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ARE YOU A STUDENT STARTING TRANSITION YEAR ?
We asked Ireland ’ s teachers to send us their tips for TY students and we received some sound advice . We distilled their advice into 5 points in the hope that they will help you prepare for this exciting and unique experience .
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YOU GET OUT WHAT YOU PUT IN
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This simple tip features most frequently in all the teachers ’ advice . Challenge yourself and give TY 100 % commitment ; you will be amazed to find out what you ’ re capable of . If you approach the year like a dossyear , you will have a doss- year .
Stay positive and enthusiastic , and you will get the most out of TY . And remember that TY is not only about having fun . There will be times in the year when you have to graft and knuckle down to get work done . And the rewards will be there if you do !
But first , you have to put in , which leads us to …..
BE PRO-ACTIVE
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Transition Year starts now !! Not in September , not when you ’ re given an instruction by the teacher , NOW !! DO NOT WAIT to be asked to get involved in projects or activities . Seek them out . Put your hand up . Put your name down . Put yourself forward for every opportunity that sounds interesting , this is critical .
Ask yourself what it is that stops you from trying out things you might enjoy ? Shyness ? Fear of failure or ridicule ? Lack of confidence ? You might be surprised to learn that most people your age have similar fear . The trick is not to let your fears stand between you and the experience of your life .
VOLUNTEER
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Volunteering is great for your community , your club or your group . It allows you to give of yourself to others . But volunteering is not only about giving , because you get a lot in return . Volunteering builds confidence , develops communication skills and helps build your network .
PLAN
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Start early , things take longer than you think . Develop clear goals as early in the year as possible ( during the holidays if possible ), and do not allow
TY UPDATE MAY 2017 yourself to drift from these goals .
Keep a journal or a year planner and write all project deadlines and other critical dates in your journal as soon as you get them . Keep your planner visible . ( You can download and print our free year planner )
STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
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Don ‘ t pick modules or activities just because your friends are picking them , or because they ’ re easy . Be independent , pick the ones that you think you will enjoy ; ones that will challenge you or that might lead you in new directions . Be open to trying new experiences . Don ’ t just do the easy work experience in the local shop or restaurant , put some effort into finding something you are interested in . Use the year to develop a new skill such as a software or communication skills .
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Oh and , lets not forget that one last crucial tip ; Enjoy the year !!