The Transition Year (TY) Programme at Hamilton High School is a one-year school-based programme between Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle. It is designed to promote maturity, independence, social awareness, and personal development, while offering students a broad educational experience.
Rationale
In line with the Department of Education’s guidelines, the purpose of Transition Year is to:
• Bridge the gap between Junior and Senior Cycle.
• Encourage personal and social development.
• Foster academic and career exploration.
• Provide opportunities for experiential learning and workplace exposure.
Aims & Objectives
The TY Programme aims to:
• Develop students’ self-directed learning and critical thinking.
• Enhance interpersonal and communication skills.
• Encourage active citizenship and community involvement.
• Introduce students to a range of subjects, careers, and real-world learning contexts.
• Build resilience, responsibility, and leadership.
Programme Structure
The TY curriculum is built around four layers:
1. Core Subjects (e.g. English, Irish, Maths, SPHE, Religion, PE)
2. Subject Sampling (e.g. Business, Sciences, Humanities, DCG)
3. TY-Specific Modules (e.g. Mini-Company, Life skills, General Studies and Pursuits and
Activities)
4. Calendar/Experiential Activities (e.g. Community Module, Work Experience, Trips,
Tours, Guest Speakers)
Assessment and Reporting
• Students are continuously assessed through portfolios, presentations, projects,
and teacher feedback.
• A TY Report is issued before Christmas and late Spring.
• Certification of Completion is awarded based on attendance, participation, and
completion of required activities.
Work Experience
• Students participate in work experience every Friday with a block week taking place in November.
• Placements must be approved by the relevant teacher.
• Parents/Guardians are encouraged to support the student in sourcing appropriate
placements.
• Employers provide feedback to the school on student performance.
Admissions to TY
• TY is compulsory at Hamilton High School.
• Students complete surveys with the TY Coordinator ahead of their TY year.
• Admission is based on student suitability, motivation, attendance, and behaviour
record.
• An interview may form part of the selection process.
• The final decision lies with the TY Admissions Committee.
Communication with Parents/Guardians
• Parents are partners in the TY journey.
• Regular updates are provided through the school app, newsletters, and TY
information nights.
• Parents are expected to support the school in ensuring full student participation.
• Parents are expected to support the school in ensuring full student attendance.
Review and Evaluation
• The TY Programme is reviewed annually.
• Feedback from students, staff, parents, and external providers is used to improve
the programme.
• The policy is reviewed every year by school management and the TY Core Team.