Moyle Park College > Academic > Transition Year

Moyle Park College

The Transition Year (TY) Programme serves as a bridge between the Junior and Senior Cycles, offering students the opportunity to develop independence, self-direction, and essential life skills. Designed to prepare students for both the academic challenges of Senior Cycle and life beyond school, TY provides a dynamic blend of academic study, experiential learning and personal development.

At Moyle Park College, TY is an optional one-year programme. Through subject sampling, work experience, community involvement and extra-curricular activities, students gain valuable insights into potential career paths while maturing socially, emotionally, and academically.

Aims of the Transition Year Programme:

  • Education for Maturity – Encouraging students to grow in confidence, independence and responsibility.
  • Education through Experience – Promoting active learning and real-world applications.
  • Technical & Academic Skills Development – Introducing students to new subjects, enhancing problem-solving abilities, and fostering creativity.
  • Connecting with the Wider Community – Engaging with local businesses, cultural initiatives, and charitable organizations to develop social awareness.
  • Personal Development – Supporting students in teamwork, communication, leadership and decision-making.

Academic Programme:

Core Subjects: ensuring continuity from the Junior Cycle while expanding their knowledge in these areas.

  • Irish
  • Mathematics
  • English
  • Language
  • (French, Spanish or Japanese)

Subject Sampling: Students explore a variety of subjects to help them make informed choices for the Leaving Certificate. These include:

  • Art
  • History
  • World of Science
  • Music
  • Practical subjects (woodwork, tech graphics, engineering)
  • Enterprise
  • IT
  • Religion
  • SPHE
  • PE
  • Career Guidance 

New Subjects: TY students are introduced to subjects that extend beyond the traditional curriculum. This helps students discover new talents and interests while preparing them for future studies.

  • Environmental Studies
  • Life Skills
  • Vocational Preparation and Guidance
  • Political Education

Experiential Learning: Work Experience & Community Engagement:

A key component of Moyle Park College’s TY Programme is practical experience, helping students develop confidence and workplace skills.

Work Experience:

  • Two two-week placements (October & February).
  • Students choose placements based on their career interests.
  • Provides a real-world insight into different professions.

Community Placement:

  • Two one-week placements (December & April).
  • Students volunteer in local organisations, gaining social responsibility and leadership skills.
  • Many students have found that their experiences reshape their career aspirations and enhance their interpersonal skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities & Special Programmes:

The TY Programme at Moyle Park College encourages students to step out of their comfort zones, offering many national and school-based initiatives:

  • Gaisce – The President’s Award – A programme promoting community engagement and personal development.
  • Tenderfoot Theatre Programme – A creative experience at Civic Theatre Tallaght, where students write, perform and direct original works.
  • Street Law – Exploring legal studies with The Law Society of Ireland.
  • Bridge 21 at Trinity College Dublin – A leadership and teamwork programme.
  • Public Speaking & Debating – Enhancing confidence and communication skills.
  • Enterprise Projects & Craft Fair – Encouraging business and entrepreneurial thinking.

A sample of some of the opportunities available to students include:

  • Garda TY Programme
  • Leadership Training & Mentoring (Foróige Big Brother Programme)
  • College for Every Student (CFES)
  • CV & Interview Workshops
  • Poetry & Creative Writing Workshops
  • STEM & Engineering Firm Visits
  • Culture Works Week in Trinity College Dublin
  • University Times Journalism Week at Trinity College Dublin
  • Visits to Trinity College & The National Gallery
  • Visits to Kilmainham Gaol & The EPIC Museum
  • Workshops at the German Institute & The Museum of Literature
  • Forensic workshops
  • Special Effects workshops
  • Barbering workshops
  • Sustainable development workshops
  • ‘Think Languages’ week-long event
  • ‘NOISE’ music programme
  • Trips to the Museum of Literature & Irish Emigration Museum

Assessment & Credit System:

TY at Moyle Park College follows a structured credit-based assessment model that recognises student engagement and achievement. This approach rewards active participation and ensures that students make the most of their TY experience.

  • 100 credits per session (two sessions: August–December & January–May).
  • Assessment methods include:
    • Practical assignments
    • Project work
    • Oral & aural evaluations
    • Competitions & presentations
    • Attendance & punctuality
    • Work experience & community placement reviews and reflections

Digital Portfolio:

Students keep a digital folder/portfolio detailing all significant TY events during the year. This allows students to keep a diary of everything they have done and achieved during the year – it also allows them to reflect what they learned from the specific events. An interview takes place with each student where they are given the opportunity to showcase the contents of their  Portfolio.  This folder will also contain relevant reports such as work experience diary etc. 

The Moyle Park TY Motto:

‘Embrace every challenge, explore every opportunity and make TY your year to grow’. 

We encourage every student to embrace new opportunities, challenges, and experiences throughout their TY journey. Whether it’s through academics, work experience, or extra-curricular activities, TY is a transformative year that fosters growth, confidence, and self-discovery.

Application Process for Transition Year:

Admission to the Transition Year Programme at Moyle Park College is based on a structured application process designed to assess each student’s suitability and commitment to the programme. The selection criteria focus on personal motivation, attendance, engagement and behaviour to date. 

Application Breakdown:

Each applicant is assessed using the following criteria:

  • Personal Statement (50%) – Students must submit a well-structured personal statement outlining:
    • Their reasons for wanting to participate in TY.
    • What they hope to gain from the experience.
    • How they plan to contribute to the programme.
  • Attendance and Engagement (25%) – A student’s attendance record and active participation in school life are considered to ensure they can commit to the independent and self-directed nature of TY.
  • Behaviour (25%) – Applicants must demonstrate a positive behaviour record, showing respect, responsibility and maturity in their interactions with teachers and peers.

How to Apply

  1. Complete the TY application form – Available from the TY coordinator through Google Classroom in January of each year. 
  2. Submit a personal statement – Carefully written and reviewed before submission.
  3. Ensure attendance & behaviour are in good standing – Consistent attendance and positive conduct are factors in selection.
  4. Meet the deadline – Applications must be submitted by the specified date. Late applications may not be considered.

Contact: 

Mr. Luke O Mara 

TY Coordinator 

Moyle Park College