Transition year is a one year school based programme between junior and senior cycle. It is designed to act as a bridge between the two by facilitating the smooth transition from the more dependent learning of the junior cycle to the more independent self-directed learning required for senior cycle.
Transition year was introduced in 1973 by Richard Burke. Mainstreaming of TY took place in 1994 and at present there are 27,090 pupils in 543 schools enrolled as TY pupils.
The ‘Transition Year Programme, Guidelines for schools’ (DoE 1993) lays particular emphasis on developing social awareness, increasing social competence, promoting self-directed learning and learning through experience of adult and working life. Following these guidelines each school develops its unique Transition Year Programme.
