Transition Year has been established for many years in Sligo Grammar School. It is a vitally important year for the students as it gives them an opportunity to grow in maturity and experience.

It is run by the Transition Year Co-ordinator in collaboration with other teachers. Each year takes on its own character and evolves in its own way, depending on the strengths and interests of the students. Transition Year can offer this flexibility in a way no examination class can. The more effort pupils make, the more they gain.

The year is an opportunity to see core subjects as relevant to life; for example languages are used in real situations and seen in a cultural context, history and geography relate to local places and issues, business is practical experience of running a company. A mini company is set up during T.Y every year.

TY Students also take DATS (Differential Aptitude Test) testing. This test is taken to show the natural ability of the students. Based on the result of DATS Testing, students will be more informed about which subjects to choose for their Leaving Cert.

Transition Year is also a great opportunity to sample other subjects. the choice of subjects can change slightly from year to year. Examples of subjects we have offered in recent years include :

• Agricultural Science
• Art
• Assembly/Wellbeing
• Basic English
• Biology
• Business Enterprise
• Career Guidance
• Chemistry
• Climate Action and Sustainable Development
• Coaching Studies
• Community involvement
• Competitions
• Computer Science
• Computer Studies
• Construction Studies
• Creative Writing
• D & C.Graphics
• Drama
• Economics/Accounting
• English
• Film Making
• Forensic Science
• Gaisce
• Games
• Geography
• Green Schools
• History
• Home Economics (General) & Barista
• Interview Preparation
• Irish
• Kayaking
• Legal Studies
• Magazine – a team of 11 people write articles about the school, students and activities to produce a school magazine at Christmas, Easter and Summer.
• Materials Technology (Wood)
• Mathematics
• Modern Languages – French, Spanish & German
• Music – Music Performance & Musical Theatre
• PE
• PELC
• Pickle Ball
• Physics
• R.S.E & Religious Education
• Road Safety
• S.P.H.E
• Sport & Recreation
• Statistics
• Substance Awareness
• Surfing
• Sustainable Living
• Typewriting
• Website – updating the school website on regular basis.

The list is open-ended, and this is just class-time!

Transition Year is also a unique opportunity to focus on other activities. The more energetic and ambitious can achieve their President’s Award by helping in the community, learning a new skill, and undertaking some physical activity. Work experience is most valuable in making future career choices, one can get involved in the school magazine, (which will come out four times during this academic year in four different newsletters) Sponsored swim and fund raisers, and an exhibition of work and presentation of awards at the end of the year.

Transition Year is a great chance to develop skills which are essential in today’s world. Let’s make the most of it! So get involved!

The video below was filmed over the course of 2014/15 TY by student Fiachra Gallagher Lawson: