1 ACCS Education Conference February 5 th, 2014 Theme: Implementation of the Junior Cycle 2014

2 Name of qualification: (announced 15 Jan 2014) JCSA:Junior Cycle Student Award Changes announced by the DES having consulted with partners in education:  The pace of Curriculum Change  New details on school-based assessment  Changes to CPD to support implementation  Developments around assessment and moderation Unions announced they would be balloting members re JC reform proposals Changes from 17 January 2014

Pace of Curriculum Change English will still be introduced in Sept 2014 Science to be introduced on its own in Sept 2015 Irish and Business Studies to be introduced in Sept 2016 Following a review in 2016 a decision on how many/what subjects will be introduced each year but provisionally:  Sept 2017: Art, Craft & Design; Modern Languages  Sept 2018: Home Ec.; Music; Maths; Geography  Sept 2019:History; Technologies; Jewish St;RE; Classics The JCSA will be fully in place by

Standardised testing in English and Maths will take place for 2 nd years in the Spring of 2017 Standardised testing in Science (and Irish in Irish-medium schools) will take place for 2 nd years in Spring of Standardised Tests

Short Courses ‘Short courses can be introduced from September 2014, but only in schools which want to introduce them – they will not be compulsory’ CSPE?? Appears that there will be a JC exam as usual in 2017 for those who keep the present course 5

6 Summary of changes to curriculum Already planned:  English for implementation in September 2014  First school-based assessment in English in May 2016  Second school-based assessment in English before Christmas 2016  Final assessment will be set and marked by SEC as planned in summer 2017 NEW:  Adjust sequencing and timing of remaining subjects  Adjust introduction of short courses in schools  Adjust introduction of standardised tests

7 School-based assessment events For English, Irish and Maths when introduced:  The School Based Assessment component for certification (40%) will happen within the min. 240 hrs  Assessment will: 1. Be limited to two school-based components 2. Generally happen in summer term of 2 nd year and before Christmas in 3 rd year within defined, fixed period 3. Replace existing house exams and/or mocks For other subjects, school based assessment within 200hrs of engagement

8 Changes to CPD: English teachers English teachers: will now have 4.5 days CPD  Year 1: 2013/2014: 1 full day out + 3 periods (max. 2 hrs) in-school teacher-led CPD  Year 2: 2014/2015: 1 full day out + 3 periods in school  Year 3: 2015/2016: 1 full day out + 3 periods in school  Year 4 or 5: 16/17 or 17/18: half-day school visit by JCT advisor

9 Changes to CPD: Whole School One full day (or equivalent) of facilitated whole-school CPD for each year of the duration of implementation period is allowable. Schools are permitted to close for this day. 2013/2014: Schools can take this day but facilitation this year will be a challenge (subject to capacity and logistics). Three models of provision being debated

Other CPD Four days CPD for each of the other subjects Three days for principals over 3 years + range of electives A full day of CPD to provide an overview of the Framework for the school team 10

Quality assurance & support for teacher assessment NCCA advising on time needed for in-school moderation meetings For discussion:  Dedicated time for individual teachers to engage in school-based moderation  Posts/duties relating to moderation & assessment  ICT infrastructure 11