Primary to Secondary School Transition & Wellbeing Programme

1 week programme for the NEW JUNIOR CYCLE specifications

The Carlow Academy ‘’Primary to Secondary School Transition & Wellbeing Programme’’ 

This programme is aimed at 6^th class pupils going into 1^st year in 2021 BUT also to 1^st year students going into 2^nd year as means of 1^st year revision course (effectively a second chance to catch up on essential 1^st year material)

Subjects covered: Irish, Maths & Induction/Wellbeing/Study Skills

‘The Carlow Academy’ strives to cater for the individual needs of all pupils and to build the confidence of the pupil. Our small class sizes provide direct, continuous contact with caring and supportive teachers.

We aim to develop knowledge that will help alleviate the stress associated with moving from Primary to Secondary school and which will allow pupils to make more effective choices and to attain their maximum results once they enter secondary school.

Course Duration: Each programme will run from Monday August 9^th 2021 to Thursday August 12^th 2021 for the following times each day for the subjects listed below:

Irish	9.30am-11am
Maths	11.30am-1pm
Induction, Study Skills & Wellbeing	1.45pm-3.15pm

[4 hours 30 minutes each day, therefore, totalling 18 hours of tuition throughout the week ☺]

The Carlow Academy’s study centre is equipped with a canteen area for students to enjoy their breaks in a sociable setting by mixing with friends and making new ones. 

There will be a 30-minute break at 11am and a 45 minute break at 1pm. Students are encouraged to bring their own food and fruit/healthy snacks to keep them focused and there is a fresh water on site to fill up water bottles. 

Students must stay in the Academy for the full break and lunch time for health and safety reasons.

Cost: €200

The programme will commence on the dates shown.

Places are limited and filled on a first come first served basis, early booking is advisable. 

New Junior Cycle Gaeilge/Irish Introduction Programme (for current 6^th class pupils to prepare them for next year & for 1^st year students going into 2^nd year as revision)

This course is designed to introduce students to the requirements of the new Junior Cycle Irish course.

Topics from:

• Scileanna Labhartha
  Phrases to improve spoken skills, boosting confidence ahead of the Classroom Based Assessments.
• Léamhthuiscint
  Focus on the key question words and phrases, in addition to practicing Junior Cycle comprehensions.
• Gramadach
  Irish grammar forms an integral part of the course and there is particular emphasis put on verbs in all tenses.
• Cluastuiscint
  The listening exam. Students practice the skill of answering the listening section of the Junior Cycle.

Oral Work: The approach to Irish is gradually changing in Secondary School to reflect the future increase in marks which will be awarded to Oral work in the Leaving Certificate. Consequently, the programme places a strong emphasis on developing the pupil’s confidence and willingness to speak Irish by providing each pupil with every opportunity to speak the language in a fun way.

Vocabulary Building: The following themes are given as a guideline from the first year specification: Mise Mé Féin, Mo scoil nua (My new school), M’áit chónaithe (where I live), An Baile Mór (town), An Aimsir (the weather), na séasúir (the seasons) agus Féilte na Bliana (annual holidays), An Corp agus sláinte (health and the body), Spórt (sport), Caithimh Aimsire (past times).

In secondary school, there is a strong emphasis on grammar and writing skills. Therefore, we place a strong emphasis on these skills as part of our programme.

New Junior Cycle Maths Introduction Programme (for current 6^th class pupils to prepare them for next year & for 1^st year students going into 2^nd year as revision)

In this course students are encouraged to gain confidence in their problem solving and communication skills through a series of practical exercises and focused assignments.

Topics from:

• Number I
  Properties and Characteristics of numbers, the Number Line, Natural numbers, Integers, Factors, Squares, Prime Numbers.
• Number II
  Fractions & Decimals: Operations, Rounding, Order of operations (BIRDMAS).
• Probability
  Concepts of probability, sample spaces, two-way tables, word problems.
• Sets
  Elements in a set, set relationships, set operations, intersection & union, Venn diagrams, complement and universal set.
• Arithmetic
  Percentages, Fractions, Financial calculations, Calculations performed with and without a calculator.
• Algebra I
  Introduction to algebra, operations, simplifications, brackets, powers.

Please bring a natural display calculator & 1A4 manuscript notes copy

The cumulative nature of Maths means that it is very easy to fall behind the rest of the class. Confidence also affects a child’s ability and willingness to work through problems. Our teachers approach Maths positively, always making sure that the concepts are explained and understood before advancing to the next level especially for those who are serious about doing Higher Level maths for the new Junior Cycle course. Only when a solid foundation is in place can your child make real progress.

The above areas are of vital importance for 1st Year maths in secondary school. It has been proven that students who find maths difficult are students who lack the fundamental basics of this subject and as time goes on students can begin to dislike the subject. This course will help your son or daughter to start 1st year with mathematical confidence.

Induction, Study Skills & Wellbeing Modules (for current 6^th class pupils to prepare them for next year & for 1^st year students going into 2^nd year  to help them stat on the right foot for the year ahead)

Schedule for the Study Skills part of this class over the 4 days:

1. Importance of goal setting
2. Understanding long term and short term goals
3. Identify steps of goal achievement
4. Setting SMART goal
5. Set your own SMART goals
6. Create a visual of your SMART goals
7. What type of learner is each attendee and effective strategies explored for each type of learner
8. Timetable creation