Transition Year at Elphin Community College
Transition Year Overview
Transition Year is a one-year programme that gives students time and space to grow, explore new learning experiences and prepare for Senior Cycle and life beyond school.
At Elphin Community College, our TY programme is built around active learning, creativity, reflection, community links, work experience and personal development.
Key Features of TY at ECC
- One-year programme after Junior Cycle
- Broad range of academic, practical, creative and life-skills modules
- Strong focus on student reflection, independence and confidence
- Work experience and career exploration
- Trips, workshops, competitions, guest speakers and community-based learning
- No State Examinations during TY
TY Student Dimensions
Our programme is aligned with the revised Transition Year Programme Statement and supports students across four important areas of development.
Personal Growth
- Confidence
- Wellbeing
- Independence
- Self-management
Being a Learner
- Curiosity
- Creativity
- Problem-solving
- Reflecting on learning
Civic and Community Engagement
- Community involvement
- Teamwork
- Responsibility
- Making a positive contribution
Career Exploration
- Work experience
- Career research
- Guidance
- Future pathways
TY Modules at ECC
Students take part in a wide range of modules during Transition Year. These modules support academic learning, creativity, practical skills, personal development and career exploration.
- Maths
- English
- Irish
- SPHE
- PE
- Portfolio
- Guidance
- Enterprise
- Relove Fashion
- Geography
- History
- Drama
- Music
- World of Science
- Build Environmental Studies
- RSA
- Engineering
- Forensic Science
- Arts and Crafts
- Culinary Skills
- La Français
- Communications
- Computers
- World of Work
- Life Skills
- Horticulture
- Photography
- Sustainability
Modules may vary from year to year depending on student needs, school planning, staffing and available opportunities.
Real TY Experiences at ECC
Transition Year at Elphin Community College is about learning through experience. Students are encouraged to take part, try new things and reflect on what they learn.
- Relove Fashion: students develop creativity, sustainability awareness and presentation skills through fashion and upcycling projects.
- Enterprise: students explore business ideas, teamwork, planning and communication.
- World of Science and Forensic Science: students engage in practical investigation, problem-solving and scientific thinking.
- Engineering and Build Environmental Studies: students develop practical, design and environmental awareness skills.
- Horticulture and Sustainability: students explore environmental responsibility and practical outdoor learning.
- Drama, Music, Arts and Crafts, Photography: students develop confidence, creativity and self-expression.
- Culinary Skills and Life Skills: students build practical skills for everyday life.
- Trips, workshops and guest speakers: students experience learning beyond the classroom.
Work Experience and Career Exploration
Work experience is an important part of TY and helps students explore future pathways in a meaningful way.
- Students experience the world of work first-hand.
- Students develop communication, punctuality, responsibility and workplace skills.
- Students reflect on their interests, strengths and possible future careers.
- Guidance classes support students in planning for Senior Cycle and future options.
Assessment, Portfolio and Reflection
Assessment in TY is based on participation, reflection, practical tasks, projects and ongoing engagement rather than State Examinations.
- Students build a TY portfolio during the year.
- Students reflect on learning experiences, skills and personal development.
- Assessment may include projects, presentations, practical work, written reflection and classroom tasks.
- Teachers provide feedback to support student growth and progress.
Skills Students Develop
Through TY, students develop key skills that support learning, life and future pathways.
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Creativity
- Problem-solving
- Digital skills
- Organisation
- Self-confidence
- Reflection
- Independence
- Community awareness
- Career planning
Supporting Your Child in TY
Parents and guardians play an important role in helping students get the most from Transition Year.
- Encourage full participation in modules, trips and activities.
- Support good attendance and punctuality.
- Discuss work experience, skills and future pathways at home.
- Encourage students to keep their TY portfolio up to date.
- Stay in contact with the school where support is needed.
In Simple Terms
- TY is about trying new things and building confidence.
- Students learn through projects, activities, work experience and reflection.
- There are no State Examinations in TY.
- TY helps students prepare for Senior Cycle and future choices.