Update on Transition Year

TY Newsletter Document (Click to download)

Welcome to our first term TY Newsletter and welcome to the TY class of 2025-2026! 

Transition Year is well underway this term with lots of exciting trips and modules. 

This term has proven to be a very busy one for our Transition Year students who have enjoyed an action-packed programme including the following: 

Music Generation Ukelele Workshop:

Music Generation is a national partnership programme whose mission is to create inspiring experiences for students and young people through music. They strive to transform young people’s lives by giving them opportunities to create, play and perform music in their own communities and on their own terms. 

This programme of study incorporates learning musical notation and a range of music skills in a fun environment, with well-known musician, singer, songwriter, educator and Ukelele tutor Ms Laura O’Gara, who is renowned across Ireland for her excellent work with schools and groups.  

 National Ploughing Championship: 

Our TY students went to the Ploughing on the 16th of September in Screggan, Tullamore. The ploughing is Ireland’s biggest farming festival and Europe’s largest outdoor event.  Our LCC TY students experienced artisanal food from all over the country, cutting-edge agricultural machinery, fashion shows and everything in between.   

This event not only hosts wonderful displays of ploughing but also showcases Irish Food, Farming and Culture. 

The total attendance figure for the 94th Championships came to an amazing 225,500 over the 3 days, with exhibitors and visitors alike thoroughly enjoying themselves. This marks one of the most successful National Ploughing Championships to date. 

Luail Dance Display Backstage Theatre:

Our TY students travelled to the Backstage Theatre, Longford to a dance display by a new Irish company, Luail. Luail is Ireland’s national, all-island dance company, established in 2024 to embody, embed and empower dance across the island of Ireland, and to lead into a future that transforms how we make, know and experience dance. With a full-time ensemble of eight dancers, a collective of resident creative artists, and a managerial and administrative team of nine, Luail embraces the values of fearlessness, inventiveness, joy, and attentiveness to the needs of our community and audiences.

Corlea Trackway Cycle:

Our TY students ventured on a cycling trip to Corlea Heritage Centre. While it was a breeze for some, it was a tough haul for others! But on arrival the students were given a very informative talk on this amazing remnant of our ancient past.

This is an inspiring relic of prehistory: a togher – an Iron Age road – built in 148 BC. Known locally as the Danes’ Road, it is the largest of its kind to have been uncovered in Europe.

Historians agree that it was part of a routeway of great importance. It may have been a section of a ceremonial highway connecting the Hill of Uisneach, the ritual centre of Ireland, and the royal site of Rathcroghan.

The trackway was built from heavy planks of oak, which sank into the peat after a short time. This made it unusable, of course, but also ensured it remained perfectly preserved in the bog for the next two millennia.

Work Experience: 

The TY students completed their first work placement in October. This term the TY’s participated in a two-week placement, which proved very popular amongst the students.  This term the students chose a wide range of workplaces including farms, factories, restaurants, dog-grooming, construction work and schools. This is an integral part of their TY programme. We are indebted to all the businesses/employers in Lanesboro, Roscommon, Longford and the surrounding areas who facilitated us and provided our TY students with a wonderful learning experience. 

Forensic Fun Workshop: 

Our TY students participated in a Forensic Fun workshop. They used their analytical and critical thinking skills to analyse the evidence of the JFK Assassination. They studied ballistics and gunshot residue, photographic evidence, fingerprints and the official autopsy report.  

The students gained knowledge about a historical case, they assessed entry and exit wounds and studied the trajectory of bullets and even questioned parts of the Warren Commission Report. They used scientific techniques to try to answer the famous question Who killed JFK?  

 Martial Arts Self Defence Class: 

Our TY students participated in a Martial Arts class run by Savage Martial Arts Roscommon and delivered by our very own past pupil and highly skilled Martial Arts instructor, Daniel Cox. 

Martial arts is an art form that holds the extraordinary capability to profoundly enhance the lives of individuals spanning the entire spectrum of age groups. It is a discipline that bestows upon its practitioners an array of invaluable benefits that extend far beyond the physical realm. These encompass, but are by no means limited to, a substantial and unparalleled augmentation of self-confidence, the meticulous cultivation and honing of resolute leadership abilities, and the unwavering promotion of holistic physical and mental well-being. 

Beyond self-defence, it nurtures the seeds of self-belief, allowing individuals to flourish not only on the mat but also in the arena of life itself. The practice of Martial Arts gives our students a reservoir of inner strength and resilience that serves them not just in combat but as a guiding light throughout their life’s journey. 

Open Day 

Our TY students contributed greatly to our very successful Open Day in November. They acted as guides on the day to the visiting Primary School students and at night to their parents. A huge word of thanks to our TY students for the preparation, help and assistance in ensuring the resounding success of our recent Open Day and Open Night. 

Primary School Blitz:

The TY students were involved in our local Primary Schools Blitz in conjunction with Ballyboro FC. Our students helped organise the matches, acted as referees and played host to the 155 visiting students and staff of our local primary schools. Well done to all involved! 

Student Council 

Our Student Council is a representative structure, working in partnership with school management and staff and parents for the benefit of the school and its students at which the TY students continue to represent their class and school.  

Public Speaking

Within Public Speaking students worked individually and in groups to prepare, rehearse and perform in the Transition Year Christmas Show and in doing so have been involved in organising and presenting the show that occurred on the 4th of December in St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro. From acting, dancing, presenting, stage design, sound, music, raffle, sponsorship, curtain, backstage, and hair and makeup, each Transition Year student got involved with enthusiasm and determination. They each made enormous effort to encompass their talent, organisational skills and production abilities to bring the show to life whilst keeping a focus on their communication skills and continuously fostering and developing their public speaking abilities on a whole school and community level.

First Aid: 

The TY students participated in a first aid course in January led by Martin Mulvey, a paramedic with the HSE. Our students learned vital lifesaving and emergency medical skills. Many thanks to Martin Mulvey for his time and expertise.  

Battle of the Wits TY Quiz:

The TY students were invited to take part in a school-based quiz that challenged their general knowledge. The winning team moved forward to represent Lanesboro Community College in the Battle of the Wits County Competition. The TY Battle of the Wits is a general knowledge quiz comprising of 10 rounds.

The topics include Literature, Politics, Music, Sport, Science, Current Affairs and general knowledge.

Well done to these students who performed very well on the night coming fourth in the competition.

TY Christmas Show

This year the TY students took us on a very entertaining journey with music, song, sketches, dance and more!

The show was a great success and massive congratulations to all those involved. The TY students spent many weeks preparing for the show, choreographing dance routines, coaching the younger students, practicing music, writing sketches, preparing props, costumes and painting the set.

Well done to all students, those on stage and those behind the scenes working on sound, lights, curtains, stagehands, etc.

Trip to Collins Barracks and Dundrum on Ice

On November 19th the TY students visited Collins’ Barracks Museum, a former military barracks which now houses the National Museum of Ireland Decorative Arts and History section. The focus of the museum is on arts, craft and wares, including exhibits on: Irish coins and currency, silverware, furniture, folk life and costumes, ceramics and glassware.

The TY students then enjoyed a great day in Dublin’s most spectacular ice rink, Dundrum on Ice. Our students took to the ice and demonstrated their skill! The crisp white, real ice rink was breath-taking, providing a truly magical ice-skating experience and just what was needed to bring the students into the Christmas spirit!

Lanesboro Fire Service

The students visited Lanesboro Fire Station on November 26th. They learned about the consequences of dangerous driving. They were given a demonstration on how the fire brigade rescues people from crashed cars. The students got to experience a simulation of drunk vision using goggles, and they got to use a VR headset that simulated a car crash.

We are very grateful to all the fire service personnel who gave of their time to our TY students.

Cycle Safety Programme in conjunction with Roscommon Sports Partnership:

Our TY students participated in a Cycle safety course offered by Roscommon Sports Partnership. This programme was developed by the Department in association with Cycling Ireland and the Road Safety Authority (RSA). Cycle Right is an inclusive programme.

Cycling is not only an inclusive form of physical activity but is also a sustainable mode of transport. Cycle Right training provides practical cycle safety and skills training to promote confident cyclists in various road environments.

The Cycle Right programme is co-ordinated and delivered at a local level by Roscommon Sports Partnership. Our TY students learned the essential safety and competency skills such as bike handling, correct use of helmets, bike safety checks and how to navigate in various road environments.

Garda Road Unit Talk:

On November 27th, the Roads Policing Unit of Longford Barracks visited the school to talk to our TY students. This talk proved to be a very impactful session covering real-life crash consequences, distractions (phones), speed, alcohol/drugs, seatbelts, vulnerable road use, and driver responsibility, using videos and personal stories to make them memorable and encourage safer behaviour as new drivers or passengers. 

Gaisce:

21 students in TY are completing their Bronze Gaisce Award under the guidance of their PAL Ms Prior. Students must undertake three challenge areas for 13 weeks and focus on their favourite area for a further 13 weeks under the areas of: Personal Skill, Physical Recreation and Community Involvement. Some examples of the challenges students are undertaking are coaching sports teams, planning and organising the TY show, gym, walking, running, baking, and learning a musical instrument. The TYs are now planning their Adventure Journey, which consists of an overnight stay and completing a walk, bike ride or hike aimed at building their leadership and team-work skills. We were delighted to have Mary Yore, our local development officer, visit our school in November to talk to the TYs about Gaisce.

Ericsson Ireland TY Work Experience Programme

This weeklong classroom-based programme includes a combination of programming, group work (using Agile methodology for software development) and introductions to a variety of technologies.

A limited number of places are awarded nationwide on the programme in Ericsson Services Campus, Dublin and Ericsson Software Campus, Athlone.

We are delighted to announce that one of our TY students, Conor Dennigan, was awarded a place and completed his placement in Athlone. Conor reported that this was a thoroughly enjoyable placement and a great work opportunity for anyone interested in technology.

Trip to European Parliament, Brussels:

Mr. Ciaran Mullooly, MEP, has most generously invited our TY students to visit the European Parliament in Brussels. There, our students will have the opportunity to learn about the work carried out in the world’s largest transnational parliament and its powers and role. The trip will be 3 days/ 2 nights long and will take place from April 20th-22nd. Watch this space!

As well as all these extra-curricular programmes the Transition Year students also continued with their subjects such as:

Business:

The class has completed a module on Marketing in Business and designed posters for the TY show. The Enterprise class has been working on a product or service they can produce and sell in the community and school. Lena Shaw from North Midlands Credit Union visited the class on December 8th to introduce the Financial Literacy Programme that all TYs will have an opportunity to complete during this year.

German:

In German we have been studying aspects of German history. We have learned about the formation of East and West Germany, life behind the iron curtain in socialist East Germany and the workings of the Stasi during the Cold War.

We have watched some films recommended by the Department, the Goethe Institute and the Irish Film Institute set during this period of German history.

Ballon tells the true story of two families attempting to escape from East Germany by making and flying a hot air balloon over the border.

Goodbye Lenin is a comedic look at life in Berlin before and after the Wall came down.

The Lives of Others is an Oscar winning political thriller which shows us the lengths and depths that the East German Government and the Stasi went to in order to keep tabs on their citizens.

We learned about Christmas traditions in Germany from Franz, our German TY exchange student, who presented a very informative powerpoint on Weihnachten in Deutschland!

Political Education:

This term Ms Prior's Politics class undertook a number of online workshops with the Oireachtas Education Officer Conor Reale where they learned about democracy, voting and the presidential system in Ireland. Conor's workshops gave the students an opportunity to voice their opinion, engage with the topics and ask Conor questions regarding our political system in Ireland. This was engaging for students with the context of this year's Presidential Election in Ireland.

Home Economics:

This year in the midst of all the activity of TY we made several culinary delights from savoury dishes to sweet desserts. This term 20 students, many of whom had not studied Home Economics before, took on the challenge of learning to weigh and measure and to judge doneness of a steak as well as use ovens, mixers and food processors. Every Tuesday students selected and prepared dishes they were interested in learning to make. They baked wholemeal scones, brownies, chocolate chip cupcakes as well as healthy smoothies and “Takeway my way” food such as burgers, chips, steaks, salad and Toblerone Cheesecake.

Some very creative Needle felting craftwork was carried out too! After a brief introduction to the craft of needle-felting, each student choose their favourite animal e.g. dogs, rabbits, puffer fish, Llamas, foxes, unicorns and a frog. Ms Fallon sourced the supplies and kits. Students were given coloured fleece (wool) a felting mat and mounted felting needles. The creative TY students took to the craft very quickly and soon understood how to needle-felt the wool to make a felt animal suitable for a key chain. After just 5 classes of prodding wool and manipulating fibres, students could see their “felt animal” emerge. This craft will be completed after the TY variety show. Watch this space!

Chinese
Students have explored key aspects of Chinese history, culture, and geography, including the major regions of China, traditional calligraphy, the Terracotta Warriors, the Silk Road, and the Great Wall.

Physics
In Physics, students have engaged in hands-on learning through the water rocket and egg drop projects, studied the Space Race, received an introduction to relativity, and learned the basics of nuclear science and electrical circuits.

Music:

PERIOD September to December 2025

SOFTWARE Soundtrap Digital Audio Workstation

METHODOLOGY Laptop and mobile phone

COURSE DETAILS Each student opens an account with Soundtrap with a username and password. This can be accessed from any digital devise anywhere, anytime to make music. Students are taught how to make multiple tracks of Rhythm, Melody and Harmony to produce their own creation in any style they like. They also learn to add various studio effects like REVERB, DISTORTION and COMPRESSION. 

ASSESSMENT Each student must produce and submit a named multitracked piece of music containing all of the above.

                                  The music should be at least 2 minutes duration.

French:

This term saw us examining “La Bande des Filles”, Girlhood, a French film about teenage French girls navigating life in a tough Parisien suburb. 

They have to deal with poverty, gangs and the scourge of drugs all the while trying to make a better life for themselves. 

After the TY concert, we moved on to the Oscar winning French movie La Vie en Rose” where we examined the music of Édith Piaf. 

We compared her music with that of Louane and Stromae , modern day French and Francophonie artists. 

We finished this week by listening and singing to French Christmas carols. 

Joyeux Noel tout le monde!  

English:

This term saw preparations for the school show in full swing. Acts within 402 included A “One Direction” Lip sync, A scene from the movie “Rocky”, “Only Fools and Horses”, and Billy Murphy singing with his hostages from “The Young Offenders.” 

This hard work paid off with family and friends travelling to see them on Thursday, December 4th.  

We then turned to Delia Owens`2018 novel and its 2022 film adaptation starring Daisy Edgar Jones. This murder mystery follows two timelines of Kya Clarke`s life who is suspected of murdering a local man in 1969. 

To finish the term, students took a look at festive advertising from the past and compared it to modern day advertising using the development of Artificial Intelligence.

We wish all our TY students and their families a Happy Christmas and look forward to a busy, productive and fun-filled New Year!