East Glendalough School

Transition Year Academic Modules

AM1 (4 periods per week):

French: There is a focus on written and spoken French, and French cinema.
Students will be divided into Higher and Ordinary levels based on Junior Cert results, and will remain with the class for the whole year. Students who wish to opt for French for the leaving Certificate must choose French in Transition Year.

Crafts: Students who do not choose French will follow this course for the whole year. There will be a variety of activities.


AM2 (3 periods per week):

Biology: The course will cover such topics as Genetics, Ecology, Microbiology.

Business Studies: An introduction to Economics, focusing on how the economy works.

Technical Drawing: Basic drawing techniques will be explored with an emphasis on

architectural design, particularly Georgian. Students who did not take this subject for the Junior Certificate may like to take it up now, and should consider taking it for the whole year.

AM3 (3 periods per week):

Physics: In introduction to Astronomy. Experimental work will include general physics topics.

Agricultural Science: An introduction to the subject, which is now being offered at Leaving
Certificate at the school.

Geography: Local geography will be explored, along with global issues.


AM4 (3 periods per week):

Chemistry: This will be an opportunity for students interested in the Sciences to sample Chemistry. A wide range of areas is covered, with an emphasis on experimental learning.

History: A chance to explore areas of history apart from those on the Junior and Leaving Certificate syllabi.

Accounting: Revision of basic book-keeping methods. What is accounting? Methods of presenting information. Interpretation of accounting information.

Transition Year Optional Modules:

OM1 (3 periods/week):
The modules in this group change half way through the school year (January)

Construction: Students learn the basic skills of building, carpentry and landscaping, often improving the school environment.

Magic: A course in conjuring and slight of hand, which will develop confidence, coordination and dexterity. It is hoped to prepare a performance for the Christmas Concert.

YSI:The Young Social Innovators programme is a group competition, which focuses on social issues. The group investigate a social issue in depth and prepare a project for the national competition in May. EGS won this competition in 2003 with their project on disabilities, and won the Communications award in 2006. Students who opt for YSI here must also choose the module in OM3.

Film Studies:This module concentrates on the film process, discussing how films are made. Classic films are borrowed, watched at home and reviewed. A short film is produced.

Basketball:This course, given by a basketball coach, covers all aspects of the game: from skills, to scoring, to tactics. Students who play basket ball for the school should take this course, but it is open to all.

Adventure Sports: This module will teach adventure skills such as canoeing and rock climbing. An initial period of training locally will be followed by several trips out of school. Please note that on some days the group will not return to school until 5.00 p.m. and that there is an additional charge for this module.

OM2 (2 periods/week):
The modules in this group change every 8/9 weeks.

Archery:A chance to learn this from scratch or improve an existing skill.

Modern Dance: Modern Dance classes for girls and boys.

Drama (skills):A module on drama skills. There will be an emphasis on improvisation and stage technique. Students do not have to be in the play to take this module.

Engineering: Beginners learn the basic techniques, and those with previous knowledge choose from a wide selection of projects which they must design and manufacture.

Croquet: A group of 12 students will travel to Newcastle Croquet Club on Tuesday afternoons to learn the basics of this sport.

Students must be collected from Newcastle on these days at 4.00 p.m. There is no charge for this module.

Set Making: Building the set for the Form IV show. Students will learn carpentry and decorating skills. This module is also offered in OM3.

Graphics: This computer-based module will train students in graphic design, photography and photo-manipulation.


OM3 (3 periods/week):
The modules in this group change every 8/9 weeks.

YSI: A continuation of the module started in OM1. Students taking YSI must choose both of these modules.

Italian: An introductory course. No experience necessary.

Art: There will be an emphasis on sculpture and drawing.

Set Making: Building the set for the Form IV show. Students will learn carpentry and decorating skills. This module is also offered in OM2.

Home Economics: A course which will focus on cookery skills.

Music: Music appreciation and performance (modern music). Students taking this module should play (or be learning) an instrument and/or be willing to sing.

Economics & Finance: An introduction to the world of money!


OM4 (2 periods/week):
The modules in this group change every 8/9 weeks.

Students will spend one third of the year in a Careers module, one third in Self Defence, and the final third in one of the following:

Salsa Dancing: Latin dancing. Boys especially welcome!

Aerobics: A fitness and body-toning course to music for girls and boys.