Royal & Prior Comprehensive School

Transition Year subjects:

English, Irish, Mathematics, French, History, Geography, Home Economics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Craft Technology, Social and Envirnomental Studies, Business and Enterprise, Music, Art Craft Design, ICT, Religious Education, Career Guidance and Physical Education.

The aims of Transition Year are :

To lay good foundation for the Leaving Certificate in core subject areas. To develop responsibility, confidence and self reliance in pupils.

 To promote teamwork which would help in the development of communication skills, social skills and active learning through project work and field studies.

To encourage students to become more socially aware.

 To provide students with opportunities to develop and improve upon practical skills in relevant areas.

To give students the opportunity to look at different processes of problem solving and to encourage students to take more responsibility for their own learning.

Transition year pupils also take part in special projects and events organised during the year. These include: President\’s Award Scheme, publishing a newsletter, drama production, debating, video production, CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) swimming, Citizens Development Programme, European Computer Driving Licence and two weeks work experience.

 As part of the Transition Year Programme students get the opportunity to set up and manage a mini-business which is challenging and fun. Students learn to write a business report, keep accounts, market and promote a product/ service and mount an exhibition. It gives students a taste of what it is like to start up and run a business, and helps to develop the skills needed to run a successful business.

The mini-company gives students the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial, team building, interpersonal and managerial skills. Students are entered in competitions organised by Young Enterprise Ireland, Young Entrepreneurs Scheme and Shannon Transition Year Curriculum Development.

Gartan Adventure Centre

On Monday 5th October 2009, class 4T headed off to a magical muddy place in the hills of Donegal, called Gartan Adventure Centre.
Shortly after arrival we did a few simple (not!!) team building activities followed by wall/rock climbing in the afternoon.  As soon as darkness fell it was time for the famous ‘Night Line’.  We were blindfolded and had to make our way through the forest floor with only a rope to guide us.  It was great fun even though we did end up rather wet and muddy.
The following day we were divided into two groups.  One group did orienteering in Gartan while the other went surfing at the beach.
On our third day we enjoyed a variety of activities including wall climbing, archery and kayaking and headed to bed early that night after some brain puzzles and a fireside quiz.

We were up bright and early on our last day and were sad to leave following our last two activities, raft building and the obstacle course. Class 4T would like to thank Miss Magee and Mr. Mc Dowell for accompanying us and organising this memorable trip.