Facebook Twitter Instagram

Transition Year

Transition Year at Enfield Community College

Overview

The Transition Year (TY) at Enfield Community College provides students with an exciting opportunity to grow, explore, and prepare for the challenges of Senior Cycle and life beyond school.
TY is a one-year programme taken after the Junior Cycle, focusing on personal development, social awareness, and skill building through a balance of academic work, practical learning, and real-world experience.

Our TY programme encourages students to:

  • Develop greater independence and confidence
  • Discover new talents and interests
  • Engage in teamwork, creativity, and leadership
  • Experience learning beyond the classroom

Aims of Transition Year

The Transition Year aims to:
  • Promote maturity through increased responsibility and self-directed learning
  • Develop key life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and organisation
  • Provide opportunities for work experience and community involvement
  • Encourage reflection on personal goals, values, and career paths
  • Bridge the gap between Junior and Senior Cycle

Programme Structure

Core examination subjects include:

1. Core Subjects

Students continue to study essential subjects to maintain academic development:
  • English
  • Irish
  • Mathematics
  • Physical Education (PE)
  • SPHE / Wellbeing
  • Religious Education / Ethics
  • Guidance

2. Subject Sampling / Taster Modules

To help students make informed Senior Cycle subject choices, TY includes short modules in subjects such as:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Business
  • Accounting
  • Engineering / Wood Technology
  • Graphics / DCG
  • Modern Foreign Languages (French / Spanish / BLAH)
  • Computer Science
  • Art / Music / Home Economics
  • (These may vary each year depending on resources and teacher expertise.)

3. TY Specific Modules & Projects

Students engage in a range of exciting TY-specific subjects and short courses such as:
  • Mini-Company / Young Enterprise
  • Public Speaking & Debating
  • Drama and Performance
  • Environmental Awareness & Sustainability
  • Film Studies / Digital Media / Coding
  • Community Care and Volunteering
  • Health and Fitness / Outdoor Education
  • Personal Finance / Road Safety / First Aid

Work Experience

Work experience is one of the most valuable elements of the Transition Year programme at Enfield Community College. It provides students with an opportunity to explore potential career paths, develop essential workplace skills, and gain insight into the world of work.

Work Experience Guidelines

Students receive 400 hours of Wellbeing over the three years through:
  • One of the main aims of Transition Year is to prepare students for adult and working life.
  • TY students engage in one full day of work experience each week throughout the year.
To gain a broad and varied experience, students are required to organise two different placements:
  • Placement 1: September – December
  • Placement 2: January – May
  • It is each student’s responsibility to find a meaningful placement in an area of genuine career interest.
  • Please note that continuing an existing part-time job is not considered suitable for TY work experience.
  • Students are also encouraged to consider community involvement and volunteering opportunities, which can provide excellent personal and professional learning experiences.

Work Experience Opportunities Outside Designated Dates

  • From time to time, unique or valuable opportunities may arise outside the school’s scheduled work experience calendar.
  • Students are encouraged to pursue such experiences with prior approval from Ms. Conway.
  • Parents or guardians should submit a request by email at least two weeks before the proposed placement.
The request should outline:
  • The nature of the opportunity
  • The benefits of the placement
  • The specific dates involved
  • Approval must be granted by Ms. Conway before any arrangements are made, and all relevant paperwork must be completed and submitted in advance.
  • Please note: Transition Year students are not available for extra-curricular activities on Fridays, as this is their designated work experience day.

Assessment & Certification

Transition Year assessment focuses on effort, participation, and personal growth rather than formal examinations.
Students are assessed through:
  • Project work and portfolios
  • Presentations and reflective journals
  • Participation in activities, workshops, and trips
  • Attendance and engagement
Certification may include:
  • School-based TY Certificate of Achievement
  • Gaisce – The President’s Award
  • First Aid, Safe Pass, or other short-course qualifications
  • Young Social Innovators (YSI) participation
  • Mini-Company Awards

Trips & Activities

The TY year is full of engaging learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Activities may include:
  • Outdoor pursuits / adventure days
  • Theatre and cultural trips
  • Educational workshops and guest speakers
  • TY musical or production
  • Community and charity projects
  • European / national trips (where available)
  • These experiences encourage teamwork, leadership, and independence — the heart of the TY ethos.

Supports & Guidance

Our TY Coordinator oversees all aspects of the programme, working closely with:
  • The Guidance Counsellor for career exploration and subject planning
  • Year Head and Tutors for pastoral care and wellbeing
  • External partners and local community organisations
We place strong emphasis on reflection, mentoring, and personal goal-setting to help students make the most of this formative year.

Why Choose TY at Enfield Community College?

Our Transition Year is designed to be:
  • Engaging – with hands-on, varied learning experiences
  • Inclusive – catering for different learning styles and interests
  • Challenging – encouraging students to take initiative and responsibility
  • Rewarding – offering opportunities for growth, friendship, and discovery
  • By the end of TY, students are more mature, motivated, and ready to make informed choices for the Senior Cycle and beyond.

Useful Links