Junior Cycle Reform at Lower Secondary May 2013

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 PISA 2

The new junior cycle 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 Key skills development Access to a more varied curriculum/curriculum development 3

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5 Level 2 short course

Most students will include from eight to ten full subjects or their equivalent Seven subjects + 2 short courses or 6 subjects + 4 short courses Eight subjects + 2 short courses or 7 subjects + 4 short courses Nine subjects + 2 short courses or 8 subjects + 4 short courses

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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 Features of Junior Cycle Assessment

Assessment and Moderation Toolkit Guide to formative assessment Planning for and designing assessment Assessment tasks for classroom use Judging student work: expectations for learners and quality Guide to school- focused moderation Reporting to parents Thinking about assessment: ideas, research and reflections Glossary of assessment and moderation terms

Denise Kelly April 2013 Level 2 Programmes 11

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 work PLUs set out in elements and learning outcomes – a learning menu 12

Features of Level 2 Learning Programmes For introduction in 2014 with other junior cycle changes Personalised 2 short courses (100 hrs each) School-based assessment Student not confined to L2 learning only

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Level 2 Toolkit AVAILABLE ONLINE FOR TRIAL

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