1. INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
JUNIOR CYCLE
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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

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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

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

18. 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 

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

20. JCPA TEMPLATE

21. 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

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