Resources suitable for TY SPHE

Schools are encouraged to design learning experiences in TY that meet the needs and interests of their students. Therefore, consulting with students is an important aspect of planning for SPHE.

Here are two possible ways to approach this:

Engaging student voice to support planning in TY SPHE (PDF)

Adopting a 10 step approach to curriculum negotiation (PDF)

Useful links

A 10 minute video showing young students engaged in a negotiated curriculum project  Active Learning in the Negotiated Integrated Curriculum Project on Vimeo

Our Voices Our Schools – a project to support student voice In the Classroom - Our Voices Our Schools

The micro-modules below are intended to support teachers in designing relevant learning experiences for their students. SPHE in TY does not have a prescribed curriculum. As with all TY micro-modules, these sample SPHE micro-modules are designed, within the parameters of the Transition Year Programme Statement, to enhance the educational experience of students. They can be delivered as standalone components or integrated with other TY components. TY micro-modules can be developed for a duration of up to 10, 20, or 30 hours. This flexibility enables schools develop SPHE modules of varying length that build on prior learning and respond to the needs of their students.

Who do you want to be?  A personal development micro-module for SPHE (PDF)

This module supports students’ personal development, self-worth and self-confidence by exploring their unique identities, characteristics, values and aspirations, thus encouraging them to be their best selves.

Communication skills for healthy relationships micro-module for SPHE

This module enables students to develop and practise the core communication skills needed to build and maintain healthy relationships within family, school, work and social settings.

Relationships and sexuality on screen: Micro module for SPHE

This module builds upon learning in Junior cycle SPHE and engagement in the full range of learning outcomes in Strand 3 (Relationships and Sexuality) of Junior Cycle SPHE will support students’ engagement in this micro-module. If your students have not fully engaged with foundational learning in Junior Cycle SPHE, related to RSE, then some pre-teaching may be required before moving into this micro-module. 

The following resources can support planning for learning and teaching in SPHE as part of a school’s Transition Year programme. This is neither a prescriptive or exhaustive list of possible resources.

Know the Score (HSE)

Know the Score support teachers to facilitate learning about drugs and alcohol with TY students know-the-score-substance-use-materials-for-senior-cycle-sphe-.pdf

Activating Social Empathy (Galway University)

Activating Social Empathy Programme (ASE) is a new micro-module for TY students. This resource aims to support teachers in promoting empathy-related skills and understanding among students.

More Than a Selfie programme (Bodywhys)

The lessons in this resource are designed to promote positive body image and self-esteem in young people, promote open discussion on body image and influences to body image and promote awareness and understanding of eating disorders and of the supports available for young people. Secondary Schools Resources — BodyWhys

BodyRight (Dublin Rape Crisis Centre)

BodyRight is a sexual violence prevention programme, that aims to support those working with young people. To find out more email [email protected]