Mr. Paul Crone:

The NCCA is doing a consultation on transition year. We have made a submission to the study and our submission is very closely aligned to what the Chairman has said. There are three types of subjects in transition year: the core subjects; the taster subjects which the Chairman has mentioned, and students are given the opportunity to do all of the leaving certificate subjects; and the transition year-specific subjects, which are not linked to the curriculum. A large number of students find their passion in transition year. Perhaps they take up construction studies, having not studied woodwork, and realise they are really good at it, like it and enjoy it. The same applies to subjects such as engineering, graphics, art or whatever. Our vision for transition year must allow exploration to happen. If we do not provide that opportunity in transition year, we have missed a trick. That opportunity must be core to our vision for transition year.