An tSraith Shóisearach / Junior Cycle

Dear First Year Parents/Guardians,

Here is some important information and FAQs regarding the New Junior Cycle course.

1. How will my son/daughter be assessed at Junior Cycle?

• Classroom-based assessment across the 3 years
• Final externally-assessed, state-certified examination.

At the end of year 3, students will receive a new Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA) which will replace the ‘Junior Certificate’.

The JCPA will report on a number of areas, including:

1. Subjects (State Examination and Assessment Task)
2. Classroom Based Assessments
3. Other Learning Experiences

2. How many subjects will my son/daughter be completing?

• Students will study a maximum of ten subjects for the JCPA.
• Only ten subjects can be examined and reported on in the terminal exam.
• English, Irish & Maths (Higher & Ordinary Level) / All other subjects are offered at common level only

New Grading System

• Distinction 85 to 100%
• Higher Merit 70 to 84%
• Merit 55 to 69%
• Achieved 40 to 54%
• Partially Achieved 20 to 39%
• (not graded) 0 to 19%

3. What do Classroom Based Assessments (CBAs) entail?

CBAs provide students with opportunities to demonstrate their learning and skills in ways not possible in a pen and paper examination.

• CBAs will be undertaken during a defined time period within normal class contact time and to a national timetable.
• Students will complete one CBA in second year and one in third year in most subjects.

Students in third year will complete a written Assessment Task on what they have learned. It will be sent to the State Examinations Commission (SEC) for marking. This Assessment Task will account for 10% of the overall mark for the final examination.

4. What are ‘Other Learning Experiences’?

Students will have the opportunity to engage with a range of other learning experiences which can be recorded on the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement.

This could include extracurricular activities;

• Membership of the student council or school club
• Participation in school sporting activities/musical
• Volunteering/Competitions