St. Patrick’s Classical School offers Transition Year as an optional one-year programme. The TY programme offers unique learning experiences and opportunities that nurture each student academically, physically, morally, socially and emotionally.
Transition Year at St. Patrick’s Classical School is a dynamic and student-centred programme designed to support the holistic development of each learner as they bridge the gap between Junior and Senior Cycle. It is rooted in the school’s mission to cultivate responsible, resilient, and respectful young people who are prepared to lead with confidence in school, society, and life.
In line with the 2023 NCCA Transition Year Programme Statement, our TY programme:
We provide students with space and structure to develop self-confidence, independence, and emotional intelligence through meaningful engagement in learning, reflection, and community contribution.
Students engage with real-world learning through work experience, enterprise projects, immersion trips, and cross-curricular activities. This prepares them for adult and working life in a supportive, reflective environment.
Our curriculum builds a broad range of skills — academic, technical, social, and digital — to support success in Senior Cycle and beyond. Students explore future pathways and make informed choices through sampling and careers education.
The programme fosters wellbeing through SPHE, PE, reflective practice, and active participation. It values every student’s voice, supports diversity, and builds a strong sense of belonging and community leadership.
Grounded in the ethos of St. Patrick’s, the TY programme reflects our commitment to empathy, excellence, service, and faith in action. Social contribution and active citizenship are not add-ons — they are core components of learning.
We aim to ensure that all TY students leave the programme more self-aware, skilled, and connected, equipped to thrive as autonomous, responsible, and engaged members of society.
The Transition Year Programme at St. Patrick’s Classical School is optional. While TY may not be the most suitable pathway for every student, it is open to all Third Year students who wish to apply.
The Board of Management determines the maximum number of places available each year. This decision is based on:
In the case of applications from outside the school, priority is given to current students of St. Patrick’s Classical School.
Participation in Transition Year requires that both students and parents/guardians formally agree to comply with the School Rules and Code of Behaviour prior to the start of the academic year.
Please note that students who do not complete the Junior Certificate Examinations may have their offer of a TY place withdrawn, as successful completion of Junior Cycle forms part of the admission requirement.
Transition Year Application Forms are issued and collected digitally through the School App typically in January /February annually . Completed forms and any accompanying documentation must be submitted to the TY Coordinator on or before the published deadline.
TY experiences and achievements in a clear and engaging way.
An important feature of the Transition Year Programme is offering students opportunities to gain nationally recognised and programme-based certification. These certificates enhance students’ CVs, strengthen their E-Portfolios, and provide tangible evidence of the skills and learning they have developed throughout the year.
Students are given the opportunity to obtain certification in several areas (reviewed annually and subject to availability). Certificates are formally presented at the Transition Year Graduation Ceremony, acknowledging student achievement and commitment.
