The year consists of 35 weeks of school.  Four of these are set aside for work experience (February/March and May/June). There are many trips organised as part of the Transition Year programme.  The first of these involves the whole year and takes place over three days in the first full week of term. Two venues will be used and each will offer a blend of Irish culture and adventurous sports.

ACADEMIC AREAS

Four core academic subjects continue as normal.

Irish / Irish Culture / American Studies:

During the year, students studying Irish will complete work in the following areas: short stories, film, comprehension, grammar, written, oral and aural work.  A particular emphasis is placed on aural and oral skills.  Irish culture will form a central part of the Irish course.

Students who do not study Irish will take classes in Irish culture. They will study Irish history, mythology and language. Students will be required to complete a project as part of this course.

US citizens will take classes in American Studies for the duration of the year.

English:

Students will complete two fifteen-week modules in the areas of short stories, drama, poetry and a novel.

Maths:                                                  

Students will study a variety of topics, which are mostly linked to the Leaving Certificate course. They will also study other mathematical areas which lie outside the curriculum.

Modern Foreign Languages:            

Foundations for the Leaving Certificate Course will be laid, with particular  emphasis on aspects of modern life, music, literature and journalism. In Transition Year, there is also a strong emphasis on oral communication and cultural enrichment, through the use of various media.

As part of St Andrew's Transition Year French programme, students prepare to sit the Diplôme d'études en langue Française (DELF) exams in May. The framework for DELF allows students to study French beyond their Leaving Certificate within an academic structure that is certified by the French government. 

The Spanish Department follows the DELE programme (Diploma in Spanish as a Foreign Language) as part of the Transition Year programme. Students have the option of sitting the official exam in the Instituto Cervantes.

Tutorials/Lectures:

On Tuesday afternoons, students will listen to guest speakers/lecturers in the Senior Hall. A key skill for students to learn is note-taking and during these lectures students will be required to take notes of the presentation.  Lecture notes will be required as part of each students’ Portfolio Interviews, which take place twice a year (December and May). Some lectures will finish at 3.15pm to allow students to meet with their Form Tutors to discuss projects, work experience and social awareness opportunities.

Transition Year Tutorials 2019/2020 (Tuesdays Periods 8 and 9)

2019/2020	Transition Year Form Teachers
4FY	Mr Flattery
4L	Mr MacGiolla Bhride
4MN	Mr Mallon
4McG	Ms McGrane
4McK	Ms McKeown
4Q	Mr Quinn
4WS	Mr Williams