The Transition Year pupils at St. Columba’s College have had an exciting and varied start to 2025, with a wealth of activities designed to inspire, educate, and challenge them. Among the highlights were trips to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre to enjoy Now That’s What I Call A Musical and a Geography-focused visit to the EPIC Museum and Irish Aid, where students explored Ireland’s emigration history and its role in global humanitarian efforts. Some TY pupils travelled to New York and South Africa over the half term break.
The term also featured numerous online learning opportunities, offering pupils valuable insights into potential career paths. These included webinars such as the National Rehabilitation Hospital Careers session, the Bar of Ireland’s Big Legal Q&A, and a module from the Law Society of Ireland. Students also explored property markets through a DNG Real Estate course and gained exposure to the medical field through programmes like RCSI MiniMed and UCD’s So You Want To Be A Doctor?. Some students had the opportunity to attend these distinguished courses in person, including Anna Hart and Charlie Clements at RCSI MiniMed, Daniel Passmore and Charlie Clements at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, and Ferdia Murray in the Look Into Law programme.
Inspiration came from a series of guest speakers who shared their unique experiences and perspectives. Singer-songwriter Saibh Skelly provided an engaging look into her musical career, while Arctic explorer Alex Hibbert captivated students with stories of his daring expeditions. Tony O’Reilly delivered a thought-provoking talk about gambling addiction and recovery, and Rajmohan Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, shared profound reflections on history, leadership, and values.
Practical skills were also a key focus this term, with pupils participating in hands-on workshops that combined creativity with skill-building. These included an Irish Drama Workshop, a Forensic Fun session that introduced students to crime scene investigation techniques, and a Sewing & Sustainability workshop that encouraged eco-consciousness while teaching valuable crafting skills. An Activity Day added further excitement, with pupils trying their hand at barista training, reptile handling, and practical DIY skills.
The term also included Work Experience Week 2, during which pupils immersed themselves in professional environments to gain firsthand insights into various careers. This invaluable experience allowed them to explore their interests while developing essential workplace skills.
The first few months of 2025 have been a vibrant period for Transition Year pupils at St. Columba’s College. Through cultural outings, academic enrichment opportunities, practical workshops, and inspiring talks, students have continued to expand their horizons and grow both personally and academically. With such an impressive start to the year, there is great anticipation for what lies ahead in this transformative programme.
