Archbishop McHale College’s TY Programme presents students with opportunities to discover and develop their individual talents and strengths.
The Transition Year programme is an optional one-year programme which aims to:
* To provide the time and space to build confidence and self-esteem in a journey towards greater reflection and maturity
* To develop socially, personally, physically and academically through involvement in a broad range of activities and experiences.
* To experience the world of work, explore possible future career choices and develop skills that will be important in this work environment.
Transition Year Calendar Events
The main calendar events for the Transition Year Programme are listed below (These can be subject to change):
- Work Experience
- Outdoor Pursuits
- Let’s get talking programme
- Author in Residence Programme
- Introduction to Law Programme
- Safety Skills Course
- 121 Learning(Sharing digital skills )
- Gmetrix
- Basic Coding/Solid Works
- Young Social Innovators
- German Exchange Programme to Straubing, Bavaria in Germany
- Gaisce
- Galway Rape Crisis Centre Consent - Ed Programme
- First Aid Course
- Dance-Set Dancing and Hip Hop
- F1 Schools Competition
- Gym and Fitness Classes
- Big Brother Big Sister
- Guest Speakers
- Workshops
- Mini Company
- Poetry Aloud
- Film Making Workshops
- Trips
- Climbing Croagh Patrick
- Swimming at Salthill
- Bowling
- Music Generation Pulse Programme
- Mountain Biking in Slieve Bloom with Mid Adventure Ireland
- Sport-Rugby Workshop, Basketball Blitz. Wheelchair Basketball (with Titans in Galway city)
- Erasmus (Three year Project 2016-2019) Partnered with three schools in Ponteareas,Galacia,Spain.
Assessment
The methods of assessment carried out during the Transition Year include:
- Ongoing assessment for each student by the teaching Staff.
- Project work and oral presentations.
- Portfolio of work for some modules.
- Assessment of work experience and recorded report
- Reflective diary at the start of the year till midterm.
- Self assessment
- Exhibitions of students work and performance of new skills.
- Practical assessment.
- Level of student participation in Gaisce, fundraising, charity work etc.
Archbishop McHale College presents the students with a school certificate awarded at distinction, merit or pass level. These grades are decided in consultation with the transition year teaching team. Certificates are also awarded externally for the successful completion of Gaisce, First Aid etc
Presentation of Certificates takes place as part of the school awards event. Special awards are to include the Student of the Year Award, Spirit of Transition Year Award and Attendance Award.
Finances
The running of our Transition Year programme is expensive for parent(s)/guardian(s). We are conscience of this and we try to spread the activities out over the year. At the start of each year the cost for each student is forecasted. Events and trips are subsidised using the transition year grant money and through funds raised through minor school initiatives. The additional cost of Transition Year activities is met by parents.