Gap-year takers gain confidence

THES reporters on the British Psychological Society's annual conference held in Brighton this week

IRISH teenagers who take a year out of studies are more self-confident when they return to the classroom than other students, new research suggests. Most Irish students are offered the chance of taking a transition year at the age of 14 or 15. Emphasis is placed on non-academic activities such as physical education, personal development and careers, with work experience.

Susan Gallagher, at University College, Dublin, says her research suggests students who take the year out gain in academic self-confidence and claim to be more enthusiastic and focused when they return.