Why TY? Transition Year is a valuable one year programme between Junior and Senior Cycle.
TY enables a smoother transition from the dependent learning of the Junior Cycle to the independent, self-directed learning required for the Senior Cycle. Rather than focus solely on exams, pupils have the opportunity to study traditional core subjects alongside collaborative projects, developing key competencies, honing vital leadership skills and gaining work experience in the community, free from the pressures of formal exams.
Pupils complete their own digital portfolio on Google Sites utilising 21st century skills combined with reflective practices where their increasing independence as learners is recognised.
TY was introduced in Ireland in 1973 and has since gone from strength to strength with over 80% of all schools offering the programme nationally. Finn Valley College’s first TY intake was in 2022.
In TY, pupils engage in many collaborative projects including:
- First Aid Training (Certified)
- Fundraising Events & Careers Talks
- Media Studies
- Road Safety Module in association with RSA
- Public Speaking/Debating
- Junk Kouture
- Entrepreneurship Mini Company – NFTE (Foróige)
- Money Laundering/Drugs Awareness
- Folens “Make-a-Book”
- Young SVP
- Peter’s Project Maths Challenge
- Basketball Masterclass through ATU
- Climate Change Action Course
- Rubbish Film Festival with Donegal County Council
- Kayaking/Team-building activities in Gartan Outdoor Education Centre
- Christmas Craft Fair
- Shared Education Sustainability Project through Léargas
- Seachtain na Gaeilge Preparation
Many guest speakers are invited to the school to ensure the pupils receive a holistic, valuable experience to prepare them for Senior Cycle and beyond.
Regular organisations or speakers who work with TY in our school include:
- Donegal Domestic Violence Services
- Donegal Down Syndrome Association
- Donegal Organ Donors Association
- Rotary Club, Letterkenny
- St. Vincent de Paul
- Garda Brenda Healy
- SEAI Energy Workshop Deliverers
- Road Safety Ireland
- Jigsaw Mental Health Services
- Donegal County Water Safety
- Donegal County Council Fís na nÓg
As well as engaging in regular work experience in the community, many trips are included. Previous groups have visited the following locations:
- ATU, Letterkenny & Killybegs
- An Grianan & Balor Theatres
- Escape Rooms, Lifford
- Gartan Outdoor Education Centre
- Glenveagh Castle
- Cinema Trips
- Grianan of Aileach
- Wild, Ireland
- Twin Towns Community Library
- Lifford Gaol
- Arena 7 bowling and laser quest
- Tropical World
- Glebe Gallery
- Regional Cultural Centre
- Armagh Planetarium
- Rathmullen Beach
- Finn Valley Centre Gym