Edmund Rice Secondary School
Carrick-on-Suir
Transition Year - a snap shot
Transition Year at ERSS provides students with opportunities to develop new skills, explore career pathways, and learn through a wide range of experiences including work experience, trips, workshops, enterprise activities, sport, community projects, and leadership opportunities.
The articles below showcase some of the highlights, achievements, and experiences enjoyed by our Transition Year students throughout the year, offering a glimpse into the many opportunities that make TY at ERSS such a rewarding experience.
Work Experience & Career Exploration
TY Work Experience
Students completed weekly work placements throughout the year, gaining valuable experience across a range of industries and career sectors.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-work-experience
TY Tusla Programme
Students explored careers in social care, family support and public services through engagement with Tusla professionals.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-tusla-programme
TY Barbering Crash Course
A practical vocational skills workshop introducing students to barbering techniques and customer service skills.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-barbering-crash-course
TY Barista Course
Students completed professional barista training while developing customer service and workplace skills.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-barista-course
TY Mini Med
Students explored careers in medicine and physiotherapy through the RCSI Mini Med and Mini Physio programmes.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-mini-med-1
TY Manual Handling
Students completed certified manual handling training, preparing them for work experience placements and future employment.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-manual-handling
Careers Fair
TY students met representatives from colleges, training providers and employers while exploring future pathways.
https://www.erss.ie/post/careers-fair-2024-at-erss
SETU School Summit
Students attended workshops exploring careers in healthcare, tourism, apprenticeships, education and public service.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-setu-school-summit
Tipperary FET
Students explored further education and training opportunities available after school.
https://www.erss.ie/post/tipperary-fet
Leadership, Citizenship & Personal Development
TY Ambassador Programme
Students participated in the European Ambassador Schools Programme, learning about European citizenship and democracy.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-ambassador-programme
TY EPAS Information Point
Students created a digital information point promoting awareness of the European Parliament Ambassador School Programme.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-epas-info-point
MUN Week 2025
Students represented countries, debated global issues and developed leadership and communication skills.
https://www.erss.ie/post/mun-week-2025
TY Law Ed Programme
Students took part in legal education workshops and mock trial activities.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-law-ed
TY Youth Fire Service Programme
Students learned fire safety, leadership, emergency response skills and explored careers in the fire service.
https://www.erss.ie/post/the-transition-year-youth-fire-service-programme
TY Student Profile – Fionn
A reflection on the opportunities, personal development and experiences gained through Transition Year.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-student-profile-fionn
TY Religion
Students researched and presented projects on world religions to younger students.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-religion
TY Talk from Jigsaw
Students learned about youth wellbeing, mental health supports and resilience.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-talk-from-jigsaw
Internet Safety Talk
TY students participated in workshops on online safety and responsible digital citizenship.
https://www.erss.ie/post/internet-safety-talk-1
Lourdes Pilgrimage 2026
TY students were selected to represent the school as youth helpers on the annual Lourdes pilgrimage.
https://www.erss.ie/post/lourdes-pilgrimage-2026
Outdoor Education & Gaisce
TY Gaisce
Students began their Bronze Gaisce Award journey, focusing on personal development, community involvement and physical recreation.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-gaisce
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-gaisce-adventure-1
TY Ardmore Trip
Educational field trip combining outdoor learning, team building and local heritage exploration.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-adrmore-trip
TY Dunmore East Trip
Students participated in adventure and team-building activities at Dunmore Adventure Centre.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-dunmore-east-trip-2025
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-dumore-adventure-centre
TY Blueway Cycle
Students completed a cycling trip along the Blueway, promoting fitness, wellbeing and teamwork.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-blueway-cycle
TY Activity Day 2023
Students enjoyed a final-year activity day at Emerald Park, including a sustainability and business tour.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-activity-day-2023
Science, Technology & Innovation
TY Science
Students developed practical STEM skills through electronics and scientific investigations.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-science-3
TY Science Investigation
Students designed and carried out scientific experiments examining rates of absorption and scientific methodology.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-science-1
TY Pollution Study
Environmental monitoring project linked with Globe and NASA programmes, examining local air quality.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-pollution-study
TY Maths
TY students worked with First Year students through peer mentoring and collaborative learning.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-maths
Arts, Creativity & Culture
TY Music & Craft
A popular TY activity that combines traditional Irish culture, music and craftsmanship. Students learn how to make and decorate their own bodhráns while also gaining an appreciation of Ireland's rich musical heritage. The workshop encourages creativity, practical skills and cultural awareness, and has become a memorable feature of Transition Year.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-bodhrán-making-workshop
https://www.erss.ie/post/t-y-bodhrán-making
TY Comedy Workshop
Students developed confidence and communication skills through comedy and performance workshops with Bernard Casey.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-comedy-workshop
TY Halloween Pumpkins
Creative design and craft project celebrating Halloween through pumpkin carving.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-halloween-pumpkins
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-pumpkin-carving-2
TY Cookery
Students developed practical cookery and nutrition skills through hands-on learning experiences.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-cookery-2
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-cookery-4
TY Horticulture
Students explored horticulture and sustainability through practical gardening and wreath-making activities.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-horticulture-2
Waterford SETU Try Music
Students experienced university-level music performance and workshops at SETU.
https://www.erss.ie/post/waterford-setu-try-music
TY Communications
Students developed podcasting, presentation and communication skills through media projects.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-communications
TY History
Students explored local heritage through a historical walking tour of Carrick-on-Suir.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-history
Sport, Health & Wellbeing
TY Hurling Development
Students participated in coaching and skills development sessions with SWAN Hurling Club.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-hurling-development
TY CPR & First Aid Training
Students gained potentially life-saving first aid and CPR skills through certified training.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-cpr-first-aid-training
TY Ice Skating Trip
Students enjoyed a Winterval trip to Waterford including ice skating and social activities.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-ice-skating-2
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-ice-skating
TY Mental Health Workshop
Students participated in workshops focused on positive mental health and wellbeing.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-mental-health-workshop
TY PE
Students engaged in a variety of physical activities promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-pe
Soccer Coaching TY
TY students coached local primary school pupils, developing leadership and communication skills.
https://www.erss.ie/post/soccer-coachimg-ty
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-soccer-coaching-2
TY Soccer Charity Blitz
Students organised and participated in a charity soccer blitz supporting the Irish Cancer Society.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-soccer-charity-blitz
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-charity-blitz-2025
TY Charity Soccer Blitz for Pieta House
Students organised a charity soccer event raising funds and awareness for Pieta House.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-charity-soccer-blitz-for-pieta-house
Enterprise & Entrepreneurship
Graduate.ie Winner – Fionn Power
Recognition of a TY student's success and achievements through Graduate.ie.
TY Mini Company
Students developed business ideas, marketing skills and entrepreneurial thinking through the Student Enterprise Programme.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-mini-company-3
TY Enterprise Programme
Students established mini-companies and explored entrepreneurship through the Student Enterprise Programme.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-enterprise-program
TY Competition
Students showcased creativity and design skills through a festive TY competition.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-competition
Chef Challenge
Students were encouraged to participate in the SETU Next Gen Chef competition.
https://www.erss.ie/post/chef-challenge-ty-5th-6th-years
Young Social Innovators
Students developed projects addressing environmental and social issues in their community.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-young-social-innovators
TY YSI Workshop
Students participated in Young Social Innovators workshops linked to sustainability and Green Schools initiatives.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-ysi-workshop
Educational Trips & International Travel
Ormond Castle TY Tour
Students explored local history and heritage through a guided visit to Ormond Castle.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ormond-castle-ty-tour
TY Trip to Lake Garda, Italy
International educational tour including visits to Venice, Verona and Gardaland, promoting cultural awareness and independence.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-trip-to-lake-garda-italy-2026
TY Barcelona
Students visited Barcelona, experiencing Spanish culture, history and famous landmarks.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-barcelona-2024
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-barcelona
TY Ploughing Championships
Students attended the National Ploughing Championships and explored agriculture, innovation and rural enterprise.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-ploughing-championships
https://www.erss.ie/post/ploughing-2025
Celebrating Achievement
TY Graduation 2026
A celebration of student achievements throughout the year including Gaisce, work experience, leadership programmes, enterprise activities and international travel experiences.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-graduation-2026
TY Graduation 2025
Recognition of student achievement, participation and personal development throughout Transition Year.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-graduation-2025
TY Graduation 2024
Celebrating the achievements, experiences and growth of the TY Class of 2024.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-graduation-2024
TY Graduation 2023
Recognition of student achievement and participation throughout the Transition Year programme.
https://www.erss.ie/post/ty-graduation-2023
