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At Our Lady of Mercy Secondary School, Transition Year (TY) is a dynamic, engaging, and enriching programme that provides students with a valuable opportunity to grow academically, socially, personally, and creatively. As the first year of the three-year Senior Cycle, TY acts as an important bridge between Junior Cycle and the more examination-focused years ahead.
Our TY programme encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, develop confidence and independence, discover new interests, and prepare for the opportunities and challenges of the future. At The Mercy, we aim to nurture well-rounded young people who are active learners, engaged members of the community, and confident in their own abilities.
Subjects and Modules
The Mercy offers a broad and varied TY curriculum designed to provide students with meaningful, practical, and enjoyable learning experiences. Modules and activities may vary from year to year to reflect student interests, current trends, and opportunities available within the school and wider community.
Core TY Subjects
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English and Film
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Irish
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Maths
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French
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PE
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Home Economics
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Computer Studies
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Religious Education
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Career Guidance
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SPHE
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Work Experience
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Enterprise Education/Mini Company
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Portfolio Preparation
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Exploring the World of Science
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Research Ready
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Driver Education
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European Studies
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Chinese Language and Culture
Leaving Certificate Subject Tasters
Students also have the opportunity to explore a range of Leaving Certificate subjects before making their Senior Cycle subject choices, including:
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Geography
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History
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Accounting
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Business
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DCG
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LCPE
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Home Economics
Rotation Modules
Students participate in a range of short modules designed to promote life skills, creativity, wellbeing, and global awareness, including:
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Life Skills
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Film Studies
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Sustainable Development
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First Aid
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Chinese
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Lift Programme
Work Experience and Community Engagement
Work experience and community involvement are central to the TY experience at The Mercy. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for sourcing their own work experience placements, helping to develop independence, communication skills, initiative, and confidence.
These placements provide valuable insight into different careers, workplaces, and industries while also encouraging students to become active and engaged members of their community. Community placements and volunteering opportunities further support the development of empathy, leadership, and social responsibility.
E-Portfolio
Throughout the year, students create a personal E-Portfolio which documents their learning journey, experiences, achievements, and reflections. This portfolio is shared with parents/guardians and provides a valuable record of each student’s growth and development across key areas, including:
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Personal Growth
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Learning and Academic Development
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Civic and Community Engagement
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Career Exploration
The E-Portfolio encourages students to reflect on their experiences, celebrate achievements, and recognise the skills they develop throughout TY.
TY Trips and Activities
Transition Year at The Mercy is filled with exciting opportunities beyond the classroom. Students participate in a wide variety of educational trips, workshops, guest speaker sessions, cultural experiences, and extracurricular activities throughout the year.
These may include visits to museums, cultural centres, universities, workplaces, and historical sites, alongside workshops focusing on wellbeing, entrepreneurship, leadership, creativity, and personal development. Overnight trips and team-building activities also play an important role in helping students build friendships, confidence, and lifelong memories.
At The Mercy, TY is about learning differently, discovering new strengths, embracing opportunities, and preparing students to become confident, capable, and valued members of society.