Transition Year (TY) is a one-year optional programme available to all post-primary schools. As a standalone programme within the senior cycle experience, the TY programme offers a unique opportunity where schools and communities can collaborate to encourage young people to thrive now and into the future. The new TY Programme Statement is designed to provide schools with a flexible, collaborative approach to planning programmes for their context. Schools can adapt their TY curriculum so that students have opportunities to develop the key competencies to thrive and flourish in this rapidly changing world.
The TY Programme Statement is designed around the development and learning of students moving from junior cycle into senior cycle, and as they prepare for their future lives as local, national and global citizens. The statement offers guidance to schools on how to develop a TY programme for all students. Schools have autonomy and flexibility to design their own TY programme within the parameters of the TY Programme Statement.
The TY Programme Statement is for introduction across all schools in September 2025
Our extensive Transition Year Programme includes a wide variety of subjects, enjoyable extra curricular activities, International Day and an Overseas School Tour.
Aims of the TY Programme Statement
A school’s TY programme will:
- Nurture the development of the student as a whole person by building on their previous experiences, through a curriculum designed by the school that is aligned to the TY Programme Statement
- Create space and opportunities for meaningful, enjoyable learning experiences through which the key competencies of the student can be developed in the classroom and school, in the home and in their role as local, national and global citizens
- Expand the student’s experience and awareness of diverse future pathways and nurture the student’s capacity to sustain their growth and development through a process of lifelong learning
- Evolve continuously to support the learning and development of the student through a reflection and renewal process involving students, teachers, school leaders, parents and community partners.
Student Dimensions
The four Student Dimensions are the key foundations upon which TY programmes are designed. They describe how students can develop in TY and the experiences that can support this development. The Student Dimensions are described below:
| Student Dimension | Description |
| Personal Growth | Students mature socially and emotionally over the course of the year, developing in areas that include health and wellbeing, autonomy, identity, empathy and leadership. |
| Being a Learner | Building on their previous experiences, students begin to develop as senior cycle students, embracing opportunities and strategies for learning that work best for the student now and into the future. |
| Civic and Community Engagement | Students make a positive difference in their schools, communities and society. They learn to act on their responsibilities and exercise their rights as local, national and global citizens in ethical and sustainable ways. |
| Career Exploration | Students explore diverse future pathways in a guided and coordinated manner, gaining first-hand workplace experience, and developing career- related competencies. |
