Transition Year Programme
Work Experience & Career Guidance
Real-World Placement Blocks
Preparing Students for the World of WorkWork experience is a fundamental component of the Transition Year programme at Davitt College. Students undertake two separate block placements during the academic year, allowing them to explore potential career paths, develop professional communication skills, and gain invaluable practical workplace experience.
Employer & Parent Resources
Davitt College provides full Department of Education insurance cover for all registered TY work experience placements.
Big Brother / Big Sister Mentoring
Supporting First Years Through Student Mentorship
Coordinated by Ms. Avril Dempsey & Mr. Dave NevinIntroduced at Davitt College in 2004, the Big Brother / Big Sister Mentoring Programme is an integral part of our school's pastoral care structure and Transition Year curriculum. Designed to assist First Year students with the transition from primary to post-primary education, the initiative matches each Transition Year mentor ("Big Brother / Big Sister") with a First Year mentee ("Little Brother / Little Sister") based on shared hobbies and personal interests.
Foróige Mentor Training
Official training sessions are delivered by Foróige personnel. Mentors learn key leadership and listening responsibilities, while mentees learn how to actively engage with peer guidance.
Weekly Lunchtime Activities
Mentors and mentees gather weekly between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to share lunch, play board games, participate in sports, enjoy music, and collaborate on shared school projects.
A Win-Win for Both Year Groups
Reduces post-primary anxiety, provides an immediate friendly face in senior cycles, and ensures every student feels supported from day one.
Develops vital communication skills, active empathy, and social competency—key learning outcomes of the Davitt College Transition Year experience.
Assessment & Graduation Portfolio
Continuous Module Credits
Students earn credits across all academic sampling subjects, practical workshops, and module assignments throughout the year. Attendance, active engagement, and coursework completion form the core of the continuous credit framework.
Academic CreditsDigital Portfolio of Achievement
Every TY student builds a comprehensive digital portfolio documenting their personal journey, creative projects, work placement reflections, certification badges, and community participation over the course of the academic year.
Self-Directed LearningInterview & Graduation Night
The year culminates in a formal end-of-year interview where students present their portfolios to teaching staff, followed by the annual TY Graduation Awards Night celebrating overall distinction, merit, and personal achievement.
Annual CertificationGaisce & Certified Life Skills
Gaisce Bronze Award Journey
Davitt College TY students are encouraged to undertake the Bronze Gaisce Award—Ireland's highest national youth award. Students set personal goals across four core areas, developing self-reliance and community spirit.
Certified External Workshops
Throughout the year, students complete a series of accredited short courses that provide practical, real-world qualifications for future employment and daily life.
