Transition Year was first introduced to students in Holy Faith Killester in 1995. It is now an integral part of the school curriculum.
The school ethos underpins our Transition Year. The school Mission Statement focuses our commitment on:
- Providing a person-centred education, based on faith and Christian values, which aims to develop each students full potential
- Appreciating the dignity and uniqueness of each person in a family-like atmosphere where staff, students and all school personnel are respected and valued.
- Achieving high academic standards, sound intellectual and moral criteria and a love for learning.
- Fostering a sense of responsibility, solidarity and co-operation, always striving to build a more just h and peaceful world for all.
- Working as a school community where staff, students and parents together respect and foster the ethos of the school.
The TY Programme aims to develop four main aspects of our students
- The Personal: to develop, mature and discover more about one’s personal strengths and a sense of responsibility
- The Social: to become more aware of society and the contribution they can make to promote the value of caring for others
- The Professional: to experience the workplace and to explore and identify possible career options
- The Educational: to experience and explore the different subjects available to them on the Leaving Certificate Programme with a view to making informed choices relating to their future careers; to take ownership of their learning.
An Gaisce: The President’s Award
As part of Transition Year, each student may participate in the Gaisce Awards.
Gaisce – the President’s Award is Ireland’s very own National Challenge Award, the country’s most prestigious and respected individual award programme, and a challenge from the President of Ireland, to each student. It works on the basis of a personal challenge set by the student. Each student will set the challenge and agree it with a President’s Award leader. Each challenge is completely individual.
In order to attain the minimum of a bronze medal each participant must complete the following:
- Community Involvement: This is done outside school hours and organised by the student, 13 hrs
- Personal Skills: This involves one hour per week for 13 weeks during which time the candidates may, for example, learn to play a musical instrument, develop computer skills, attend classes in arts and crafts, learn some first aid or attain skills in car maintenance.
- Physical Recreation: This involves one hour per week for 13 weeks and can include involvement in any sporting activity.
- Adventure Journey: This is a two-day expedition over 25 kilometres.
- One other Activity: involving one hour per week for 13 weeks from any of the sections above.
All activities must be completed outside of school hours and verified by parents /instructors / coaches / teachers. These activities should be set up at the beginning of the school year. The Award programme is open to all young people between the ages of 15 and 25. Anyone can take part as long as you’re self-motivated and up to the challenge.