INFORMATION FOR PARENTS JUNIOR CYCLE   INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

OVERVIEW 1. Structure of the Junior Cycle 2. Subjects, Short Courses, Wellbeing & Other Areas of Learning 3. Assessment & Reporting 4. Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA)

What is the purpose of education in Junior Cycle? Help students become better learners and develop a love of learning Provide a solid foundation for further study To develop skills for learning and life To support learning through improved reporting to both students and parents

NEW FRAMEWORK Learning What a student will learn is described in: 24 statements of learning 8 key skills All of which are embedded into our Teaching and Learning

NEW FRAMEWORK CONSISTS OF: SUBJECTS SHORT COURSES LEVEL 2 LEARNING PROGRAMMES WELL BEING OTHER LEARNING EXPERIENCES

Phases for Introduction English Introduced to 1st years in 2014-2015, for Certification in Autumn 2017 Phase 2 Science & Business Studies Introduced to 1st years in 2016-2017, for Certification in Autumn 2019 Phase 3 Irish, Modern Languages & Art, Craft & Design Introduced to 1st years in 2017-2018, for Certification in Autumn 2020 Phase 4 Maths, Home Ec, History, music & Geography Introduced to 1st years in 2018-2019, for Certification in Autumn 2021 Phase 5 Technology Subjects, Religious Education, Jewish Studies & Classics Introduced to 1st years in 2019-2020, for Certification in Autumn 2022

What stays the same? Students experience a broad and balanced curriculum Standards and expectations remain high The Department of Education and Skills will monitor quality across all schools The State Examinations Commission will continue to be involved in assessment for certification

What is improving? A better and a more engaging learning experience for your child Updated subject specifications Quality reporting back to parents and students Assessment to support learning An emphasis on Key Skills and preparation for life A sound preparation for learning at Senior Cycle and beyond

Where K.C.S Students are now: 1st Years: English, Science, Business, Irish, Modern Foreign Languages & Art 2nd Years: English, Science, Business 3rd Years: English

Your child in Second-year SUBJECTS English Modern Language Art Science Business Irish Well Being

SHORT COURSES ON OFFER IN K.C.S CODING DIGITAL MEDIA LITERACY KCS IS ONE OF 20 POST-PRIMARY SCHOOLS SELECTED TO TRIAL THE FRAMEWORK

WELLBEING Wellbeing programme has to be developed – will be rolled out over time ASPECTS OF WELLBEING: Culture – School atmosphere, ethos, pastoral care Curriculum – P.E, S.P.H.E, C.S.P.E, religion Relationships – with peers and teachers Policies and Planning

A changing culture of Assessment Greater variety of assessment activity - “fit for purpose” and relevant to students Teachers talking to teachers about assessment Building capacity, knowledge and confidence in assessment, in schools

Your child will be involved in Reviewing feedback and identifying what they have done well Identifying what to do next Setting and achieving personal goals Redrafting and correcting their own work Giving feedback to others Considering examples of good work and identifying how they can improve on their own work

DUAL APPROACH TO ASSESSMENT Exams will be set, held and marked by the State Examinations Commission in June of third year. English, Irish and Maths specified at Higher and Ordinary levels All other subjects specified at a Common Level Duration of 2 hours or less

CLASSROOM BASED ASSESSSMENTS Ongoing assessment that supports student learning 2ND Year – April/May 3rd Year - December

Ensuring Quality Schools will organise “Subject Learning and Assessment Review” meetings Teachers will compare their assessment of students’ work and ensure a common approach across the school CPD has been provided for teachers to ensure that the Classroom-Based Assessments align to a national standard 

JCPA – JUNIOR CYCLE PROFILE OF ACHIEVEMENT STATE EXAMINATION RESULTS SHORT COURSES CLASSROOM BASED ASSESSMENTS OTHER AREAS OF LEARNING

JCPA TEMPLATE

CLASSROMM BASED ASSESSMENTS STATE EXAMINATIONS CLASSROMM BASED ASSESSMENTS DISTINCTION HIGHER MERIT MERIT ACHIEVED PARTIALLY ACHIEVED NOT GRADED EXCEPTIONAL ABOVE EXPECTATIONS IN LINE WITH EXPECTATIONS YET TO MEET EXPECTATIONS NOT REPORTED

FURTHER SUPPORT AND INFORMATION JCT.IE CURRICULUM.IE @JuniorCycleKCS