This page contains descriptions of some of the sample transition units that have been developed by teachers in the school network. Click the links to get more details about one or more that interest you. They should give you a good picture of what the transition unit will eventually look like.
At the moment, they are just drafts, but you’re welcome to download and use them as they stand or to adapt them to suit your students and your school. You may also wish to begin developing your own transition unit using the template. In this case, the sample units will be a useful guide.
Download template
Contact transitionunits@ncca.ie to register your interest in developing transition units.
Chinese Culture and Language Studies
This transition unit introduces students to both traditional and modern aspects of Chinese culture. The fourteen topics cover a wide range of areas such as Chinese food, Chinese music and school life in China. Students also have the opportunity to learn some Chinese words and phrases as they progress through the unit. The unit is supported by audio-visual, web-based teaching resources which support a wide range of active learning methodologies.
This transition unit was developed by the UCD Confucius Institute for Ireland.
Download sample unit
Pamoja-Together for Rights: Development and Human Rights Education
The 'Pamoja-Together for Rights' transition unit helps students to explore development and human rights issues in a global context. The transition unit provides a student-centred approach to development and human rights education as students examine a human rights issue of interest to them, complete a project and undertake awareness-raising actions.
This transition unit was developed by Trócaire.
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Global Development Issues
This transition unit provides an introduction to development issues. It engages students in analysis, reflection and action for local and global citizenship. Through a series of thematic strands (Poverty, Conflict, Gender Inequality, Sustainable Environments, Trade; Health and HIV/AIDS and Human Rights) the unit supports students' understanding of the rapidly changing and unequal world in which they live and encourages action to make a positive difference.
This transition unit was developed by St. Mary's Academy Carlow, Self Help Africa, Combat Diseases of Poverty Consortium.
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Debating Development
This TU invites students to explore and debate some of the biggest questions facing our world today. Students will learn how to research, select and evaluate material. They will acquire the skills of speech writing and then through lively and informed debating all students will gain confidence and skills in speaking in front of their peers.
This transition unit was developed by Concern.
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Good Food - The Irish Experience
This transition unit is designed to give students a broader knowledge of Irish food heritage. It enables students to examine trends in eating habits that are occurring in Ireland. Students will plan, prepare, cook and present a range of dishes using traditional ingredients and local produce while using recipes that can be modified to suit modern lifestyles. This transition unit was developed by Fáilte Ireland.
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Tourism Studies - The Irish Experience
This transition unit enables students to investigate aspects of tourism in Ireland and abroad. They will focus in a special way on their own local area and critically evaluate their own area as a tourist destination. The unit also explores training and career opportunities in the context of tourism and hospitality.
This transition unit was developed by Fáilte Ireland.
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Student Safety in the Workplace
Student Safety in the Workplace introduces students to the principles of safety and health. It is particularly useful for TY students who will be engaging in some form of work experience and those who are actively engaged in part-time or holiday work. The unit is relevant to all students as future members of the work force.
This transition unit was developed by the Health and Safety Authority.
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Artykats : A cross curricular TU linking Art, Wood, and Business
This Unit involves collaboration between the Art and Woodwork teacher to enable students produce stylized wooden cats. As well as developing their practical and creative skills students can develop entrepreneurial skills as they plan how best to sell their finished Artykats.
This transition unit was developed by Margaret Maher (Art teacher) and David O'Connell (Construction Studies teacher), Ashbourne Community School.
Have a look at some finished Artycats
Download sample unit
“What’s with the Weather?” An exploration of the effects of global warming on today’s weather patterns.
Through experiments, role-plays and project work, students explore the impact of climate change and decide how they can change their own habits to make a difference.
This transition unit was developed by Emma O'Beirne, Ashbourne Community School.
Download sample unit
Environmental Studies
This unit encourages students to explore the global and local issues that are affecting their environment. They will have the chance to carry out practical projects and actions that will improve their locality, e.g. Developing a community garden, recycling, tree planting, bulb planting, wild life gardens, environmental surveys etc.
This transition unit was developed by Terry Lawless, St. Killian's Community School, Bray.
Download sample unit
Road Safe
Road Safe takes an active project-based approach to developing the values and skills which underpin responsible decision-making and respect for the rights and safety of others. The unit is supported by digital resources on the Road Safety Authority website www.rsa.ie.
This transition unit was developed by the Road Safety Authority.
Download sample unit
Design and Discovery
Design and Discovery promotes a hands-on learning experience by encouraging students to identify creative solutions to everyday problems in the world of design and engineering. The transition unit is supported by a Teacher’s Guide and Student booklet which can be downloaded from www.skoool.ie.
This transition unit was developed by INTEL.
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Soap Operas and Popular Culture
This unit focuses on the analysis of contemporary themes from modern culture as conveyed through soaps and aspects of cinematography.
This transition unit was developed by Norma Murray, Glanmire Community School.
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Food Matters
This transition unit provides an opportunity for students to work creatively with food and develop practical cookery skills while at the same time opening up issues of interest and relevance to young people.
This transition unit was developed by Kerry Miles, St. Joseph's College, Lucan.
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Legal Studies
This transition unit introduces students to the study of law and the legal system in Ireland.
This transition unit was developed by Peter Leydon, Wesley College, Dublin.
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Sports Coaching
This transition unit prepares students to develop basic coaching skills, before they work with students from local primary schools for a number of weeks.
This transition unit was developed by Michael Carey, Glanmire Community School, Cork.
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Reading the Silver Screen
This transition unit on film studies helps students to understand film in a wider context and empowers them to become critical and active viewers.
This transition unit was developed by Denis Grace, St. Louis High School, Rathmines.
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Introduction to Genetics and Biotechnology
This TU is based on topical issues of genetics and biotechnology and helps students to relate theory to everyday applications.
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Discovering Irish Art
In this unit students research an Irish artist of their choice and create their own piece of art in the style of that artist.
This transition unit was developed by Margaret Maher, Ashbourne Community School.
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Media and Communications
This unit aims to develop students’ visual literacy and ICT skills through a high level engagement with visual and moving images.
This transition unit was developed by Norma Murray, Glanmire Community School, Cork.
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Ireland - A Level Playing Pitch?
This TU, developed by the Combat Poverty Agency, uses students’ community work experience to explore the work of local community groups and organisations that enable and empower those who are disadvantaged to participate in society.
This transition unit was developed by Combat Poverty Agency.
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Setting up a Green School
Through this TU, students are encouraged to audit, evaluate and change their school environment for the better. It intends to lead to the ultimate prize of being awarded the status of ‘GreenSchool’ from an Taisce.
This transition unit was developed by Brendan Walsh, Glanmire Community School, Cork.
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Creative Writing
This Unit teaches introduces students to the ‘craft’ of creative writing and helps them to see that their own lives and experiences provide ample inspiration for good writing.
This transition unit was developed by Denis Carolan, Ashbourne Community School.
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Producing a School Magazine
This Unit sets out how the English and Business teachers can work together with TY students in producing a school magazine.
This transition unit was developed by Alice Straw and Mary Hayes, Presentation Secondary School, Clonmel.
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Japanese Studies
This Unit gives students a taste of Japanese culture – through Japanese music, film, food and language.
This transition unit was developed by Melanie Earwaker, St. Louis Highschool, Rathmines, Dublin.
Download sample unit.
Looking In – Reaching Out (R.E.)
This Unit gives TY students a chance to work with primary school children in exploring their understanding of community, friendship and God.
This transition unit was developed by Kathriona Murphy, Presentation Secondary School, Clonmel.
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Lost in Translation - An Intercultural Cross-Curricular TU
This Unit provides interesting opportunities for cross-curricular work with modern languages, religious education, geography, home economics and history as students explore and celebrate the diverse cultures that are a part of Ireland today.
This transition units was developed by Aileen Keena, Athlone Community College.
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I've Got Something to Say
This transition unit will help learners become effective and confident communicators. It develops their self-confidence as they gain practice in voicing their opinions and making oral presentations. The unit also gives learners a great sense of personal achievement as they fulfil the personal goal of speaking with confidence in front of an audience.
This TU has been adapted by Hazel Hannon, Athlone Community College, based on resources developed by the Irish Board of Speech and Drama (www.irishboard.ie)
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It's your future! Exploring Options in Further and Higher Education
This transition unit encourages students to consider options in further and higher education and training. Using creative and varied learning methodologies students will learn about their own strengths, interests and abilities, what education and/or training courses are on offer and what kind of courses are likely to suit them and help them to reach their full potential. This unit is particularly aimed at encouraging those students who might not think about further or higher education as an option.
This transition unit was developed by the Higher Education Authority.
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How the world works
The unit provides students with the opportunity to explore how structures of poverty and inequality are maintained on a global level. Students will also consider the role that they play in the world and how they can help change the way the world works by assuming their responsibility as global citizens. This unit links well with History, Geography, Religious Education and ICT. A strong emphasis on audio visual resources and active learning makes this a fun and accessible TU for all Transition Year students.
This transition unit was developed by the Debt and Development Coalition
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Having fun with computer programming and games
This TU introduces students to computer programming and games in a fun and exciting way. Students will be able to write their own programs, animations and stories and bring them to life within a short space of time. All the software, worksheets and lesson plans are available to download free of charge.
This transition unit was developed for Irish teachers by Lero: The Irish Software Engineering Research Centre, University of Limerick.
Download sample unit
Moving Image
This transition unit offers an introduction to film and moving image. It provides opportunities for students to be very active in their learning and outlines a structured programme of screenings, lesson plans and activities, supported by study guides. It is structured around three distinct strands—Teen Film, Irish Film and Alternative Film (Wider Visions), which can be explored in a flexible manner, drawing on students’ and teachers’ existing film knowledge and interests. All the study guides can be downloaded free of charge.
This transition unit was developed by the Irish Film Institute.
Download sample unit
Links
Back to transition units
Curriculum development at senior cycle
Transition units; Article from info@ncca (February 2010) (PDF, 186KB)
Teachers as curriculum developers; Article from info@ncca (February 2010) (PDF,107 KB)
Back to senior cycle review