Transition Year End of Term Report
One might assume Transition Year slows down in the final term but, if anything, our TY pupils seem busier than ever and more eager to “end on a high”. There have been plenty for pupils to engage with this term in sport, academics, physical challenges, career exploration, skill development and more.
Many of the TY pupils took part in a 50km hike over 3 days, along the Wicklow Way, completing their physical challenge for their Gaisce President’s Award. There were visiting speakers, including Conor Harris who spoke to them honestly about his battle with drug addiction. Parents and Old Columbans took part in the annual Careers Evening, allowing TY pupils speak with professionals from a range of career areas; there was a focus this year on speakers who have taken unconventional career paths (many thanks to the Parents’ Association for their support). Some TY pupils visiting Maynooth University’s impressive TV studio and experienced producing, recording and editing their own talk show. There was a trip to Dun Laoghaire for water sports before touring Dublin with the Viking Splash tour. Back on campus, pupils learned how to make (and savour) Italian style pizza, develop their circus skills, practice driving cars and even learned how to safely ride e-scooters and Segways.
The final term is also an opportunity to showcase and reflect on their academic endeavours. The Transition Year Academic Prize saw seven TY pupils present on a topic of their choice. Daniel Moran was crowned the winner by guest judge and former teacher Mr Peter McCarthy for his presentation on …. . The Transition Year Modern Language evening took place in Trinity College; congratulations to Johann Diemert who took home the Alyn-Stacey Cup for Modern Languages after his fantastic presentation on the artist Banksy. Their accomplishments in English were celebrated during the Transition Year English Evening, held earlier this week, with eight pupils reading their work; congratulations to the pupils who achieved premier grades in English this year.
Last night, the final Transition Year presentation evening took place with a series of awards distributed, including the coveted ‘Spirit of Transition Year Award’, which went to Henry Clements. Next week, some TY pupils will head west to Achill Island for a few days of adventure and, after that, a small crew will finish off the year with Drama Week, where the ambition is to write, direct, build a set and perform an original play or musical in just five days.
Many thanks to Ms Lisa Lynch and her team of helpers for building a phenomenal Transition Year programme. Ms Lynch moves onto a new challenge next year, as Housemistress of Hollypark, with Mr Keith Ryan taking over as Transition Year Co-ordinator.
