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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 Enterprise, Personal Development, Public Speaking and Debating, Driving Instruction, European Tour, Work Experience, Sign Language, Ice Skating, P.A..L Law Course, Golf Lesson, Gym Sessions, Self-defence, Surfing, Healthy Lifestyle modules and the School Musical.
Sancta Maria produces an annual school musical for public performances at the beginning of February. This year the very successful ‘Grease’ 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 and links.
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TRIP TO LITTLE KILLARY
In early September, Transition Year students travel to Little Killary Adventure Centre for a bonding session, where they participate in various activities organised over a two-day period.
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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.
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. |
TRIP TO DAIL AND CRIMINAL COURTS OF JUSTICE
Transition Year students are taken to Dublin in November where they get a guided tour of the Dail and Four Courts. The Criminal 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. In recent years students have won a Mayo Title and represented the county in the Regional Finals. |
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. |
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. This year (2013) they performed 'Grease'.
SELF-DEFENCE COURSE/AEROBICS
A five-week beginners course is offered to all students of Transition Year.
TRIP TO OLD TRAFFORD
In October, the students embark on the trip of a lifetime to Old Trafford, Manchester to watch Utd. play live in the premier league.
TRIP TO CROKE PARK & KILMAINHAM
RETREAT
A retreat is offered to all students of Transition Year. This usually takes place in March of second term.
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Click here to see how they enjoyed the retreat 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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SPORTS
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.
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
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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 such as:
· 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, road safety, alcohol and bullying.
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