Transition Year Co-odinator: Ms McDermott
Transition Year is a one-year programme that helps students to develop and mature in order to be better prepared for their Senior Cycle years in school and beyond. It provides them with a wide variety of opportunities which will help them to make more informed choices about their future and enable them to become more active citizens.
Through self-directed learning, they improve their communication skills, self-confidence, a sense of responsibility and social awareness.
Transition Year offers the students a chance to discover and hone their own skills and talents through activities such as Gaisce, Microsoft Dreamspace, Work Experience placements, Young SVP and Leadership Team to name but a few. Trips to Killary Adventure Centre, the Gaeltacht and a foreign tour give them time to bond with their peers and become more independent. Transition Year is a busy and fulfilling time for all involved.
Gaisce, or The President’s Award as it is commonly known, is available to all our Transition Year students in Colaiste Choilm. It is a self-development programme for young people based on the values of empowerment, inclusion, equality, respect and excellence. It encourages students to find a passion, get active and make a difference in their community.
Our Tys commit to activities in three different areas in order to receive their Bronze Award; Personal Skill, Physical Recreation and Community Involvement. They must also complete an overnight Adventure Journey.
Completing the Gaisce Programme is a real achievement and we are very proud of the large number of Colaiste Choilm students who have received their award. Previous students who have participated in Gaisce have said:
“I really enjoyed the programme and it’s great being able to put on my C.V. that I have a Bronze Award.”
“My favourite part was community involvement as I really enjoyed working in a local charity shop and actually continued to volunteer there even after Gaisce was over.”
“I’m really glad I did Gaisce because I had given up all sport and Gaisce encouraged me to get fit again. I’m back playing football now.”