The new junior cycle which has been phased in incrementally since 2014 features newly developed subjects and short courses, with a focus on key skills, and new approaches to assessment and reporting.
Junior Certificate/ Junior Cycle
The Junior Certificate examination is held at the end of the junior cycle in post-
primary schools. The Junior Cycle caters for students in the 12 to 15 year old age
group. Students normally sit for the examinations at the age of 14 or 15, after 3
years of post-primary education. Information on the new junior cycle and its format can be found online here.
Subjects Available to First Year – Examination Subjects
Irish, English, Mathematics, Geography, Science, Materials Technology Wood, History, Home Economics, Technical Graphics, Materials Technology Metal, French, Business Studies, Civic Social & Political Education, Art, Music, Technology.
Short Courses
Currently we offer two short courses to students at junior cycle level, these courses are coding and digital media.
Classroom-based assessments
During second and third year, students complete a number of Classroom-Based Assessments. Key dates for Classroom-Based Assessments in 2022/2023 have been amended and are available for second years here and third years here
For a small group of students with special educational needs, priority learning units (PLUs) will be provided. These components will enable the statements of learning, literacy and numeracy and other key skills to be become a reality for the students throughout their three-year junior cycle.
Following CBA II in third year students complete an assessment task in each examination subject. The marks awarded for these assessment tasks contribute to the students final grade in the subject.
At the end of the three year cycle students receive a JCPA (Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement). This records examination results in state examinations, descriptor grading for all CBA’s and areas of interest which highlight students extra curricular activities during the three year junior cycle within the school.
Non Examination Subjects
Physical Education, Social Personal & Health Education, Religion
Extra Curricular Activities
Sports Hurling, Soccer, Badminton, Basketball, Snooker, Athletics, Gaelic Football
Other Activities Guitar lessons, School Concerts, Fashion show, Debating and Public Speaking, Student Council, Poetry Competitions and quizzes.
