0 Preparing for the Junior Cycle School Award

Aim of this workshop To gain clarity regarding changes to junior cycle To consider how our school can get started in planning and implementing the change 1

Presentation slides Why change? What’s different about junior cycle? What do you see as the opportunities and challenges for our school? How can we get started? 2

Why change? ESRI research - evidence base for junior cycle review 1 st year, 2 nd year, 3 rd year nature of engagement Request for advice from Minister and DES Innovation and Identity- Ideas for a New Junior Cycle (2010) discussion paper Innovation and Identity- Ideas for a New Junior Cycle 3

And of course, PISA… A need to focus on literacy and numeracy A need for connections and progression Student resilience and persistence 4

5

What’s the difference? A Framework – not rules! Greater flexibility and autonomy for schools Clarity on junior cycle learning – a different kind of core Focus on the programme as well as the exam Access to a more varied curriculum/curriculum development Teachers in closer relationship with assessment Improved feedback, reporting and modern qualifications 6

What’s the difference? A Framework – not rules! Greater flexibility and autonomy for schools! 7

What’s the difference? Clarity on junior cycle learning – a different kind of CORE! 8

9 What a student will learn is described in 24 statements of learning The skills of literacy and numeracy and other key skills embedded in learning and the curriculum Learning

10

11

12

13

What’s the difference? Access to a more varied curriculum 14

Subjects continue as the main curriculum components Schools can offer short courses and other learning experiences Subjects will be shorter Curriculum

16 Priority Learning Units Potential Short Courses Skills Subjects Art Craft Design Business Studies Classics English French Geography German History Home Economics Irish Italian Jewish Studies Materials Technology (Wood) Mathematics Metalwork Music Religious Education Science Spanish Technical Graphics Technology Civic, Social and Political Education Digital Media Social, Personal and Health Education Chinese Physical Education Artistic Performance Programming/Coding And school developed short courses Level 2 Qualification Communicating and Literacy Numeracy Looking after myself Living in a community Preparing for work Other areas of learning Such as… Guidance DEAR (Drop everything and read) Tutorial time Choir Etc.

Phasing of new subjects in JCSA 17

What’s the difference? Assessment closer to learning and assessment supporting learning. 18

Main features of the Framework for Junior Cycle Move towards school-based assessment Mostly formative but linked to summative Continual feedback to students on how to progress learning and performance Based on clear outcomes-based specifications and expectations for learners Annotated examples of student work illustrate those expectations Features of Junior Cycle Assessment

Main features of the Framework for Junior Cycle Clear specification of assessment tasks for the School Work Component Features of quality used to assess those tasks also set out (grade by grade) Process of school-focused moderation Toolkit of assessment materials and guidance Professional development and other practical supports Some State Examinations retained and Final Assessment in all subjects DES monitors assessment results Supports for Assessment

Two qualifications – Level 3 and Level 2 Reduced number of subjects included in qualification Smaller qualifications, giving schools more flexibility and time to spend on deeper learning and on literacy, numeracy and key skills Qualifications 21

Subject limit for qualification 22 Eight subjects Or 7 subjects + 2 short courses Or 6 subjects and 4 short courses Nine subjects Or 8 subjects + 2 short courses Or 7 subjects + 4 short courses Ten subjects Or 9 subjects + 2 short courses Or 8 subjects + 4 short courses

Features of Level 2 Learning Programmes Defined target group, range of settings Based around Priority Learning Units (250hrs) Communicating and literacy Numeracy Personal care Living in a community Preparing for working life PLUs set out in elements and learning outcomes – a learning menu School-based assessment 23

Website

In small groups discuss What do you see as the opportunities that a new junior cycle will present to your school? What do you see as the main challenge and how can this be overcome?