Junior Cycle

Key skills

Junior Cycle caters for students in the first three years (the compulsory phase) of their post primary education, and takes the place of what was once referred to as the Junior Certificate. In recent years the rollout of the new Junior Cycle Framework and all it entails has dramatically changed post primary education at junior level. Subject syllabi have been replaced with Subject Specifications and assessment procedures have been reformed to reflect these new learning outcomes. It is hoped that the new arrangements will provide students with learning opportunities that achieve a balance between learning subject knowledge and developing a wide range of skills and thinking abilities. These curriculum and assessment arrangements will promote a focus on active and collaborative learning. In particular, learners will be enabled to use and analyse information in new and creative ways, to investigate issues, to explore, to think for themselves, to be creative in solving problems and to apply their learning to new challenges and situations. Given the changing nature of knowledge, the ease with which students have access to information, and the pace of change in the workplace and the world generally, these competences and skills are critical to the preparation of young people for learning and living. Furthermore, the introduction and inclusion of short courses and other learning experiences in junior cycle programmes also provides a valuable opportunity to broaden students’ learning and skill set.

The updated Junior Cycle programme is now fully rolled out to all students in 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Year students. This represents a significant change from the previous Junior Certificate and key changes as part of the reform include:

A more student-centered learning programme across all subjects
Emphasis on developing key skills as well as knowledge
Alternative assessment approaches in addition to written exams at the end of 3^rdYear
Opportunities for students to work collaboratively with peers on projects
Increased focus on wellbeing in the curriculum
Recognition of extracurricular student learning
Alternative learning pathways for students with additional learning needs
An updated profile of achievement containing results from Examinations, Classroom-Based Assessments and Other Areas of Learning

Calasanctius College is fully embracing the new Junior Cycle and we believe we have developed a skills based programme which will enhance learning and teaching in our school. It is our hope that our blend of the practical with theoretical in an interactive and engaging learning environment will enable all our students to participate to the best of their ability and fulfil their potential.

Junior Cycle Curriculum

Students in Calasanctius College take nine subjects for state certification at Junior Cycle. In addition, as part of the broad and holistic educational experience we provide students will also engage in a number of other subjects.

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