Transition Year

+ Maths

Millstreet Community School has great flexibility in designing a mathematics programme for TY. While the specification for Junior Cycle and the syllabus for Senior Cycle advocate experiential learning through investigative activities and group problem solving, TY provides even more scope to engage in such activities, unconstrained by the pressures of a terminal examination.
The year consists mainly of a series of key topics that consolidate the learning from Junior Cycle and to begin to integrate some concepts from Senior Cycle. Addressing gaps from Junior Cycle mathematics and reinforcing Junior Cycle concepts while introducing some Senior Cycle content creates opportunities to reason and to problem solve and discuss and justify strategies with their peers.
The approach taken to Mathematics in the Transition Year is as important as the content itself. It seeks to stimulate the interest and enthusiasm of students in identifying problems through practical activities and investigating appropriate ways of solving them. In this way, study can be brought into the realm of everyday life.

+ English

Transition Year English builds on the skills learned at Junior Cycle, and aims to bridge the gap between junior and leaving certificate courses. Our aim is to introduce key Leaving Cert concepts including the language genres, poetry analysis, the basics of the comparative modes and the exploration of other studied texts, such as drama. These concepts are vital to success in the Leaving Certificate. There is a great deal of flexibility built into the TY English program to allow for student voice and classroom discussion. Engagement with national debating and writing competitions, such as ‘The Concern Debates’ and ‘Press Pass’ are also encouraged. We believe that interacting with a wide variety of ideas, texts and media inspires our students to engage more fully in the world around them and we wish to highlight that this can be done within the walls of the English classroom.

+ Irish

Tugann an Idirbhliain deis níos mó béime a chur ar labhairt na teanga agus ar thimpeallacht chruthaitheach a thugann tacaíocht di. Bíonn ceithre thréimhse in aghaidh na seachtaine. Go ginearálta, cuidíonn úsáid na dtionscadal go mór le bunús cumarsáide. Tá béim níos láidre dírithe ar an nGaeilge labhartha chun muinín a bheith acu as an teanga. Cuirimid neart ar éisteacht agus scríobh na teanga trí chleachtaí idirghníomhacha. Transition Year offers an opportunity to place increased emphasis on speaking the language and on creating environments which support this approach. There are four periods a week. In general, the use of projects will greatly help to provide the basis for spoken and written communication. Particular attention is focused on the spoken language so that the students can be confident using the language. Emphasis is placed on listening and writing of the language through interactive exercises.

+ RE

TY RE will follow two main strands: Social justice - tolerance, respect, human rights and dignity. Examining the causes of poverty and homelessness in Ireland today and exploring the work carried out by the SVP and Cork Penny Dinners. The Search for Meaning in Life - examining the different ways that adolescents find meaning and purpose in their lives today, for example, through music and film. Project work based on these strands will be encouraged.

+ Wellbeing(SHPE, Guidance, PE)

Guidance: When selecting a career path, it’s important to conduct extensive research to determine which type of job is the best choice for you. Performing career research can help you weigh all of the factors and options to make an informed decision. In this programme, I will teach you how to become effective researchers. Everyone will learn how to look up a course and where to look up a course. The aim is that you will build up the skills you need to continue this research into 5th and 6th year.

PE: ▪Promotes a positive perception of Physical Education as an integral part of balanced lifestyle through the medium of physical activity. ▪Allows students to appreciate the importance of physical activity not only for their physical wellbeing but also their social and psychological wellbeing. ▪Provides the opportunity to use local facilities and expertise to build school/community links to prepare pupils for a healthy use of their leisure time ▪The development of leadership schemes in aspects of physical activity ▪Develops in pupils the basic skills required for active participation in physical activity and to improve pupils’ technical competence appropriate to each individual’s ability. As a result of their learning in senior cycle physical education, students should have a greater sense of their own agency and commitment to regular health-enhancing physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle

SPHE follows on from the Junior Cycle programme and students explore some of the key issues relevant to today’s teenager, including Mental Resilience, Relationships and Sexuality, Consent, Health and Fitness.

+ Yoga

All students experience a weekly yoga workshop for ten weeks. Local woman Irina Popova runs the sessions. Irina is a qualified Ashtanga Yoga teacher. The students will emerge as experienced yoga practitioners.

+ HSA Safety in the Workplace

The programme is designed around six Units: Unit 1 focuses on general health and safety in the workplace for young workers, key responsibilities, employment rights, and induction. Unit 2 introduces the concept of hazard and risk and the process of risk assessment. The Unit also focuses on manual handling and ergonomics, slips, trips and falls, and fire safety. Unit 3 considers effective controls within the context of the management of working at height, workplace transport safety, and chemicals. It also looks at two key work sectors - farming and hospitality. Unit 4 addresses the specific roles of a safety officer and safety representative and the work environment. It also covers workplace health and well-being. Units 5 and 6 challenge the student to reflect and discuss how the principles of health and safety can be applied to real-life work practices. It also focuses on accident prevention. Unit 6 completes Choose Safety by examining actual case studies. This Unit revisits the issues raised earlier in the course.

+ Mindfulness and Wellbeing

The aim of this module is to teach students very important life skills in order to cope with the stresses and strains of everyday life. Students will gain an insight into meditation skills, breathing exercises, being more mindful in their everyday life and the value of journalling and setting goals.

+ Home Economics

TY Home Economics aims to give students a introduction to the journal tasks in LC Home Economics. Students will learn research and reference skills. This module also aims to teach students of varying abilities in Home Economics basic life skills. The main aim of the module is to enable students to cook a number of basic healthy dishes with a focus on balanced meals.

+ Agricultural Science

TY Ag Science at MCS provides students with an opportunity to engage in a taster programme of what is involved in studying Ag Science at Leaving Cert level. Simultaneously, students get a perspective of the importance and relevance of Ag Science to our everyday society. Students study a variety of topics including: farm safety, genetics, organic farming, soil management, crop and animal production. Teaching is delivered through a range of methodologies including research, videos and experimental activities amongst others. Students conduct independent research on a chosen topic about farm safety and animal diseases and present their findings in the format of a written report and oral presentation to their classmates. Students leave TY Ag Science with a greater appreciation of science and research and an enhanced skillset for presentations.

+ Physics

Physics is the study of matter and energy; it is an extremely interesting science and is relevant to your everyday life. Throughout the TY module we will focus on real-life applications, developing on skills learned in Junior Cycle Science. Topics covered include: Motion and Energy, Heat, Electricity, Nanotechnology Light and Optics. We will focus on aspects both in the Leaving Certificate course while also expanding our knowledge outside of the course. The main focus of TY Physics is to develop a strong sense of critical thinking and problem solving.

+ Biology

Studying TY Biology at MCS is an exciting opportunity to get a taste of the subject for Leaving Cert level while allowing students to appreciate its important relevance to our everyday lives. Students conduct research and compile notes on various areas of the subject including ecology, cell structure, genetics, plant biology and some human body systems. Research, videos, documentaries and experimental activities support the learning process. Students conduct independent research on a chosen topic about a human disease or condition and present their findings in the format of a written report and oral presentation to their classmates. Students leave TY Biology with a greater respect for the application of Biology and improved research skills.

+ Design & Communication Graphics

The approach to transition year DCG is to give students an insight into the subject and focus on their visual and spatial skills. Visual and spatial skills are vital skills to have for a number of subjects such as maths, Engineering, Construction and the Sciences as well as for DCG. Transition year DCG gives students a good understanding of what the Subject contains for the Leaving Certificate and gives them the opportunity to begin to improve the skills they will need for Leaving cert DCG.

+ Geography

A study of Geography will help students develop an understanding of their physical and human surroundings. It examines the changing inter-relationships between the physical and human worlds, in space and over time. Through their study students will develop geographical skills that will help them make informed judgements about issues, locally, nationally and internationally.

+ Chemistry

Chemistry is the branch of Science which deals with solids, liquids and gases, looking at their properties, how reactions between them occur and how we can use these reactions to form new substances! This TY programme is designed to give you a good insight into whether you would like to continue to study Chemistry as a subject for your Leaving Certificate. Is it all Maths? No. There is about 30% calculations to most Chemistry questions.

+ Art , Craft and Design

Art, Craft and Design as a subject aims to provide the student with a set of personal attitudes and qualities as well as skills and processes and a sense of the aesthetic. Through practical engagement in the areas of art, craft and design students will develop self-confidence, inquisitiveness, imagination, and creativity. They will also develop authentic, real world problem-solving capacities and the capacity to work over time, as an individual and in groups, on the design and execution of artistic and aesthetic tasks. In planning for development of the student’s understanding of Visual Culture, Art will address the work that they could make during senior cycle. They will learn about different examples of artworks and artists over their time in TY, within the safe space of the art class, and shall experience the authentic visual art processes of imagining, investigating, experimenting, making, displaying and evaluating

+ Accounting

The Transition Year Accounting Programme is designed to create a bridge between the Business Studies Junior Cycle course and senior cycle Business courses such as Accounting and Business. The programme begins with a focus on Business Documents which would be familiar to the pupils. The programmes then brings pupils through the following stages of Accounting – · Recognising the difference between Cash Transactions and Credit Transactions · The rules of Double Entry · Recording a cash transactions in the Days books and Ledger · Recording credit transactions in the Day Books and Ledger · Extraction of a Trial Balance The overall aim of the programme is to prepare pupils for their senior cycle in school and to help them focus on possible future career options.

+ Construction Studies

This module is designed to equip Transition year students with the knowledge and skills to be able to create wood-craft projects. Students will learn how to create and manufacture design ideas using freehand sketching/processing skills while taking into account factors such as time, materials and skill level. The module is designed to introduce students to some aspects of the Leaving Certificate Construction Studies course.

+ Business

Transition Year is an opportunity to introduce Business to all students – in particular students who would not have studied Junior Cycle Business Studies. It is not necessary to have studied Business at Junior Cycle to do it for Senior Cycle. I try to relate Business to everyday life, bringing in many examples from around the Millstreet Area. Topics include: Marketing, Management, Enterprise, Idea Generation, Business Start Ups. The modern working world places a lot more emphasis on Entrepreneurship and self-employment so it's Important for students to have a grounding in these areas. This course also has a huge focus on management, effective management, and management styles, which is vital, regardless of what career path they take.

+ Engineering

Our Engineering module at M.C.S allows our transition year students to actively explore the world of Engineering, Design and Technology. While there is a focus on developing workshop skills and techniques, we strive to give our students the opportunity to explore engineering on a wider scale and to carry out extensive research on topics such as , renewable energies, environmental sustainability and Gender equality in the world of Manufacture and design. Our students digital research and presentation skills take centre stage in this area of study.

+ German

The TY course contains extensive oral activities using topics that appeal to Transition Year Students. A wide variety of reading, writing and listening activities will be covered, reflecting ways in which teenagers communicate with the world around them - from traditional methods such as letter-writing to more modern social media channels. Task-based activities and projects are used to engage learners, with a specific emphasis on Landeskunde, providing an opportunity for students to broaden their knowledge of life and culture in German-speaking countries. The course provides many opportunities for in-depth revision and expansion of vocabulary as well as grammar learned throughout the Junior Cycle, with student centred learning, which will help bridge the gap from Junior to Senior Cycle German

+ French

Studying French in Transition year provides an opportunity to consolidate learning from Junior Cycle while providing the opportunity to introduce new vocabulary and grammar structures. There is a strong cultural element to this course with students having the opportunity to engage in activities based on themes as Cinema, Music and French cuisine. Active learning is the main focus with students taking part in individual and group projects across a variety of themes. A communicative approach allows students the chance to build confidence in speaking and develop their skills in oral French especially.

+ Green Flag

Students lead this committee which promotes long-term, whole-school action for the environment. The school was awarded the Green Flag for Litter and Waste in 2021 and the committee is currently working on achieving its second Green Flag, the Water Flag.

+ Ambassador Schools Amber Flag

The Ambassador School Programme aims to encourage schools to become actively involved in mental health promotion. The aim is to integrate mental health activities into school life and the programme rewards schools that go the extra mile. The key skills of this programme involve creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, collaboration and teamwork. We look for students who want to support mental health education in schools, so that we can reduce stigma, promote resilience and foster a sense of belonging among young people.

+ SMART Magazine

This module focuses on producing an electronic copy of the annual school magazine. Students develop skills by writing articles on school events, conducting interviews face to face, by phone, email or social media, and following up any items for inclusion in the magazine. This will work in tandem with input updating the school website and social media, opportunities to develop skills in IT, with still and video cameras and relevant applications. Students are also involved in designing photo displays on school events. A video news update on school events is included, and in this initiative, students use green screen and prepare a script and visuals, as well as presenting the news. Students will also have input in content and design of school newsletters, yearbook and other school publications. Skills developed include communication, multi-media, presentation, design, problem solving, organizational skills and leadership.

+ Global Citizenship Education

GCE in MCS provides TYs with the chance to learn about global justice issues, for example, climate change, gender inequality, racism, migration, waste in the fashion industry and unfair trade. TY GCE students develop projects on their areas of interest and then share what they have learnt by planning and running workshops and lessons with younger students. The TY GCE will be of interest to anyone open to taking action in school or within the local community on global justice issues they feel passionate about. Members of the GCE class will be expected to co-ordinate the school’s annual Language and Culture Week. GCE students will become ‘agents for change’ through their participation in the module.

+ Projects(BT,John Hooper, EcoUNESCO)

Students enter projects in BT Young Scientist; John Hooper and EcoUnesco competitions.

+ F1 in Schools

F1 in Schools is the fastest, most exciting STEM competition for secondary school students! From here, you can learn how to design, race and build your very own miniature Formula 1 car. Our Students in M.C.S gain huge insight into the world of design, manufacture, project management, marketing and much, much more by taking part in this competition.

+ Mini Company

Transition Year Mini Company is a module of Transition year where students get the opportunity to showcase their skills and talent and put them to use in an educational manner. In TY Mini Company students get to set up and run their own business and find out what it’s really like to be an entrepreneur by taking part in this 8-month long enterprise education learning program. There are numerous benefits to taking part in TY Mini Company as it enhances creativity, improves communication skills, provides practical uses for business studies topics, equips students with the skills to set up and run their own business, and Combines classroom learning with real-life experiences. Students generally really enjoy TY Mini Company as they can take ownership of their work and their learning.

+ NAPD Creative Engagement

Creative Engagement is a programme which strives to encourage creativity, initiative and expression in students. This arts-in-education programme offers the opportunity to work with artists and designers in studio or at school. Artists explain and demonstrate their type of work, run workshops and allow students to create artwork of their own. Types of art that have been created through this programme in our school so far include stop-motion animation, oil pastel portraits and largescale landscape paintings, Self portrait paintings and Applique.

+ Millinery

Create and design your own headpieces and hats; let your eye for style allow your imagination to soar! This course is intended to introduce you to the basic skills of millinery. You will make a number of headpieces, and who knows, you might be the next Philip Tracey! During the second half of the year, students learn how to crochet and do some flower arranging.

+ GAA Future Leaders

The “Future Leaders Transition Year Programme” is a joint initiative from the GAA and the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST). It is a cross-curricular programme comprising of a series of modules designed to encourage maturity, initiative, responsibility and leadership skills in pupils. The Programme gives pupils the knowledge and skills to support all roles required in the effective staging of Gaelic Games. As part of the Programme students are challenged to organise and run both on-field and off-field events for younger students. The modules included are Introduction, Event Management, Nutrition, Performance Analysis, Refereeing, Coaching, Well-Being, Sustainability, History and Sports Journalism. Each module is individually certified and the overall award is given on completion of 5 modules as well as organising an event. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhb_DE9W6pY&feature=youtu.be