Transition Year

Transition Year is an extra year at the beginning of Senior Cycle which students enter by choice immediately after the Junior Certificate. Transition Year allows for a broad general education. Students are given the opportunity to pursue many activities which, due to time limitations are not catered for in fifth year.

The programme consists of a number of components:
Aesthetic Development through Art, Media Studies, Music and Drama.
Home-making/Lifeskills Development through Craftwork, Practical Cookery, Study of diet and Safe food preparation and hygiene.
Personal, Physical and Mental Development through Religious Education, Personal Development Programme, Debating, Physical Education and an Orientation weekend away.
Business Development through Computer Studies and completion of ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence).
Academic Development through the study of Gaeilge, English , Mathematics, French, German, and Science.
Great emphasis is placed on student activity and much use is made of the out of school environment. Hence an important part of the programme is a Work Experience and Community Service Scheme.
Through the practical experience of employment, the girls learn of the ups and downs of the work situation. This experience is helpful in the difficult area of career choices. We are very fortunate that employers in Castlebar have been most cooperative in providing work experience opportunities for our students.
The Community Service Scheme gives the girls an opportunity to serve their local community while working with the aged, lonely, physically and mentally handicapped.
Transition Year therefore acts as a bridge between the Junior and Senior Cycle and gives the students the skills and maturity to cope with the demands of the Leaving Certificate Programme. The students are also better equipped to meet the demands of society outside the school environment.
A special Graduation Ceremony is held at the end of May to which staff, parents, employers and all associated with the Transition Year are invited.