Please click the tiles below for curriculum information for each course.
If you have any questions which are not addressed in these sections, please contact us at info@hfcs.ie
Transition Year (TY)
A dynamic and enriching programme that empowers students to grow personally, academically, socially, and vocationally. Rooted in the four Student Dimensions of the Transition Year Programme Statement —Personal Growth, Being a Learner, Civic & Community Engagement, and Career Exploration—our programme offers a wide range of subjects, modules, workshops, trips, and student-led initiatives designed to develop the whole person.
Personal Growth
TY in HFCS places strong emphasis on wellbeing, confidence-building, and self‑awareness. Through modules such as Personal Development, Restorative Practice, SPHE, and wellbeing initiatives like Yoga & Mindfulness, Wellbeing Week, and Amber Flag activities, students gain insights into their identity, emotional wellbeing, and relationships.
Outdoor and experiential trips, along with various workshops, help students build resilience, teamwork, and independence. Daily school life encourages students to take increasing ownership of their behaviours, choices, and learning, fully in line with the Personal Growth dimension.
Being a Learner
Students experience a broad curriculum featuring core subjects, rotation-based modules, and diverse option subjects such as Culinary Arts, Craft & Design, Coding, Art, Engineering, Classical Studies, Development Education, and more.
Project-based learning is central to TY in HFCS. Students create digital portfolios using OneNote, engage with Office 365, complete subject-based projects, and participate in in-school workshops that deepen engagement with learning.
Our structured rotation timetable—featuring 4‑way and 5‑way subject cycles—encourages students to explore new areas, discover learning strategies that work for them, and develop the independence and organisation expected at Senior Cycle.
Civic & Community Engagement
Across the year, students get involved in meaningful community-focused initiatives. HFCS TY students participate in:
• Localise community projects
• Development Education initiatives
• Charity events
• Stand-Up Week, Culture Week, and Wellbeing Week
• Green Schools / Green Flag initiatives
• Ciorcal Comhrá, promoting cultural participation
• Leadership opportunities such as Future Leaders, Student Council, and School Musical
These activities help students become active and ethical members of their community, building empathy, responsibility, and leadership—values at the heart of the Civic & Community Engagement dimension.
Career Exploration
Career development is a major focus of the HFCS TY Programme. Students undertake four weeks of work experience across the year, supported by:
• Career talks and guest speakers
• In-school workshops connected to future pathways
• Structured work experience diaries and employer feedback
• Exposure to micro‑modules such as Barista Training, First Aid, and Personal Safety
These opportunities allow students to explore multiple future pathways, develop workplace readiness, and gain confidence in making informed decisions about Senior Cycle subjects and future careers.
Assessment & Reflection
• Assessment in TY is continuous and varied, including:
• Project work, presentations, and digital portfolios
• Practical assessments
• Reflection activities and journals
• End‑of‑module reporting through VSware
• Interviews and portfolio reviews at the end of the year
This balanced approach ensures students celebrate progress, reflect on their learning, and set meaningful goals for Senior Cycle.
A Year of Rich Experiences
Throughout the year, students also enjoy:
• Trips and excursions
• Drama Club and School Musical
• Sports, Fitness & Nutrition workshops, and PE rotational modules
• Technology integration through digital learning platforms
• Co-curricular clubs including Games Club, Library, Badminton, and more
These experiences make TY at HFCS a vibrant and memorable year, while supporting every dimension of student development.
A Transformative Year
Transition Year at Holy Family Community School is a bridge to Senior Cycle and beyond. It is designed to nurture curiosity, independence, wellbeing, community spirit, and future readiness. Through a rich combination of structured learning, hands‑on experiences, and personal exploration, TY students develop the confidence, skills, and sense of purpose they need to thrive.
