TRANSITION YEAR 

Kilkenny College is fully committed to the Transition Year Programme.  We believe it is an initiative that allows students the time and space to develop and mature without the pressure of examinations.  Past years have demonstrated how confidence and self-esteem are acquired while students develop socially, personally, physically and academically through involvement in a broad range of activities.  

During the year the world of work is experienced and possible career choices explored.  There is emphasis on self-regulated learning and skills that help provide a strong foundation for Leaving Certificate. 

The  yearly cost per student for Transition Year is €300.  €150 will be charged to the term 1 fee invoice in August and €150 to the  term 2 invoice in  January. 

Richard Willis 

Transition Year Co-ordinator 2009/2010.

COMPONENTS OF TRANSITION YEAR 2009/2010

In addition to your child’s  academic subjects he/she  will participate in the following programmes.   However, please note that there may need to be minor changes/additions as at the time of writing the timetable is all but complete.

• Short Courses
• Long Courses
• Work Shops
• Trips

• Speakers
• Work Experience
• Extra Curricular Activities

SHORT COURSES

The purpose of a short course is to provide information or develop skills that will be of use to all students during or on leaving school and are compulsory.  They comprise of a double period each week for five weeks and include the following:

• Physical Fitness
• Photography
• Public Speaking
• Keyboard Skills
• Web Design
• Cooking
• Life Skills
• Injury and Emergency Response
• Team and Leadership Skills
• Music Appreciation

LONG COURSES

Long courses run for a triple period on Thursdays and Fridays and are fifteen weeks in duration. 

Thursday Long Courses:

During the year students will participate in two selected courses.  Among the options are:

• Sports Coaching
• Tourism
• Drama
• Real Food
• Creative Song Writing 

Friday Long Courses:

During the year students will  participate in one selected course to participate in. Among the options are:

• Finance and Business
• Spanish
• Journalism/Media
• Classical Studies
• Film Production
• Resilient  Communities
• Steer Clear – Driver Education for Secondary Schools.

The Irish Drivers Education Association will run the Steer Clear programme as a year long course .  A brochure is included in the information pack which explains what the course is about.  Students complete 12 modules (see brochure) and are fully prepared for the Driver Theory test

WORK SHOPS

During the year there will be a number of work shops conducted by visiting parties. 

TRIPS

Information has already been sent to parents regarding three trips. 

• Rome Pompeii

Date: Saturday 14^th – Monday 16^th November 2009

Cost: Approximately €650

Tour Organiser: Sandra Arnopp

• A proposed trip to Manchester/Liverpool area

Date: To be established

Cost: Approximately €350

Tour Organiser: Jeremy Clarke

• Outdoor Pursuit Trip

Since the last correspondence the following details have been  established.

An Outdoor Pursuit Trip to the Achill Outdoor Education Centre, website: www.achilloutdoor.com

Date: Thursday 15^th Oct – Sunday 18^th Oct 2009

Cost: €160

Tour Organiser: Richard Willis

• Tramore, Co. Waterford

In conjunction with Oceanics Surf School we intend to take all students to Tramore, where they will complete a surfing certificate and participate in a guided walk of Tramore sand dune and salt marsh systems. 

This will be a one day trip and there will be a cost to each student of €50. Students will be participating on one of the following dates. 

7^th, 14^th, 15^th September 2009.  www.oceanics.ie

• The National Association of COMPASS

Co-operation of Minority Religious and Protestant Parent Associations (Post Primary)

COMPASS organise a trip to the Glencree Peace and Reconciliation Centre each year.  Two students from Kilkenny College are being offered a place.

Date: Tuesday 6^th October – Thursday 8^th October 2009

Cost: Kilkenny College will cover the cost of this trip.

Further details will be provided to parents on Thursday 27^th August.  Any student interested should give their name to Mr. Willis.

• French Exchange

There will be  an opportunity for Kilkenny College students to improve their French by participating in an exchange with French students during the year.  This is a four to six week exchange with the College sending six to ten students to France after Christmas.  The French students will be arriving in Ireland at the same time.  A letter with further details will be sent to parents in September.

SPEAKERS

Throughout the school year a number of speakers representing areas such as the environment, drama, social issues and business will lecture to the students.  At present The Parent’s Association is assisting in finding suitable candidates.  

WORK EXPERIENCE

During the year each student will complete two one week blocks of work experience.  The weeks are Feb 1^st – 5^th 2010 and Feb 8^th – 12^th Feb 2010.

It is important that students decide on the type of work they wish to explore and seek employers that are willing to accommodate them as soon as possible.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

• Book club
• First Aid Course – Kilkenny College is considering running First Aid courses during the evening.  Information enclosed. 
• Homework Club
• Gaisce - The President’s Award – is Ireland’s National Challenge Award.  Students volunteer to participate and are set challenges in areas such as community involvement, personal skill, physical recreation and adventure.
• Quiz Nights
• ECDL – European Computer Driving Licence. 

ECDL is a test of practical skills and competencies in Work Processing, Spreadsheets, Database, Presentation, Managing Files and Concepts of Information Technology. The cost of completing ECDL outside school is €300, however the course is being offered within school to our students for €60.