Austin Currie
Question:574 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education and Science the discretion allowed to schools in relation to a transition year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7580/02]
Written Answers. - Transition Year Programme.
A three year senior cycle was introduced as an option for second level schools from September 1994. The programmes now available at senior cycle include a one year transition year programme and a two year leaving certificate programme with three orientations, the established leaving certificate, the leaving certificate applied and the leaving certificate vocational programme. It is for the authorities of individual schools to decide whether to offer the transition year programme. In making this choice a school may decide to offer the programme to all of its fourth year cohort or to some of those students.
The curriculum content of the transition year is a matter for selection and adaptation by the individual school having regard to guidelines issued by my Department. Transition year programmes are offered at present in 499 schools to some 23,000 students. A further 12 schools have indicated their intention to introduce the programme for the first time in the next school year, 2002-03.