The Transition Year (TY) programme is under threat from cutbacks, but the battle to protect it has just begun, writes PETER McGUIRE
FOURTH YEAR is in transition. Budget cuts are already having an impact on the length and breadth of projects and programmes on offer – and the cuts have only just begun.
But transition year, first introduced on a pilot basis in 1973, is not yet fighting for its survival. Anecdotal reports from teachers’ and principals’ unions suggest that, so far, no school has entirely dropped its programme.
At a regional meeting of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) on September 3rd, 20 school representatives from across counties Louth, Cavan and Monaghan expressed concern about the impact of cutbacks on the TY programme. On the same evening, a meeting of 20 ASTI member schools from Wexford and Waterford completed a questionnaire about TY funding.
“While none of our members have stopped offering the TY programme, one school did indicate that they may end it in 2010,” says ASTI General Secretary John White. “What is being curtailed is the richness of the TY experience. It’s suffering in three ways. Firstly, schools can no longer hire outside experts such as chefs or photographers to offer various modules. Secondly, the pupil-to-teacher ratio (PTR) has been raised, and with this hours have had to be cut somewhere. Inevitably this is having an impact on TY. Third, raising the PTR has meant that schools have to reduce the amount of school trips and excursions – traditionally a central feature of the TY experience.”
The TY grant, amounting to €100 per pupil, was slashed in the last budget. Over the past 10 years, the grant was instrumental in the growth and expansion of fourth-year programmes. The grant enabled schools to cross-subsidise a number of activities, such as team-building weekends, with funding often made available for pupils who might otherwise be unable to afford such excursions.
With school outings and excursions staring at a budgetary axe, popular programmes such as the Young Social Innovators project, music competition Blastbeat, and the Concern debates – all of which require participating schools to travel to regional or national finals – may be among the first to feel the squeeze.
Pupils who signed up to TY may find at least some of their expectations unfulfilled. Nonetheless, teachers have the same amount of class time to fill. Should they instruct the wonders of staring at the rain through the window, or are there realistic alternatives? Michael O’Leary, National TY Coordinator, says that the number of free programmes and projects are growing. “It doesn’t have to cost a large amount of money,” he says. “Road safety modules, Intel’s Log on and Learn project, and a CPR programme developed by the Irish Heart Foundation, are offered without a charge. Amnesty, Trócaire and Concern all have TY projects that have proven popular over the years.
“In addition, the GAA, IRFU, and FAI offer Gaelic football, rugby, and soccer coaching courses. We hope that other organisations will step into the breach to offer other free programmes.” Clive Byrne, Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NADP), is concerned that some students may be left behind. “To offer as good a TY programme as possible, some schools had a levy,” states Byrne. “Parents’ ability to pay may be affected by recession and unemployment.”
The greatest impact, however, is likely to be felt in immeasurable areas. “TY makes a big difference to both pupils and schools,” says Byrne. “You often can’t see the benefit until the pupil has gone on to Leaving Certificate and they are wiser and more mature. TY makes a huge long-term impact to the school in terms of pupil mindset and their identification and involvement with their school. It would be a shame if this suffered.”
