Dear Parents/Guardians of Transition Year Students,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome your daughter to this year’s Transition Year Programme at the Presentation Secondary School, Clonmel. Transition Year offers a unique opportunity for students to step back from the traditional exam-focused curriculum and instead explore, grow and develop as independent, confident learners.
I am particularly excited about the year ahead as we begin to implement the changes set out in the new Transition Year Programme Statement(NCCA, 2024), which takes effect from September 2025. These changes offer a refreshed and future-focused vision for TY, centred around key student dimensions such as personal growth, civic and community engagement, being a learner, and career exploration.
Our team is already embracing this opportunity to shape an even more meaningful and inclusive experience for all students. The TY programme in the Pres is both dynamic and diverse, offering students the chance to build on existing skills, discover new interests, and take ownership of their learning journey. We expect and encourage full engagement —attendance, punctuality, and active participation are essential. As ever, the more a student invests in the programme, the more she will gain from it.
Work experience plays a vital role in helping students explore potential career paths. Each student will be expected to source her own placements, and we urge you to support her in reaching out, making contacts, and embracing the networking opportunities this process provides.
Please note the following key dates for the2025–2026 TY academic year:·
Return Date for Incoming TY Students: Thursday, 28th August 2025·
Ballymac Hike: Wednesday, 24th and Thursday, 25th September 2025·
Work Experience Block One: Monday, 24th November – Friday, 5th December 2025·
Work Experience Block Two: Monday, 20th April – Friday, 1st May 2026
I look forward to working with your daughter this year as she embarks on this exciting chapter. If you have ideas, skills, or suggestions that could enhance our programme, I would be delighted to hear from you at mary.odwyer@presclonmel.com. For more information on the programme and a look at upcoming events, please click on the TY PowerPoint available on our website.
Warm regards,
Mary O’ Dwyer
Programmes Co-ordinator