Transition Year Curriculum
- Irish
- English
- Mathematics
- Religious Education
- Physical Education
- Tutorial
- Computers
with up to 8 subjects from the following academic modules:
- Accounting
- Agricultural Science
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- French
- Spanish
- Geography
- Physics
- Technical Drawing
- History
- Art
Students also choose up to 15 subjects from the following optional modules, detailed below
Students must also complete a thesis after spending some weeks on a project in a subject of their choice (subject to approval). This is a major component of the TY programme at EGS.
Students may also participate in the President’s Award (Gaisce).
Additional Module Information:
Sample information only
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 mustchoose French in Transition Year.
Spanish: There is a focus on written and spoken Spanish. 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 Spanish for the leaving Certificate must choose Spanish in Transition Year.
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.
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.
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.
Optional Modules:
The following is a selection of modules from the 2017-2018 TY Plan.
The modules in this group change in November and February.
Construction: Students learn the basic skills of building, carpentry and landscaping, often improving the school environment.
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.
Paleontology: an introduction to the skills and concepts supporting the exploration of pre-history.
Craft: a module in creating and adapting garments and artefacts.
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.
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.
Archery: A chance to learn this from scratch or improve an existing skill.
Modern Dance: Modern Dance classes for girls and boys.
Strictly Come EGS: 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.
Debate: a module focusing on the preparation and delivery of debate and argument.
Woodwork: an introduction to basic woodworking. Students will plan, make and finish a piece of woodwork.
Development Ed: a module focused on aid and development in developing countries.
Car maintenance: an introduction to basic motor vehicle maintenance.
Zoology: a module introducing animal biology and behaviour.
Horticulture: a module focused on basic horticulture – students are involved in both theory and the practice of maintaining and expanding the School Garden.
Minicompany: a module focused on the practical side of entrepreneurship with students creating and executing their own business ideas.
Swimming: an introduction to sea swimming.
Bakeoff: a baking class run as a weekly themed competition.
Sports Appreciation: introduction to the rationale and practice of various different field sports and game theory.
Yoga: a module which introduces students to the flexibility benefits of Yoga.
DCG: an introduction to Leaving Cert DCG for students who have taken TG at Junior Cycle or who have an interest in taking it up at Senior Cycle.
Set Making: Building the set for the Form IV show. Students will learn carpentry and decorating skills. This module is also offered in.
Art: There will be an emphasis on sculpture and drawing.
Music: Music appreciation and performance (modern music). Students taking this module should play (or be learning) an instrument and/or be willing to sing.
Self-Defence: an introduction to rudimentary self-defence.
Crossfit: A fitness and body-toning course to music for girls and boys.
Adventure Race: training and preparation for an adventure race (runamuck, etc).
Survival Skills: an outdoor survival module with a focus on catching and cooking food.
Alpha: an exploration of the big questions around Christianity
Creative Writing: a course introducing the key techniques involved in writing fiction.
Softball: an introduction to softball.
Yearbook: a short module writing and collecting pieces for the School yearbook.
Politics: an introduction to concepts and realities of global and local politics.
Despots and Dictators: a short history course focusing on authoritarian rulers.