Junior Cycle caters for students in the first three years of their post-primary education. The Junior Cycle was introduced on a phased basis between September 2014 and September 2021. It features revised subjects and short courses, a focus on key skills, and new approaches to assessment and reporting. Schools have more freedom to design Junior Cycle programmes that meet the learning needs of all students. For students, the Junior Cycle curriculum available in their schools is a mix of subjects and short courses as well as other learning experiences. In addition to classroom-based assessments, students complete state examinations at the end of their three-year Junior Cycle and receive a Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement.
Learning in the Junior Cycle will be informed by:
1. Eight principles that underpin the entire Framework for Junior Cycle.
2. Twenty-four statements of learning that are central to planning for, the students’ experience of, and the evaluation of the school’s Junior Cycle programme.
3. Eight key skills that are required for successful learning by all students.
Classroom-based Assessments
During second and third year, students complete a number of Classroom-Based Assessments. In addition to classroom-based assessments, students complete state examinations at the end of their three-year junior cycle and receive a Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement.
For a small group of students with special educational needs, priority learning units (PLUs) are provided. These components enable the statements of learning and key skills to become a reality for these students throughout their three-year junior cycle.
Subjects
In Enniscorthy Community College, students study a number of compulsory and optional subjects for Junior Cycle. The following subjects are compulsory for all students unless otherwise exempt:
- Career Guidance
- English
- History
- Information Technology
- Irish
- Mathematics
- P.E.
- Religion
- Science
Students may choose an additional four optional subjects from the following list:
- Art, Craft and Design
- Business Studies
- Engineering
- French
- Geography
- German
- Home Economics
- Music
- Technical Graphics
- Wood Technology
Note: Subjects offered to students in the option blocks is dependent on sufficient demand from students.
For additional information about the Junior Cycle, please visit:
Junior cycle (curriculumonline.ie)