Transition Year

Transition Year is an independent year sitting between the Junior Certificate and the Leaving Certificate. It is a school programme which differs from other periods of second-level education, as it has no set state examinations. Transition Year consists of an open curriculum designed by schools themselves for exclusive modelling to students’ needs, backgrounds and location. The curriculum varies but is composed of four set layers.

These are:

1. Core subject layer such as English, Irish and Maths
2. Subject sampling layer (also known as subject tasters) such as business studies and engineering
3. Transition Year specific layer such as Drivers ED
4. Work Experience

The layout of the Transition Year Programme varies from the Junior Cycle and so creates a positive challenge for personal development and self-directed learning of students.