Transition Year
The Transition Year (TY) is a one-year programme that forms the first year of a three-year senior cycle. It is designed to act as a bridge between the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate programmes (www.ncca.ie). Transition Year in Ardscoil Rís is optional programme and students apply to take part in the TY programme.

During their Transition Year* students are be exposed to a year of Core Subjects, Leaving Certificate Subject Sampling, TY Specific Subjects and a range of TY Specific co and extra-curricular activities, as well as Work Experience and Social Placement.
Core Subjects include:
- English
- Gaeilge
- Mathematics
- Modern Foreign Languages (French or German)
- RE
- PE
- Career Guidance
Leaving Certificate Subject Sampling includes:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
- Agricultural Science
- Applied Mathematics
- Business
- Accounting
- Economics
- Geography
- History
- Art
- Music
- Design and Communications Graphics
TY Specific Subjects include:
- Horticulture
- Guitar
- Information Technology
- Home Economics
- Woodcraft
- Photography
- Car Maintenance
- Health Education
- Social Education
- Library Studies
- Local Studies
- Public Speaking
- Drama
- Coding
- DIY
- Gaelic Studies
- Young Scientist/SciFest
*Please note that not all of the above may be possible on a student's timetable due to timetabling clashes. The list above is intended to indicate the range and breadth of subjects on a typical TY timetable.
The TY Calendar for 2022/2023*:
September:
- Return to school
- Introduction to Gáisce
- Killaloe Adventure Activity and Moylussa Hike (5th)
- Reptile Haven (12th)
- Guest Speaker: Stephen Kiernan, “Brilliant Mondays” (19th)
- Ploughing Championships (20th)
- Rowing – On the water sessions
- Camping Trip 1 (Sept 22nd )
- 4 Peaks : Peak 1: Mweelrea, Co Mayo (29th)
- Special Project preparation
October:
- Opening School Mass
- Surfing (6th / 7th)
- Rowing – On the water sessions
- John Paul II Awards
November:
- Rowing – On the water sessions
- Midterm (31st October to 4th November inclusive)
- ‘Hell and Back’ Adventure Race (8th)
- End of Term 1 Assessment (10th)
- Work Experience 1 (14th - 25th inclusive)
- Module Changeover (28th)
- Suas Climbing Wall
December:
- Public Speaking Competition
- Barista Training
- Murder Mystery
- First Aid Training
- Rowing Coaching Training Day (7th)
January:
- Rowing coaching to 1st years
- Fencing workshops
- B.T. Young Scientist
- Alison Leck (Jan 17th)
- Paula Duggan Nutrition Workshops (Jan 24th)
- First Aid Training
February:
- Drumadore-Drumming Workshop(1st)
- Fencing workshops
- Special Projects (8th to 10th)
- End of Term 2 Assessment (15th)
- Fencing Finals
- Midterm break (Monday 13th – Friday 17th)
- Module Changeover (20th)
March:
- Croagh Patrick (16th)
- Gáisce overnight activity (23th /24th)
- Work Experience (27th Feb-10th March inclusive)
- 4 Peaks: Lugnaquilla, Co. Wicklow and Slieve Donard, Co. Down (31st March - 1st April)
April:
- Easter Holidays (3rd -14th inclusive)
- Barcelona Trip (20th -23rd inclusive)
- Killary (26th -28th inclusive)
May:
- Movie Magic (3rd-5th)
- Darkness into Light (6th)
- Personal safety and self-defence with Alex Walsh (8th/9th)
- Camping Trip 2 (11th)
- Teamworks
- Paintballing
- 4 Peaks: Carrauntoohill, Co. Kerry
- End of Term 3 Assessment
- T.Y. Graduation
*Please note that this is a provisional calendar and is subject to change. All activities are subject to health and safety guidelines at the time. All work placements must be approved by the school.