample of learning experiences our students engage in. Each year these learning experiences may vary in order to meet the needs of the group.
GAISCE
Gaisce –The President’s Award is a self-development programme for young people aged 14 -25 which has been proven to enhance confidence and well being through participation in personal, physical and community challenges. It is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, to all young people to dream big and realise their potential. The Bronze Award is available to students as an optional extra. There is a €15 registration fee. The cost of the overnight adventure trip is not included in the TY fee. The majority of requirements for the Bronze Award can be achieved through the TY timetable. More information can be found here.
First Aid
Cardiac First Responder (CFR) this half day fully certified course is the first rung on the ladder of pre-hospital emergency care. Recognised by the Pre-hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) it teaches all the basic life support skills for victims of stroke; cardiac arrest; heart attack; choking as well as the relevant legal issues and the administration of aspirin.
Special Effects
This workshop is delivered by Cork based Andrea Murphy a trained make-up artist and tutor. She has worked on huge theatrical productions such as Sweeney Todd and Pagliacci. She was also the chief make-up artist for the nightmare Realm here in Cork, which made us all jump out of our skin. This 2-hour workshop allows the students to get creative as they learn how to create burns, scars, cuts and lots more with make-up. They also gain an insight into her career journey. This workshop compliments other experiences throughout the year such as film creation and Junk Koture but the possibilities are endless.
“These students are credit to the school, teachers and parents. So friendly, mannerly and engaging in the special effects workshops. It was absolute pleasure to teach them and I look forward to coming back next year” Andrea Murphy
Film Production
Every year the TY classes create their own short film. Using the skills developed through their engagement in Screen Training – Drama each class group work together to bring their script to life.
Students gain hands on experience of directing, camera work, lighting and sound recording as well as acting on their own production. Aside from the technical skills learned, students will be encouraged to utilise skills in organisation, time management, resourcefulness, leadership and decision making throughout this process. The experience presents an opportunity not only to learn the basics of film making, but also essential life skills that serve to boost confidence, work ethic and leadership; all the while fostering their creative side.
View films in TY Gallery https://www.ccn.ie/ty-gallery
Develop Me
Develop Me specialises in bringing the highest quality experiential learning training into the secondary school classroom. Their workshops, are designed to develop an understanding of the key components of project management and personal performance, and to develop a deep understanding of the key behaviours of successful teams and the principle dysfunctions that inhibit team performance. Students are placed in engaging, interactive, fun scenarios and asked to work together to come up with a way to approach the situation that will lead to a successful outcome through critical thinking and problem solving. After they have tackled the scenarios, the real strength of the sessions comes out in the powerful debriefs. Students reflect on how they did, identify how they could have done better and learn best practices for project management and operating as an effective team. https://www.developme.ie/
Retreat
A retreat provides students with an opportunity to reflect on their life and faith in a safe, fun and meaningful way. This is a day of relaxation where friendships are made, reflecting Christian values of love, understanding and peace. An Tobar Nua deliver this hugely popular retreat to our students.
Forensic Fun
Forensic fun is a hands-on workshop, focused on enquiry-based learning. The highly experienced presenter guides students in gathering clues, analysing evidence, investigating & evaluating. Enquiry based learning at its best! This student centric workshop allows our TYs to use science in a practical application. Students work together to analyse and evaluate information and problem solve as a team. Their investigation is the JFK assassination .... forensics include ballistics, fingerprints, facial recognition, autopsy, trace evidence & exploring the main theories / links with history. Students are also provided with the opportunity to learn about careers and courses in this field. http://www.forensicfun.com/
Foreign Trip
Each year the Transition year students jet off to a European city to experience the history and culture and have lots of fun. The focus is to ensure that students learn as much as possible from the school tour experience by making itineraries varied, stimulating and action-packed. The foreign trip is optional & the cost is not included in the TY fee.
Legal Studies
This one-day programme is based on the premise that everyone living in Ireland should have at least a basic understanding of how the Irish legal system operates. Having fun while learning is a key element to this programme. The highlight of the day is when the students run a mock murder trial where each of them has a role as a solicitor, barrister, defendant, prosecution witness, defence witness, registrar or juror. This is a chance for the students to put into action what they have learned throughout the day and is always full of drama! Through this programme Niamh Cronin a qualified barrister-in-law, provides the students with an insight into the world of law.
Guest Speakers
Throughout the year professionals from various organisations speak with our students in the areas of mental health, cancer awareness, cyber awareness, road safety and other areas relevant to their needs. Over the years, we have had guest speakers from a variety of organisation such as the CSO, Cork Cancer Care Centre, Bank of Ireland, SVP, the Marie Keating Foundation, UCC, Jigsaw, Foroige, Dogs Trust Ireland & Gas Networks Ireland.
Teen Talks
Transition Year students attend the Teen Talks conference where they always learn something new. “As part of Healthy Cork, we are committed to supporting our young people and their health and well being. We are inviting transition year students across Cork to come to Teen Talks to hear from their peers, health and fitness experts and those who are experienced in creating coping mechanisms for the challenges that we face today. Teen Talks communicate important messages, in an engaging way, about life and positive changes you can adopt to help you live a healthy, happy life.” (Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy Mayor of the Co. Cork)
Think Languages
This is a one day event that occurs in November. Our languages teachers have organised a variety of activities to celebrate languages, cultures and diversity. Students learn the basics of a new language, engage in cultural activities like dancing & taste food from around the world. More information can be found here.
Young at Heart Intergenerational Quiz
The Young at Heart Intergenerational Quiz in City Hall has been running for over nine years and each year some of our transition year students participate in this initiative. The intergenerational quiz is very popular, the aim being to connect together younger and older generations.. Two TY students are paired with two older people in a team. The combined knowledge of the different generations produce a powerful battle of wits as communities pitch their skills and knowledge. Competition and ambition meet fun and laughter. The quiz which hosts approximately 45 teams promotes friendship and cooperation between the generations, highlighting both have something to offer each other.
"It's great fun. Last year one of the older team members recognised Billie Eilish before the young people." (Evening Echo 09.10.2019)
Bonding day
The TY induction & bonding day occurs on the first day of term. Students receive their timetables & complete an induction morning with the TY Coordinator. They spend the rest of the day engaging in a variety of fun filled activities as they get to know their new classmates. The day sets the scene for new friendships to form which is often the highlight of TY.
Theatre Trip
Visits are dependent on what is in local theatres.
One example of a theatre visit was Irish Comedian Ger Carey – TY comedy tour. By secretly observing his subjects in their natural habitat, such as leaning on lampposts, in chippers, outside chippers, in shopping centres and sitting on any kind of steps, Ger has uncovered the weird and frightening world of the teenager. What's the best wrong answer ever given by a student? Why do teenage Goths exist? In class, why is a pigeon on the windowsill so fascinating? Why do lads have to get to the back of the bus? What's it like to be in a double class with a teacher that wears tweed? These and many more questions are answered by Ger Carey as he uses comedy to explore the weird and wonderful life of a teenager.
Outdoor Adventure
Some of the outdoor adventure centres our students have been lucky to experience include:
West Cork Secret
Tucked away between the villages of Kilbrittain and Timoleague lies the West Cork Secret, one of Corks leading activity centres. The West Cork Secret Activity Centre is all about encouragement, setting targets, motivation, character building and reward. It’s all a part of the experience, where teamwork and communication are essential in conquering the Secret’s challenges all within an exhilarating military atmosphere. From the assault course to the forest run you’re guaranteed to be smiling through the mud. http://www.westcorksecret.ie/
Ballyhass Lakes
At Ballyhass, students engage in a number of activities on land, on water and at a height. The instructors here run quality, focused, fun sessions with the participant at its core. Students challenge themselves and have lots of fun. One area of particular interest to our students is the water park. Ballyhass lakes is home to Munsters, largest and most exciting inflatable water park. Covering over 40m squared of an old quarry lake, students can, jump, slide, bounce and race each other around the wipeout style course. Ballyhass also runs a Transition Year scholarship programme and in 2019/2020 one of our students earned a place, gaining invaluable experiences and certification. https://www.ballyhass.ie/
Zip it Farren Wood
Get active, get connected and get outdoors. This is a great opportunity for students to enjoy an exhilarating and challenging outdoor activity in a natscreen training – Drama ural setting, building confidence, teamwork and self-esteem. Students will feel a great sense of achievement as they conquer each activity, pushing their comfort zones in a completely safe environment but with the perception of risk. Big challenges or baby steps, the energetic instructors will encourage and motivate even the most nervous student, creating a lasting sense of achievement. https://www.zipit.ie/
“TY gave me lots of new learning opportunities. I really enjoyed the workshops, guest speakers & activities out of school.”