1. Junior Cycle Information for Parents & Guardians

2. What stays the same? Standards and expectations remain high
Subjects continue to play an important role in the Junior Cycle
The Department of Education and Skills will monitor quality across all schools
The State Examinations Commission will continue to be the final assessment for certification.
What stays the same?

3. A better and a more engaging learning experience for your child
Reporting back to parents and students
Assessment to support learning
An emphasis on Key Skills and preparation for life
What is improving?

6. Wellbeing Physical Education
Social, Personal and Health Education (including Relationship and Sexuality Education)
Civic, Social and Political Education
Wellbeing Module
Pastoral Care
Wellbeing

7. 24 Statements of Learning
Retreats
24 Statements of Learning
Co-curricular activities: eg SciFest
Guidance and
Counselling
Other Areas of Learning
Visiting Speakers School Trips/ Outings
Pastoral Care
Key Skills
Sports
Student Council

8. Assessment
Reporting
‘The purpose of assessment at this stage of education is to support learning’.

9. Assessment in the Junior Cycle
Classroom Based Assessments including short courses
Wellbeing
State certified examinations
Other areas of learning

10. Descriptors State Examinations
Classroom-Based Assessments
Distinction: %
Higher Merit: 75-89%
Merit: 55-74%
Achieved: 40-54%
Partially Achieved: 20-39%
Not Graded: 0-19%
Exceptional
Above expectations
In line with expectations
Yet to meet expectations

11. Upcoming Key Dates for 3rd Year Students
English
Business
Science
CBA2
3rd Year
Last date for completion
30th November 2018
12th November – 7th December 2018
7th December –
25th January 2019
Window for completion of Assessment Task
3rd December – 7th December 2018
10th December –
14th December 2018
28 January 2019 – 1st February 2019

12. Classroom Based Assessments (CBAs)
Relevant only in English, Business and Science
A check-in on learning in 2nd and 3rd Year
2 CBAs in each subject listed above: 1 in 2nd Year and 1 in 3rd Year
Will be included in Christmas report
Take place during normal class time
Descriptors not grades are awarded:
Exceptional
Above expectations
In-line with expectations
Yet to meet expectations

13. Assessment Tasks (AT) Completed during class time after CBA 2
Marked by State Examinations Commission
Worth 10% final overall grade in the Junior Certificate

14. Other Areas of Learning (OALs)
Will be reported in Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA).
Student involvement and achievement in:
Co-curricular or extra-curricular areas
Formal timetabled curriculum not assessed through examination or CBA
Broader areas of learning within school community
Non-school activities may NOT be included.