Ms Martina Boyle teaches Irish

This is my first year teaching T.Y.

The course in Irish is divided between listening and comprehending the basics of the language. We are studing a novel called Ecstacy. We also try to improve writing skills through letters etc.

Transition Year is a valauable year that depends very much on the interest of the students and the advance notice given to the teachers that are teaching it. The value of the course is dependant on the interest of the students in what they are doing.

Mr Ultan MacGabhann teaches Information Technology

I have been teaching T.Y. since it started.

The Information Technology course in transition year introduces the basic skills of computing. We will be starting the ECDL course soon. We cover basic word processing, the fundamentals of spreadsheets such as common formulas and layouts, how to construct and use a database and how to use the internet to browse for information and send and receive e-mail.

Transition Year is one of the most positive things a student can do in school; it helps him to mature and decide on his future.

Ms Fiona Quigley teaches German

I have taught modern languages in T. Y. every year since it began.

We offer a survival course for those who might find themselves in Germany for a while. We do such tasks as booking into a hotel, ordering a meal in a restaurant, telephone conversations and dealing with currency and numbers. We do a Discover Germany tour through video and a project on a city.

I think T.Y. is a fantastic opportunity to learn a language from a different, more practical angle.

Mr Terry Flanagan teaches Science

This is my third year in T.Y.

I teach material that has not been covered in the normal syllabus: conservation, practical experiments such as pollution. We go on outdoor visits to places like the Inland Waterways Centre and the observatory in Dunsink. We do practical tie-ins with woodwork by building bird-boxes and bird tables.

Transition Year works best with smaller numbers, but I think it gives a good year out for students.

Ms Sandra Murray teaches
Moral Studies

I have taught this subject every year.

We look at the whole area of motivation in work. We link up with the girls' school for a family awareness programme and we also visit the courts. We do a PAL (Personal Access to the Law) programme and visit the courts. We'll also enter a debating competition for the programme where the students will wear wigs. We also have a one week community placement in December.

I think the T.Y. programme is absolutely brilliant because of opportunities and skills the students get from it.

Mr Sean Mitchell teaches Woodwork

This is my second successive year in T.Y.

The purpose of the course is to introduce the students to a practical skill made possible by making a few models through projects. We have made a bird-nesting box and we will be doing a desk-tidy. We will also be making a working clock.

Transition Year is useful in that it gives students an interest which would otherwise not be available and it helps to mature such things as hand and eye co-ordination.

Mr Frank O'Shaughnessy teaches Art

I have given an art course in T. Y. every year.

I skip all the basics and go straight into active learning. I show a landscape, analyse it under such headings as basic drawing design, composition and colour choices. Each student takes it upon himself to copy the drawing and painting. When they get over the barrier of the I can't draw syndrome I encourage them to break away from my work and start designing on their own.

I feel that T.Y. has a very positive effect on any student who is mature going into it and those who are immature become more so as a result of T.Y.

Mr Eddie O'Byrne teaches P.E.

I have taught T. Y. roughly 10 times.

The aims of the course are very simple. It is to improve the health and encourage positive leisure pursuits among the students. It involves hill-walks and a possible overnight camping trip.

Transition Year is very useful.

Mr Eugene Delaney does tutorial

I have taught T. Y.since it began.

We go through preparations for work experience and we review it when students come back. We do careers work and introduce the idea of third level options. We also use the class to tie up any loose ends that have arisen during the week.

Transition Year is very useful.

Mr Nolan teaches Relationships.

I have taught T. Y. twice in the past.

The year will mainly consist of studies in gender. This includes attitudes of the different sexes and the roles of men and women in today's soceity.

It helps students to mature without pressure of examations in which they would otherwise be caught up in.

Ms Siobhain Lowry teaches French and Environmental Studies

I have taught T. Y. since it began.

The aim of the French course is to improve oral and basic conversation skills, improve grammar as a basis for the Leaving Cert through doing projects on different aspects of French life.We visit the cinema, study the culture and improve research skills.

The Environmental Studies course is to improve general knowledge of the world around us. We do field work on traffic problems in Clondalkin, visit Intel and Enfo and raise awareness of environmental issues in Ireland and abroad. Individual students complete projects on a country of their choice.

T. Y. is generally very positive and gives time to improve on skills other than the academic. It is also very good socially for the students and at a personal level because they are more mature and prepared mentally for the Leaving Certiificate.

Mr Conor Kelly teaches English and Music Appreciation

I have been teaching T.Y. since it started in 1992.

The English course is very flexible. That is what I like about it. Over the years it has incorporated film- making, drama, magazines, surveys and now this ambitious web site. The aim is always to improve self-expression and communication skills. There is also a literary content and regular visits to the Dublin Writers Museum and the James Joyce Museum and Tower.

The aim of the Music Appreciation course is to encourage the students to listen to and to enjoy a wide variety of musical styles. Over the past few years many students have taken over the class and presented their own musical choices.

I believe T.Y. has many benefits for the students who follow the course. Most of them learn a variety of skills not taught in the regular state examination courses and the work experience is invaluable.

Mr Kieran teaches Business

I have been teaching T.Y. since it started in 1992.

I give the students a taste of the three business subjects that are available in the Leaving Certificate: Economics, Business and Accounting. Currently we are doing consumer education. We have looked at what determines the payment made for an hour's work. We have, in the past, set up and run businesses.

Transition Year is a valuable contribution to the education of young men.

Mr. Jim Tully teaches Maths

This is my first year teaching T.Y.

The course in Maths is divided between Algebra, Complex Numbers, the Circle, Differentation and Calculation.

Transition Year Maths Course is good if the students put in the input. The course itself is geared to help the weaker students. Unfortunately they are also the ones who put the least effort in - they don't take it seriously.