Transition Year
The Transition Year at Newpark has been an established part of the Curriculum since 1975 and an integral part of the Senior Cycle provision since 1994. Marie Fitzpatrick is the programme co-ordinator for Transition Year in Newpark.
The success of Transition Year depends on the degree to which each student becomes involved in the process. The year best suit those who develop self motivation and have the ability to take the initiative and to make the most of the varied opportunities offered by the programme.
The Transition Year is divided into three modules, each of 8-9 weeks duration. After each module, students will engage in a series of activities outside the school such as job placements, outdoor pursuits, Arts Week, In Dublin Week and The Gaisce Awards.
The aims of the Transition Year programme at Newpark are as follows:
- To provide a transition between Junior and Senior Cycles: to lay the foundations for further study
- To introduce students to a new range of experiences beyond the scope of the traditional curriculum
- To develop in each student an understanding of his/her own situation in the home, at work, in the community, leading to a sense of belonging to a wider society
- To develop in each student the qualities of courtesy, co-operation and concern for other people
- To develop self awareness, decision-making and coping skills
- To encourage initiative, self reliance and responsibility
- To develop an appreciation of the creative arts
- To establish realistic, educational, occupational and life ambitions
- To create a positive approach to leaving school
- To give time to consideration and study of the deeper aspects of life, through the study of religious and ethical issues