Junior Cycle

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 programmes that meet the learning needs of all students. 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.

Information Documents:

• Fact Sheets - Mandatory Subjects
• Fact Sheet - Option Subjects
• Fact Sheet - Wellbeing Subjects

During second and third year, students complete a number of Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs). In addition to CBAs, students complete state examinations at the end of their three-year Junior Cycle.

CBAs take place in the classroom. Students can choose their topic with teacher support and are given three weeks to complete them. They are assessed by subject teachers.

Students receive one of the following descriptors:

• Exceptional
• Above expectations
• In line with expectations
• Yet to meet expectations

Classroom Based Assessments Information for Students & Parents

For a small group of students with special educational needs, Priority Learning Units (PLUs) are provided to support the achievement of key skills and statements of learning.

From 2022, all junior cycle subjects and short courses have been revised and the Junior Certificate has been phased out.

All students study the following subjects to examination level:

• Irish (except those with a DoEY exemption)
• English
• Maths
• History

A wellbeing programme of 400 hours is mandatory for all students and includes:

• Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE)
• Physical Education (PE)
• Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE)
• Other areas such as Digital Media Literacy

All students are also required to study:

• Science
• Geography

Students take part in a taster programme and then select three subjects. Subjects offered depend on demand.

• Materials Wood Technology
• Engineering
• Graphics
• Home Economics
• Music
• Art
• French
• Business Studies

The following non-examination subjects are also taken by all students where the timetable allows:

Guidance & Study Skills

There is a Junior Cycle pathway for students with special educational needs.

Level 1 Learning Programme (L1LP)

The Level 1 Learning Programmes have been designed for students with a range of severe and profound and low moderate learning disabilities.

L1LP’s can be made up of: Priority Learning Units and Short Courses.

Level 2 Learning Programme

The Level 2 Learning Programmes have been designed for students with a high moderate to low mild general learning disability.

Level 2 Learning Programme (L2LP)

Level 2 Learning Programme (L2LP) is made up of Priority Learning Units and Short Courses.