The Transition Year Programme in St. Mary’s is designed to be interdisciplinary and Student-centred, providing Students with the opportunity to expand their educational experience in a non-examination environment for one year before going to study an established Leaving Certificate Programme.
The Established Leaving Certificate Programme in St. Mary’s comprises subjects which are taken at Foundation level (Bonnleibhéal), Ordinary level (Gnáthleibhéal) or Higher level (Ardleibhéal). In St. Mary’s, in line with the guidelines of the Department of Education and Science, this programme offers Students a range of subject options, which includes Gaeilge, English, Mathematics, French, German, Spanish, History, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Home Economics, Accounting, Business, Economics, Religious Education, Art and Music. The examination is held at the end of the Senior Cycle. The examination incorporates written tests in all subjects. In addition, there are oral and aural tests in the subjects of Gaeilge, French, Spanish and German. There are practical examinations in Art and Music. There is Practical Course Work in History and Geography. The new examination in Home Economics includes an element of assessed course work and also a Textile option.
The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (L.C.V.P.) is designed to enhance the vocational dimension of the Established Leaving Certificate. In St. Mary’s, in line with the guidelines of the Department of Education and Science, this programme requires that Students study at least five Leaving Certificate subjects and they must study two Links Modules – Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education. Students also study a recognised course in a Modern European Language other than Irish or English. The primary goal of the L.C.V.P. is to prepare the students for adult life by ensuring that they are educated in the broadest sense with an ability to cope in an environment of change. Assessment is in the same manner as the Leaving Certificate Examinations. For the Links Module, students are assessed by Written Examination and by Portfolio of Coursework. L.C.V.P. students receive the same certificate as other Leaving Certificate Students but their Certificate includes an additional statement of the results of the Links Modules.
