In September 2011 the Transition Year programme was launched in Ballinamore P.P.S. Twenty students are taking part in this programme which includes academic, vocational and social education. Since September students have been involved in various activities both inside the classroom and beyond. The following is a taste of what our students have experienced so far…..

Portfolio
Students have started to create their portfolio of work and learning experience which will be ongoing throughout the year.

Defibrillator Training
All students have recieved traing in the use of AED’s. This took place on Monday 28th & Tuesday 29th November.

 Adventure Weekend
On the weekend of the 1^st -3^rd September our Transition year students camped on Lough Allen.  This also formed part of their GAISCE requirements. By all accounts a good time was had by all.

Social Awareness
Students have begun their social awareness programme.  Sharon Tuhoy from St. Vincent de Paul visited the school on two occasions.  As a result the students have completed a project on homelessness.

Car Drive Education Programme
After a six week programme students will:

• Have been shown the financial aspects of motoring.
• Have explored how much it costs to buy a car, to have it insured, taxed and maintained.
• Have improved their knowledge of road safety after a visit from the Garda Siochana.
• Have been made aware of different types of insurance.
• Have in theory bought a car, taxed it, insured it and made aware of how to apply for a loan and the terms and conditions associated with it.  A visit by two bank officials took place.
• Have sat a mock theory test.
• Have studied and learnt the Penalty Points System.
• Have taken part in a driving lesson.

GAISCE
Students received a presentation regarding the Presidents Awards.  All of our Transitions Year students are currently involved in the GAISCE awards.

Organics/Agriculture
In September our Transition Year students visited an Organic Centre in Rooskey as well as the mart and veterinary clinic in Mohill.  This visit also included a visit to the Teagasc Office.

 Business & Enterprise
Along with our LCVP students the Transition Year students attended an enterprise and business seminar in Carrick on Shannon

 

 ECDL – Computer Literacy
A year long programme is under way which will result in our students receiving a European Computer Drivers License. To date they have completed and passed online 3 of their modules.

Religious Education
On the 6^th October a full day was spent in the Emmaus Retreat Centre in Swords, Co. Dublin TyReligionRetreat2011

 Mentoring
Some of our Transition Year students applied for mentoring positions.

Geography
An exploration of the Karst Features associated with the Marble Arch Caves was completed by our Transition Year students when they visited the Caves on the 23^rd September.

 French – French Assistant Marie Hermet
Of enormous benefit to our Transition Year students is the arrival of our French assistant who will focus on expanding their oral and aural skills.  Marie will also introduce them to French culture and prepare them for our Culture week later in the year.

English – Film Studies
Transition Year students have begun comparing Irish Films under various modes of comparison which will enhance their skill set for approaching Senior Level English next year.

Home Economics
A successful cake sale with our first years took place on the 25^th October.  All of the food sold was prepared by our Transition Year Students.

 Science
All of our Transition Year students submitted projects for the Young Scientist Competition. Congratulations to Joe Wilson, Josh Gilheaney and Daniel Gallagher who were successful in their applications.

ICA workshop
Members of the ICA visited our School displaying and making traditional Skills and Crafts.

 Genealogy/Logainmneacha
As part of their History course our Transition Year students have researched their family tree by visiting the library to explore census records. Sean O Suilleabhain the Co. Librarian visited the school giving an insightful talk on the history of place names in Leitrim.

Yoga and Badminton
Yoga & Badminton is taking place in December

Work experience
Our students are currently on work experience (14^th – 18^th November), during the week Ty students will experience what it like to work at The Star newspaper, a third level college, a veterinary clinic, national schools, accountants  and a farm to name but a few work placements. The School would like to thanks all those employers who have facilitated this work experience.

Coming up……

• Preparation for Seachtain na Gailge.
• French Day will take place – a celebration and awareness of French food, film and culture.
• Continued involvement in our Social Awareness Programme.
• CPR and First Aid Course on the 28^th & 29^th November.
• A presentation on the Papal Awards.
• A visiting speaker – introducing students to setting up their own business.
• Organise our Christmas Variety Concert.
• Begin preparations for their own Transition Year Radio programme which will be aired live on Shannon side Radio in March/April.
• Ice Skating.
• Participate in a “Peer 4 Peer” Educational Programme.