The Transition Year Programme in Ireland. Embracing and resisting a curriculum innovation

The Transition Year (TY) Programme is an optional, one-year, stand-alone, full-time programme offered in 75% of second-level schools in the Republic of Ireland. Aimed at those in the 15-16 age group, TY has a strong focus on personal and social development and on education for active citizenship.The implementation of TY in schools is seen as a case study in curriculum innovation. Evidence from the programme’s history and development, from studies of attitudes to TY in six schools and among policy shapers suggests ambiguous views among stakeholders towards the programme. Enthusiasm for aspects of the innovation is accompanied by resistance to its more challenging features. Schools’ responses to the programme is examined from a range of perspectives