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 modules our students engage in. Each year these modules may vary, in order to meet the needs of the group.
Film Production
Darren Kelleher from ActorVision, School of Acting in Cork delivers this module. Acting requires critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, all of which also enhances academic performance. Under Darren’s guidance this module builds confidence in our students and develops their language and communication skills in a fun, student centred environment. ActorsVision's Screen Training module is ten-week intensive course immersing students in all aspects of film production. Areas covered include Acting, Script-Writing, Directing, Camera/Lighting & Sound Recording. This module is very much group orientated and aims to include all students in suitable roles with a focus on full preparation to shoot their own short film upon course completion. https://www.actorsvision.com/
Cookery
This module helps students to improve the personal and social skills relevant to the development of healthy lifestyles. They build up personal confidence as they acquire basic culinary skills and an appreciation of how easy it is to cook healthy meals that are cost efficient. Over the course of this module the student is the key to their own learning experience as they have fun cooking healthy and nutritious dishes as well as baking delicious cakes. These tasty dishes rarely make it home before being gobbled up!
Podcasting
Podcasting Made Simple is delivered by Elaine Smith an experienced sound operator in broadcasting, podcasting & sound recording. Through this module our students benefit from her experience as a broadcast journalist working with Red FM, Newstalk and Today FM, gaining a valuable insight into a career in this field.
Over the course of this 10-week workshop, students will learn the foundations of creating a podcast. The course will cover everything from what’s involved in podcasting, pre-production, audio recording, audio editing and publishing. Each class will be split between theory and practical exercises. During the course students will learn the various roles in podcasting such as a producer, presenter, sound engineer and sound editor. They will also learn how to produce, record and edit their very own feature. Find our first CCN podcast in the TY Gallery https://www.ccn.ie/ty-gallery
Spanish
¡Hola! Did you know that Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world and very common country for holidays and second home for Irish people? That is why in the Spanish Module we try to have a positive first contact and immerse ourselves in Spanish language and culture as much as possible where students can get to know gastronomy, festivals, traditions, way of life... and so breaking stereotypes and acquire basics of conversation through communicative and dynamic activities and games to create a good foundation of the language. To make all this happen, I will use lots of resources and activities to make sure your learning is a two-way interactive process and is enjoyable for everyone ..are you ready to try?
¡Hasta luego! Lucía
Music Performance
Justin O’Donnell and Sean Murphy deliver this module. Justin is a Cork based DJ, producer, turntablist, and promoter. He currently holds residencies in venues such as The Crane Lane, Dali, Cask, Vicarstown Bar and The Roundy. Sean is a working musician, vocalist, guitar player and producer in both original music and in commercial cover bands who regularly tours all over Ireland.
In this Music Performance module, the students get the opportunity to write and record their own songs. Their creativity comes alive as they create a music backdrop, write lyrics and record vocals. In small groups they get hands on experience with different equipment including an MPC sampler and Technic turntables. They are also given practical advice about getting gigs, building relationships, and making money in music.
Music
An introduction to Leaving Cert Music
Work That Group
Within this 10-week module our students will learn a suite of skills and qualities that they will need in life and the workplace. This module aims to motivate students who are thinking to focus their professional career in working with groups of people such teaching, coaches, trainers, early years educators, etc. Getting to know the structure of a group, key points of different age stages, leadership and roles within the group and more, will give them an idea of what organising a group activity looks like.
Preparation for the World of Work
Students will work on their CVs and cover letters in this module using our new suite of Chromebooks. They will also develop interview skills through practice interviews. Financial literacy is a life skill that will travel with our students as they journey into adulthood. This module also provides our students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of personal finance. Topics such as getting paid for the first time, basic banking, taxation, budgeting and effective spending, borrowing and financial services will be examined. Skills learned now will empower them to truly embrace all of life’s opportunities with confidence – today, and into the future.
Yoga
This module will allow students to relax as they explore this posture based physical fitness. Yoga will allow students to gain skills in relaxation techniques and stress relief.
Geography
An introduction to Leaving Cert Geography. This will included a fieldwork investigation at the local river in Carrignavar & an introduction to digital mapping using our suite of Chromebooks.
Chemistry, Biology & Physics Tasters
An introduction to the Leaving Cert Science subjects which includes lots of exciting experiments.
Physical Education & Sport Science
This module will involve traditional PE. Sport Science is a seperate module & involves an introduction to Leaving Cert Physical Education (exam subject).
History
An introduction to Leaving Cert History. In the past, students have investigated historical events such as the Holocaust & designed projects using Microsoft Teams.
Accounting
An introduction to Leaving Cert Accounting
Economics
An introduction to Leaving Cert Economics
Learning to Learn
Dealing with school responsibilities isn’t easy. Organisation is key. Focus is essential. Learning study skills could make school easier. Focus on key points, breaks, concentration, engagement are few of the skills we will work on in this module. We will also hold several ‘Learning to Learn events’ to demonstrate effective learning techniques to younger year groups.
Relationships & Sexuality Education
The TY RSE programme is designed to be an introduction to Senior Cycle RSE. All topics covered are a taster & will require further exploration in 5th and 6th year. Additional topics and themes are also explored after TY.
RSE provides structured opportunities to develop students knowledge, attitudes, values & beliefs about the world around them. They further develop the practical skills necessary to establish & sustain healthy relationships with themselves & the various communities of which they are members of. Throughout the RSE module, the topics are explored through a mixture of class discussion, group discussion, role play, walking debates & individual reflection. Topics covered include: Communication styles, relationships, stress, coping strategies, listening ,alcohol & smoking/vaping.
“I enjoyed trying all of the LC subjects as taster modules in TY. This allowed me to make better decisions when deciding my subjects for 5th year. ”