TRANSITION YEAR
Transition Year
TY is a one-year programme bridging the Junior and Senior Cycle — a chance to mature, develop new skills, and explore interests without the pressure of exams.
1
Year programme
3
Weeks of work experience
27
Modules on offer
Optional
Voluntary programme
A year to grow beyond the classroom
Transition Year offers students the opportunity to mature and develop without the pressure of an examination. Students build real-life skills — organising events, working as part of a team, giving presentations, getting involved in charity work, paired reading in primary schools, and stepping outside their comfort zone through activities like the school musical.
Optional programme
3 work experience weeks
Strong academic focus
Real-life skills
Reviewed annually
Academic focus maintained
All TY students continue studying English, Irish and Maths, as well as the continental language they studied at Junior Cycle — ensuring a strong foundation for the Leaving Certificate.
Work experience
Students complete 3 individual weeks of work experience throughout the year, giving them valuable insight into the world of work and helping inform their Senior Cycle and CAO choices.
Core subjects
All TY students — compulsory
5 subjects
›
English
Irish
Mathematics
Continental Language
Career Guidance
Continental language continues from Junior Cycle — French, German, or Spanish depending on what was studied previously.
Modules
Wide range across all disciplines
22 modules
›
Academic & STEM
Science
Applied Maths
Coding & Robotics
Computer Studies
CAD & Solidworks
Health & Wellbeing
PE
SPHE
Jiu Jitsu
Couch to 5K
Swimming
First Aid
Creative & Practical
Art
Music
Home Economics
Performance Arts
Touch Typing
Life Skills & Enterprise
Enterprise
Politics & Society
GAA Future Leaders
Car Maintenance
Driving Lessons
Religion
Experiences
Beyond the classroom
Key highlights
›
School Musical
Step outside your comfort zone and perform on stage
Work Experience
3 individual weeks in a real workplace environment
Paired Reading
Support younger pupils in local primary schools
Charity Events
Organise and take part in community fundraising
Couch to 5K
Build fitness and resilience through a running programme
Swimming Module
Structured swimming as part of the PE programme
3 weeks of work experience throughout the year
Work experience is a core part of Transition Year — giving students real-world exposure to careers and helping them make informed Senior Cycle and CAO choices.
1
Find a placement — students source their own placement with support from the school and guidance team
2
Complete the placement — 3 individual weeks across the school year in a real workplace
3
Reflect and report — students record their experience and present findings back to the group
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New Transition Year ProgrammeTY programme statement and details
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Transition Year Admissions PolicyHow students are admitted to the TY programme
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Senior Cycle Choices Booklet 2026Includes TY — full subject descriptions and 5th year options
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Senior CycleWhat comes after TY — LC, LCW and LCA programmes
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Teaching and Learning in St Joseph'sOur approach to teaching, learning and student development
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Questions about Transition Year?
Contact the school at info@droghedacbs.ie or call (041) 9837232 — the guidance team is happy to help students and parents with TY queries and subject planning.
Contact the school at info@droghedacbs.ie or call (041) 9837232 — the guidance team is happy to help students and parents with TY queries and subject planning.