This is the general outline of the Transition Year Programme as applied in Manor House. From year to year there are slight changes, but the overall aims and objectives remain the same.

1. Academic Work

The students study Irish, English, Maths and a modern language and they also sample six other subjects during the year. This enables them to make an informed choice the following March when they must select their subjects for Senior Cycle. The subjects offered are:

2. Modular Courses

These are short courses of 5 or six weeks duration on a particular theme. Each student gets the opportunity to study all modules. The following are the topics on offer this year:

Health Education: This module discusses the various hygiene factors necessary to maintain a healthy body. Topics such as AIDS and heart disease are discussed.

Film Studies: This module allows the students to view film in a more critical way, analysing camera work, lighting, sound effects and the director’s techniques. Information is given on the jobs involved in film production.

Environmental Studies: In this module students deal with a number of issues of serious environmental concern - water quality, traffic congestion, global warming, waste management and alternative energy sources.

European Studies: Students learn about the importance of being a member of the European Union. They learn about the structure of the European Union, the European Council, European Parliament and the European Commission.

First Aid: Students are introduced to the basics of First Aid.

Sign Language: This is an introductory course in Irish sign language. The student learns the alphabet, the numbers 1-20, the days of the week and how to have a simple conversation in Sign Language.

Information Studies: This module helps students in developing communication and organisational skills. It also teaches how to plan and organise various functions such as the Graduation or Debs Ball.

Fitness: Students are taught the requirements of a healthy and fit body and basic exercise to keep the body fit and in shape.

Road Safety: Students will follow the module Staying Alive designed by the National Safety Council which aims to encourage young people to think about road safety.

Japanese: This module equips the students with basic communication skills in Japanese.

3. Enterprise

These activities take place on Mondays between 11.35am and 12.55pm. Students have the opportunity to take part in two of them during the year. If they choose Social Awareness however, this programme lasts for the whole year. The activities on offer in 2004/2005 are:

Aromatherapy: Students learn how to use massage oils for relaxation and healing.

Psychology: This introductory course in psychology should give the student a better understanding of why people think and act the way they do, and provides insight into their own attitude and reactions. Subjects covered include personality, stress and memory.

Drama: Students learn about stage make-up, lighting, stage direction and costumes.

Technology: Electronics and Mechanical Work are the main topics studied. Students use electronic components and technical lego.

Social Awareness: Students help with the children from St. Michael’s House. They play games, listen to music and talk to the children. A few students look after each child. There are parties at Halloween and Christmas. The children are brought out to the cinema and sometimes a visiting speaker addresses the students.

4. General Education

Students take all of the following:

Religion: Students have three class periods per week. Various social issues such as drug abuse, crime and poverty are covered.

Physical Education: Students do the following throughout the year: Basketball, soccer, tennis, fitness, volleyball and softball.

Information Technology: Students have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with various word processing packages. Students may choose to study for ECDL

Choir: Students learn songs in three- part harmony.

Log Book: A chance for each student to compile her own portfolio of excellence and assessment. This folder will contain examples of their own work from each subject, module and their work experience reports. Accompanying each sample of work is a self-assessment sheet and self-achievement record. This is bound and presented to each student at the end of the year.

Careers: Students discuss and ask questions about various occupations that might interest them. They are provided with books that cover in detail every possible career!

5. Work Experience

There is a work in the community for one week in November and two weeks of general work experience in February. On return to school, students have the opportunity to reflect on their experiences in Careers class.

6. Other Activities

There are many other activities, both in school and extra curricular, organised for students during the year. These include visiting speakers, educational outings, sports and competitions. The following is a sample of the activities available to you this year or that we hope will happen in the near future.

An Gaisce - The Presidents’ Award: Students have the opportunity to enter the national challenge award of Ireland set up by the Government for young people between the ages of 15 and 25. It is the most prestigious award system in Ireland, having the President as its leader.

Guest Speakers: Several talks place on the subjects of the Chernobyl Children’s Project, ISPCC, road safety, refugees, disability and Temple Street Hospital.

Charity Collections: Collections are made for the Irish Cancer Society, Temple Street Hospital, Chernobyl Children's Project, CRC and the ISPCC.

Day Outings: There are day trips to numerous events including a physical education and adventure tour to Kells Co. Meath, the National Aquatic Centre, RTE studios, the National Ploughing Championships, the National Museum, the Book of Kells, Mountjoy Prison, Rosemary Smith Driving School. Ice skating, the Abbey Theatre, the Dune Complex on Bull Island, the Four Courts, Guinness Storehouse, DIT Kevin St, the National Dairy Councils School Forum, Kilmainham Gaol, The Natural History Museum, Dublin Castle.

Trinity College Information Technology: Students may participate in a two-day project organised for TY students by the Computer Science Deopartment in Trinity

Workshops within the School: Students have the opportunity to participate in workshops on Film Making, Film Studies, the environment, Public Access to Law programme, Flamenco Dancing, Youth Awareness Crime Prevention programme, Colour Me Beautiful, French Theatre for Schools and Aptitude testing.

Overnight Trips: During the year students have the opportunity of travelling to various places, both abroad and at home. This year, trips have been arranged to New Hampshire (ski-ing) and Chicago. More about this later.

Competitions: Students have the opportunity to participate in the Form and Fusion Design Awards, Concern debates and the National Mock Trial Competition.

Young Enterprise: Business Studies students have the chance to organise a market day in the school hall where they sell goods.

St. Patrick’s Festival: Students are given the opportunity of designing and developing their own participation in the St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 17th.

Orchestra: Rehearsals take place on Thursdays at lunchtime

Traditional Irish Music: Rehearsals on Mondays at lunchtime

People in Need: Students are given the opportunity to participate in the People in Need Telethon in April