St. Columba's Comprehensive School

St. Columba’s Comprehensive School,

Glenties,

Co Donegal.

 

Transition year Admissions Policy

 

St. Columba’s Comprehensive School offers Transition Year as an optional one-year programme post Junior Certificate. The aims of the Transition Year Programme reflect those specific to the guidelines published by the Department of Education and Skills, namely:

 

· Education for maturity with the emphasis on personal development including social awareness and increased social competence.

· The promotion of general, technical and academic skills with the emphasis on interdisciplinary and self-directed learning.

· Education through experience of adult and working life as a basis for personal development and maturity.

 

The Transition Year Programme is not compulsory. The maximum number of available places will be dependent upon staffing, facilities and resources and will be determined annually by the Board of Management.

 

Application Procedures

 

Early in the third year, the Programme Co-ordinator will visit all third year classes. He/she will make it clear to all prospective applicants that knowledge of, research into and preparation for Transition Year, as evidenced in the application process, will be critical factors in gaining entry to the programme. Similarly, attendance, application and attitude to work and behaviour will be important factors.

During the Second Term, the Programme Coordinator will give a formal presentation on the Transition Year Programme to third year students during school time. The qualities and disposition essential for successful participation in Transition Year will again be fully outlined to students at this presentation.

A formal evening presentation will be delivered to parents/guardians of third year students interested in applying for a place on the programme in February/March

 

 

Procedure for Application for Transition Year Programme:

 

All students wishing to follow the Transition Year Programme must complete an application form by the given closing date for applications. Because of the limited nature of resources, it may not be possible to accept all students that apply for Transition Year.

 

In such circumstances the following limits and criteria will apply:

 

• Class size, which in general will not exceed 24.

 

• Students will have to have displayed reasonable willingness and capability to follow programmes that allow varying levels of supervision and will have to have a proven record of co-operation with the school Code of Behaviour and Anti-bullying policies.

 

 

Each student will be interviewed.

 

Each application will be considered on its own merit. However, the following criteria will apply in assessing a prospective Transition Year student’s application:

 

 

Awarding of Marks Criteria Marks

Marks Awarded

CRITERIA MARKS MARKS AWARDED

The student’s homework and study record

10

The student’s attendance and punctuality record

10

The student’s record of compliance with the school’s

Behaviour Policy and the Code of Conduct

10

The student’s record of contribution to extracurricular and

co-curricular activities

10

The student’s Personal Statement of interest and suitability

for the TY Programme

30

Student Interview with TY Selection Committee

30

TOTAL MARKS

100

 

(Late applications will only be considered if a space is/becomes available).

 

Decision Making

 

In relation to all forms of application referred to above, a Selection Committee comprising the Deputy Principal, relevant Year Head, Programme Co-ordinator and Guidance Counsellor will decide on applications. Decisions will be notified to parents, in general, within 21 days of the completion of the application process and the receipt of all relevant information and documentation.

 

Right of Appeal

 

Where an applicant is refused admission, Parents/Guardians have the right to appeal a refusal to enrol a student, in the first instance to the Principal. Such an appeal should be made within 10 days of the date of written notification of the refusal. Thereafter parents/guardians have the right to appeal the decision to the Board of Management.

 

Programme Fees:

 

The Programme Fee set annually is intended to assist in defraying costs associated with the various activities and courses fundamental to the programme. This fee includes Personal Insurance cover which is mandatory for all Transition Year

students. It will be used to pay for buses and entry fees for day trips as they arise, and to pay for workshops provided in school time.

 

 

 

Ratified by the Board of Management