Transition Year
Transition Year Programme
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 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 a state examination. Students get the opportunity to sample a wide range of subjects 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, TY engage in many other activities such as: Gaisce, Hillwalking, First Aid, Barista Training, Teambuilding, Adventure Centre, Paired Reading, Segways, Driving School, Work experience, Forensic Science, Visit to Criminal Courts, Newsletter, Film making and much more!
There are huge benefits to studying for TY: Maturity, Foundation for Leaving Cert, Subject Sampling, Self Confidence, Career Focused, extra year in Core Subjects, Exam Freedom and Improved Relationships.
Senior Cycle Pathways
During 5th and 6th year our students have the opportunity to follow three different senior cycle pathways:
- Traditional Leaving Certificate
- Leaving Cert Vocational Programme
- Leaving Cert Applied
Leaving Certificate
Our Leaving Certificate (LC) offer 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: English. Gaeilge & Maths
One Modern Language: (French, German, Spanish)
Three additional Options Subjects: History Geography, Biology, Phys-Chem, Business, Construction Studies, Music, Art & Home Economics
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 Link Modules: Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education
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
The programme 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:
- Vocational Preparation & Guidance
- Mathematical Applications
Students also choose specialist subjects such as Engineering, Graphics and Construction, ICT Specialism, Hotel Catering & Tourism, Craft & Design, Horticulture & Childcare.
Student work is assessed and credits are entered to the State Exams every January and May. This is based on student work completed in class throughout the year. The tasks completed are then followed by interviews with external examiners. There are final, shorter exams at the end of senior cycle in addition.
Level 1 & 2 Programmes at Senior Cycle
Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes (L1/L2LPs) are available at both Junior Cycle (JC) and Senior Cycle, providing pathways for students with diverse learning needs.
These programmes are designed to follow on from Junior Cycle L1/L2LPs, offering a tailored approach to learning that focuses on preparing students for life beyond school, including independent living and lifelong learning.
Senior Cycle L1/L2LPs:
- These programmes build upon the foundation laid in Junior Cycle L1/L2LPs, extending learning into the Senior Cycle. The first Senior Cycle L1/L2 Modules became available in school year 2024/25.
- The goal is to prepare students for life beyond school, focusing on independence and lifelong learning.
- Curriculum areas currently include Numeracy at Levels 1 and 2, and Communication and Literacy at Levels 1 and 2, with additional modules and electives (these are still under development).
- As with Junior Cycle, the programme emphasises personalised learning, with the aim of supporting students to progress and consolidate their learning in ways that are most appropriate to their needs.
Please contact our SEN Coordinator for any queries about this curriculum and support.