Congratulations are due to all involved in the recent Transition Year inspection and most especially to the TY coordinator, Mr. Paul McCormack, who has put so much effort into the management of the programme. Speaking after the conclusion of the inspection, Mr McCormack was quick to acknowledge the debt he (and we) owe to his predecessors and all of those involved, directly and indirectly, in the project:
‘The feedback was as positive as I could ever have hoped it would be and I certainly can’t take all the credit for that. A huge amount of recognition has to go to Mr. Brian O’Keeffe and Mr. Martin Nugent who developed the programme up to five years ago, and to Fr. Leonard Moloney, Mr. Martin Wallace and Mr. Frank Kelly and their predecessors, who have put in place a very good support system for TY. The inspection turned out to be a really positive and affirming experience after two weeks of preparation.’
Mr McCormack also thanked ‘everyone who contributed to the paperwork over the two weeks in advance, to the TY core team for their support and valuable input at the meeting and especially to the teachers whose classes were inspected and were really enjoyed by the inspector. I have to say too that the students were fantastic – I have found them to be a very good group in general and they were brilliant over the two days. It was evident throughout that they were engaged, interested, wanted the inspection to go well and supportive of each other and the teachers involved.’
The Transition Year in Clongowes offers students space to learn, mature and develop through a broad variety of learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. The TY Programme aims to promote the personal, social, educational and vocational development of students and to prepare them for their role as autonomous, participative and responsible members of society.
Mr Declan O’Keeffe, Head of Communications
