TY Curriculum Cross Curricular Work

 

Cross Curricular Element of Transition Year  

 

Transition Year Guidelines 1994, Department of Education:

“To create that unified perspective that is often lacking in traditional compartmentalised teaching of individual subjects”

 

“To make education more relevant to everyday life by helping students make links between subjects”

 

“To avoid fragmentation of a programme”

 

“In planning and reviewing programmes more attention should be given by schools to an interdisciplinary, cross-curricular approach to teaching and learning. This is perhaps the aspect of Transition Year which requires greatest development”

Recommendation 2.2, Department of Education Inspectorate Evaluation of Transition Year 1994-1995

 

Other References

 

  • European Commission “ Memorandum on Lifelong Learning”

 

  • Stockholm Summit March 2001

 

  • European Conference on Cross-Curricular Competencies Oct.2001.

 

Some Definitions:

Interdisciplinary: Links are forged between two or more discreet subjects which allow teachers to collaborate on a common theme whilst still maintaining the integrity of each subject. This model is also referred to as multidisciplinary when it involves a number of subjects’ e.g. My Dream Home.

 

Cross-curricular: This model is also interdisciplinary in nature, but from its genesis is centred more on a generic theme /issue rather than on individual subjects e.g. Water, The Family, Development Education, Bogs, Europe etc. This model requires careful planning and co-ordination.

 

Cross Curricular Competencies 

 

Cross curricular themes such as openness, tolerance, comprehension, resourcefulness and creativity

 

“A greater effort should be made throughout the entire Transition Year programme in schools to effect a more cohesive overall programme. This could be achieved by placing a greater emphasis on cross-curricular themes and projects…”

Inspector’s Evaluation 1995

 

Cross Curricular links through Methodology

 

Cross curricular links through a theme/topic

 

Cross curricular links through an event

 

Other TY Cross-curricular programmes:

  • My Dream Home
  • European Studies/In Search of Europe
  • Tourism Awareness Programme
  • Energy Conservation and the Environment
  • Family Awareness Module
  • Development Education Module
  • Mini-Company Programme
  • Shaping Space
  • Project Forest

 

Benefits for Teachers Benefits for Students
  • Creates a more unified perspective.
  • Promotes professional co-operation and discourse.
  • Clarification of Teaching and Learning objectives.
  • Goes beyond the constraints of subject focus.
  • Contributes to a more collaborative environment.
  • Develops mixed ability teaching strategies.
  • Facilitates Portfolio development /assessment.
  • Is very enjoyable.

 

 

  • More unified perspective on certain topics.
  • Establishes connections between subjects.
  • Initiates transferable thinking skills.
  • Promotes collaborative learning practices.
  • Fosters co-operation rather than competition.
  • Allows for the exploration of wide range of issues.
  • Facilitates active Teaching and Learning.
  • Accommodates different levels of ability.
  • Working as a team
  • Very enjoyable.