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Transition Year Selection Process

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019

Tuesday, 23 July 2019

Questions (353)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

353. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Skills if schools can choose to make transition year compulsory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31643/19]

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Written answers

The management authority of each school carries responsibility for making decisions regarding the Transition Year Programme in that school. In some schools, the programme is compulsory for all students.

In those that offer Transition Year as an option, circumstances may arise where it is necessary to limit the number of students who can avail of it.

It is the board of management of each individual school that decides the number of places available to students on programmes such as Transition Year. In cases where restrictions apply, schools should have clear procedures regarding how places are allocated to students. 

Overall, this Department is in favour of leaving the decision on what is offered at the discretion of the school.

The latest confirmed statistics for students participating in Transition Year, in 2018/19, are 45,915 pupils in 670 schools. This means over two thirds of all students, as a percentage of the previous third years, participate in Transition Year in approximately 92.8% of schools.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is currently carrying out a review of Senior Cycle. The Transition Year programme is being considered as part of this review.

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