Transition Year
The Transition Year (TY) is a one year programme that forms the first year of a three year Senior Cycle in many schools. In MSCC the programme is designed to act as a bridge between the Junior Certificate/Junior Cycle and the Leaving Certificate programmes.
The Transition Year offers students an opportunity to engage in independent, self-directed learning, to develop general, technical and academic skills and to mature and develop without the pressure of an examination. Students get the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject are as and can make more informed choice about the kind of Leaving Certificate programme they want to follow after the Transition Year. along with the academic subjects Tys are engaged in many other activities such as:
Gaisce, YSI, Hillwalking, First Aid, Barista Training, Teambuilding, Adventure centre, Paired reading, Segways, Driving school, Work experience, Forensic Science, Visit to Criminal Courts, Newsletter, Yearbook.
Benefits of TY are: Maturity, Foundation for Leaving Cert, Subject Sampling, Self Confidence, Career Focused, extra year in Core Subjects, Exam Freedom and Improved Relationships.
Leaving Certificate
During 5th and 6th year our students study either LC or LCVP or LCA :-
LC allows students to sit seven subjects for examination.
The programme offers students a broad and balanced education while allowing for some specialisation.
The certificate is used for the purposes of selection into further education, employment, training.
Three Core Subjects:
Gaeilge
Maths
English
One Modern Language: (French, German, Spanish)
Option Subjects: Students choose from the following:
History, Business, Music, Geography, Accounting, Home Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Art, Construction Studies, Engineering, Applied Maths,
Religion Education
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme
The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) is a senior cycle Programme designed to give a strong vocational dimension to the Leaving Certificate (established). The LCVP combines the academic strengths of the Leaving Certificate (established) with a focus on self–directed learning, innovation and enterprise. This two-year programme is part of an expanded provision that aims to cater for the diversity of participants’ needs at senior cycle.
Students study Link Modules: which has two components: Preparation for the World of Work & Enterprise Education. These Modules introduce students to Work Experience, Career Investigation, Enterprise, how to run your own Business and many more.
Assessment of the Link Modules - LCVP students follow the same subject syllabi and are assessed in the same way as their peers in the Leaving Certificate.
For the Link Modules they are assessed by Written Examination (40%) and by Portfolio of Coursework (60%).
Over the course of their two years in senior cycle, LCVP students will have to prepare a portfolio of work which will be a major part of their overall assessment. They will also be required to sit a written terminal examination – this will take place in May, before the traditional Leaving Certificate written examinations in June.
Programme Requirements:
At least five Leaving Certificate subjects plus the Link Modules, one of which must be Irish
Two of the above subjects must be selected from one of the designated Vocational Subject Groupings
Two Link Modules: Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education
A recognised course in a Modern European Language other than Irish or English
Leaving Certificate Applied
The Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) is a distinct, self-contained two-year Leaving Certificate programme. This programme is aimed at preparing students for adult and working life.
The programme emphasises forms of achievement and excellence which the established Leaving Certificate has not recognised in the past.
The LCA Programme:
Prepares students for adult and working life
Recognises talents of all pupils
Promotes communication and decision making skills
Applies knowledge and skills to the solution of real problems
Assessment:
Leaving Certificate Applied is another senior cycle course on offer at Mount Seskin Community College, and is based on continual assessment over two years, with students taking part in work experience as well as taking a broad range of subjects which include:
Social Education
Vocational Preparation & Guidance
Information & Technology
English & Communications
Mathematical Applications
a Modern Language
Students also choose specialist subjects such as Engineering, Graphics and Construction, ICT Specialism, Hotel Catering & Tourism and Craft & Design.
Students are assessed on their work in January and May of each year when a session ends.
A number of subjects complete tasks each year and some subjects have state exams in 6th year.