Have you ever wanted to learn to fence, be an entrepreneur, ski on dry slopes or visit Rome and Pompeii? These might seem like hopelessly unreacheable goals to achieve, but CCC Transistion Year students try their hand at all of these, and even more diverse subjects, throughout their jam-packed year.

Although optional, TY is highly recommended by all past students as a thoroughly worthwhile year in which to mature, and get ready for the daunting prospect of the Leaving Cert! Valuable skills are learned in subjects such as first aid, hom economics, science and construction studies - not to mention céile dancing, film studies and yoga. Not only do they give students a chance to try our new hobbies and interests, but also give them a much clearer idiea of what subjects they would consider studying in the Leaving cert, and possibly continue in Third Level.

Work experience is also an important part of the year, giving TYs insight into the workplace, a glimpse of their chosen career, and the overall working world. Many careers are looked at - from hospitals to hairdressers, architecture firms and theatres - giving students a view into what a certain job could be like for them.

More projects area completed and skills mastered in one short year than anyone could ever hope for at any other time in life. There is an emphasis on project work - and with a school bank, magazine and hugely successful talent show, Starsearch 2006 all achieved with this year's group, it's obviously getting through!

Fiona Hyde
Transition Year Student 2006