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This excellent programme bridges the gap between Junior and Senior Cycle. As well as addressing the traditional Leaving Cert syllabus the programme also introduces students to new areas such as ECDL, Mini –Company, Personal Development, Public Speaking and Debating, driving instruction, European Tour, work experience, sign language, ice skating, P.A..L Law Course golf lesson, Pilates, self-defence, water sports and the School Musical.
Sancta Maria produces an annual school musical for five public performances at the beginning of February. This year the very successful ‘Chicago’ was staged. The staging of the Musical is one of the main focal points of our Transition Years who have total responsibility for it.
Below you can read a brief description of what each T.Y. term entails and follow the programme with pictures for this year, 2010/2011.
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TRIP TO LITTLE KILLARY
In early September, Transition Year students travelled to Little Killary Adventure Centre for a bonding session, where they participated in various activities organised over a two-day period.
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SONAS ARTS FESTIVAL
In September the Louisburgh Community Project called on the Sancta Maria Transition Year students for their assistance in the organising,
preparation and running of the annual children’s Sonas Arts Festival.
The students rose to the challenge without fail. Volunteers took on
board a lot of responsibility in the weeks leading up to the event
putting in a huge amount of time and effort. They learned to exercise
planning, organisation, control, motivation, leadership and
communication skills. They also had opportunities to involve themselves in art, crafts and drama. This was a very valuable and rewarding experience for them.
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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Students partake in Community Involvement (personal development) over a period of five weeks. They have a choice:
1. Helping out in the McBride Home for the Elderly in Westport.
2. Assisting in the Western Care Offices.
3. Caring for young children in the local Primary Schools where
they are often given the chance of teaching lessons as well as enhancing many personal skills along the way. |
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LAW COURSE (PUBLIC ACCESS TO LAW PROGRAMME)
All Transition Years participate in the Public Access to Law (P.A.L) Programme. The main objective of this course is to de-mystify the law. It gives students an understanding of how law works and thus widens their knowledge of the legal system. The students always find this course very appealing and relevant. All tutors are practising Barristers who have teaching experience. P.A.L places an emphasis on teaching the skill of advocacy. Training in advocacy introduces the student to the art of persuasion, speaking succinctly and the skill of thinking ‘on ones’ feet’.
A written exam is also incorporated into the module andsuccessful candidates are certified. Transition Years taking part in this module are encouraged to visit the Four Courts during the school year. There is also an opportunity to apply to participate in the National Mock Trial competition in Dublin. |
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TRIP TO DAIL AND FOUR COURTS
Transition Year students are taken to Dublin in November where they get a guided tour of the Dail and Four Courts. The Four Courts tour is given by a trained Barrister. Students are permitted to sit in on courts in session and have been present at some very topical and controversial cases. Our local T.D. Mr. Michael Ring is very welcoming in Dail Eireann and students are always given the red carpet treatment! After a guided tour they are permitted to sit in on question time in the Dail and Seanad. |
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PUBLIC SPEAKING
A team of five students is entered into the National Forum on Europe Public Speaking Competition where they compete against other schools throughout the county and province. This year our students won the Mayo Title and represented the county in the Regional Finals. |
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YOUNG ENTERPRISE COMPETITION
The Young Enterprise Competition is sponsored by Enterprise Ireland and
is geared towards the aspiring entrepreneurs. All students take part in
the Enterprise module in Transition Year and the students that display
the best enterprising skills and abilities (innovation, creativity,
market research, product development, marketing, sales, customer service
and teamwork) go forward to represent the School in the competition at
local, regional and national level. |
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TERM TWO
JANUARY – APRIL 2011
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MUSICAL
The students are instrumental in organising the annual School Musical.
They play a pivotal role in stage construction, set design, props,
costumes, stage management… Without the help of our TY’s, the Musical
simply could not take place.
The musical usually takes place in February
February 2011 'Little Shop of Horrors'
TRIP TO OLD TRAFFORD
In October, the students embarked on the trip of a lifetime to
Old Trafford, Manchester to watch Utd. play live in the
premier league.
TY trip to Old Trafford
| Check out the pictures from the TY trip to Manchester, click here |
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SELF-DEFENCE COURSE/AEROBICS
A five-week beginners course is offered to all students of Transition
Year. The boys participate in Self-defence and the girls do aerobics.
RETREAT
An over-night retreat is offered to all students of Transition Year. This
usually takes place in March of second term. This year (2011) TYs went to Esker.
Click here to see how they enjoyed Esker.
DRIVING LESSONS
A recognised School of Motoring offers a two-day intensive driving
course to all students in March. The students learn in class about the
safety needed on our roads. They also gain practical driving experience.
The course is followed up by a trip to Westport where they sit the
Theory test; a prerequisite for applying for a driving licence.
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TERM THREE
APRIL – MAY 2011 |
SPORTS AND ORGANISATION OF SPORTS DAY
Sports form an integral part of extra-curricular activities for
Transition Year. Throughout the year students are involved in Gaelic
Football, Soccer and Basketball where they compete on School teams,
while also partaking in regular timetabled physical education classes.
In consultation with the P.E teacher students are responsible for
organising the Annual Sports day for the School. They organise events,
adjudicate and distribute prizes…
TRIP TO BARCELONA, SPAIN
Each year the Transition Year students are taken on a trip to Barcelona. They have a fun-filled, action packed educational week with lots of planned activities including a tour of the Nou camp stadium, a guided tour of Barcelona City, a trip to Montserrat, and a day out in Portaventura Theme Park which is a highlight for many students.
Click here to see more on the TY trip to Barcelona |
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR…….
GAISCE
The challenge of the President’s Award awaits all students in Transition
Year. To win an award involves participating in four main sections.
1. Community Involvement
2. Physical Recreation
3. Personal Skills
4. Venture Project
The Award takes approximately six months to complete.
FUNDRAISING
A number of fundraising events are organised by our TY students. Every
year the students help raise money for Hospice and other worthy causes,
most notably the I.S.P.C.C Christmas Holly Appeal and the Christmas shoe
box campaign.
VISITING SPEAKERS
Throughout the year, various speakers are invited in to talk on topical
issues.
· Women and violence in the home.
· Depression and AWARE.
· Baby sitting – rights and responsibilities…
· Certain 3rd level courses/careers…
A number of plays are also staged in the School on drugs, alcohol and
bullying.
TRANSITION
YEAR
EXTRA
CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES |
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