First transition year programme at Oldcastle school proving successful

The first transition year programme at St Oliver Post-Primary School in Oldcastle began this year with 19 students participating. It is a highly structured one-year programme aimed at developing a more mature student with a wide range of transferable skills. Transition Year allows students to partake in a range of subjects and activities that will enhance their personal development while maintaining a very academic tone. Students in Oldcastle began with an induction day at the Lilliput Adventure Centre, where the emphasis was on team-building and the development of class spirit. This day sowed some of the seeds for a most successful and enjoyable year. Students are taking classes in the core subjects of Irish, English, Maths, French, Science, Religion and Physical Education. The area of business is kept very much alive for them as they take Business Studies and take part in mini company competitions. Art, Home Economics and IT are an integral part of the year, enhancing their artistic, culinary and technical capabilities while the more practical areas of Engineering, Environmental and Social Studies and Horticulture leave no end to the challenges and opportunities for all concerned. Students approach each subject area in a very dynamic way and are truly enjoying the classes on offer to them. To further the list of opportunities, every student will receive certificates for completing a number of exciting courses, which include ECDL, First Aid, Swimming, Driver Education, Safe Food for Life and Public Access to Law. The ECDL is a computer qualification recognised all over Europe and students will benefit greatly from having it, especially at third level and in their future careers. Participation in An Gaisce also further adds to the challenges for the students. Guest speakers and trips are quickly filling up the TY calendar. An experience of the workplace is fundamental to the year and students can look forward to two blocks of work placements over the course of the year where they can get experience in a variety of jobs and situations while also further developing their social skills. Meanwhile, the school's senior debating team faced strong opposition from Boyne Community School in Concern's National Debating Competition in Trim recently. The motion before the house was 'Rising unemployment at home is too high a price to pay for aid to the developing world'. Following a heated debate, the adjudicators unanimously voted St Oliver's as winners. The team of John Coyle, Aoife McGuinness, Emma Higgins and Sarah Browne will now face Largy College, Clones, in the next round in January. This year's 'Stars in Your Eyes' competition treated the audience to a wonderful night's entertainment with 10 acts taking part.  The show requires students to become their favourite singers on stage and the acts included impressions of artistes from Jason Moraz to Luane Parle to The Coronas.  The musical talent of the school's students was obvious on the night and winning act was 'I'm Yours' by Jason Moraz, performed by Aine Finlay and Emma Higgins, accompanied by John Coyle and Stephen Browne.  Second place went to Samantha Smith, singing 'Ghost' by Luane Parle. Both of these acts will now progress to the Leinster final, which will take place in The Helix Theatre in March.