Transition Year (TY) – Enrolment and Opt-Out Process
Transition Year is a core and valued part of the educational experience in Loreto College Cavan. It provides students with a structured and supportive bridge between Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle, with a strong focus on personal development, academic maturity, career exploration and experiential learning.
In Loreto College Cavan, Transition Year is the normal and expected pathway for students progressing from Third Year.
TY Opt Out Policy
Automatic Enrolment
All students who successfully complete Third Year are automatically enrolled in Transition Year for the following academic year, subject to:
- Department of Education staffing allocations
• School capacity
• Board of Management approval of overall numbers
Participation in TY is strongly encouraged for the vast majority of students.
Opting Out of Transition Year
While Transition Year is not compulsory, parents or guardians who believe that TY is not the most appropriate pathway for their daughter must formally request to opt out.
To do so:
- Complete the online Transition Year Opt-Out Request Form
• Submit the form before the stated deadline
• Attend a consultation meeting with school management and relevant staff
The consultation meeting will consider the educational, pastoral and curricular implications of progressing directly to Fifth Year.
Requests received after the stated deadline will not be considered.
Suitability and Student Support
In a small number of cases, the school may recommend that Transition Year is not the most appropriate pathway for a student. This decision is made following careful consultation and review of factors such as:
- Attendance
• Behaviour
• Engagement with learning
• Identified additional needs
• Professional recommendations from teaching staff
Our aim is always to ensure that each student is placed on the pathway most likely to support her overall development.
Important Information
Students who accept a place in Transition Year and later withdraw from the programme may be placed at the end of waiting lists for oversubscribed Fifth Year subject options.
Any serious breach of the school’s Code of Behaviour prior to the commencement of Transition Year may result in withdrawal of a place in the programme.
Appeals
Parents or guardians who believe that this policy has not been applied fairly or consistently may appeal in writing to the Board of Management. The decision of the Board of Management is final.