Junior Cycle Subjects at St.Francis College Rochestown
St. Francis College follows the Junior Cycle Programme as specified by the Department of Education and Skills. The Junior Cycle Programme replaces the Junior Certificate and has been implemented on a phased basis since 2014, with all subjects underway in 1st year from September 2019. Students study all subjects to completion for the three years of Junior Cycle.
Irish
French/ German (choose one)
English
Music/ Art (choose one)
Maths
History
Science
Geography
Business
Students will also study Computers and Religion.
Junior Cycle Music
As part of 400 Wellbeing hours, Students study:
135 hours of PE
110 hours of SPHE
110 hours of CSPE
22 hours of Guidance
22 hours of Digital Media Literacy
Junior Cycle Overview
Junior cycle education places students at the centre of the educational experience, enabling them to actively participate in their communities and in society and to be resourceful and confident learners in all aspects and stages of their lives. Junior cycle is inclusive of all students and contributes to equality of opportunity, participation and outcome for all.
The junior cycle allows students to make a greater connection with learning by focusing on the quality of learning that takes place and by offering experiences that are engaging and enjoyable for them, and relevant to their lives. These experiences are of a high quality, contribute directly to the physical, mental and social well-being of learners, and where possible, provide opportunities for them to develop their abilities and talents in the areas of creativity, innovation and enterprise. The learner’s junior cycle programme builds on their learning to date and actively supports their progress in learning, and in addition, supports them in developing the learning skills that will assist them in meeting the challenges of life beyond school. The junior cycle aims to develop and enhance eight key skills in pupils throughout the course of the three years.
Principles of Junior Cycle
Eight principles underpin the Framework for Junior Cycle. These principles will inform the planning for as well as the development and the implementation of junior cycle programmes in all schools.
Learning to Learn
High quality curriculum, assessment, teaching and learning support students in developing greater independence in learning and in meeting the challenges of life beyond school, of further education, and of working life.
Choice and Flexibility
The school's junior cycle programme is broad enough to offer a wide range of learning experiences to all, and flexible enough to offer choice to meet the needs of students.
Quality
All students experience a high quality education, characterised by high expectations of learners and the pursuit of excellence.
Creativity and Innovation
Curriculum, assessment, teaching and learning provide opportunities for students to be creative and innovative.
Engagement and Participation
The experience of curriculum, assessment, teaching and learning encourages participation, generates engagement and enthusiasm, and connects with life outside the school.
Continuity and Development
Curriculum, assessment, teaching and learning enables students to build on their learning to date, recognises their progress in learning and supports their future learning.
Inclusive Education
The educational experience is inclusive of all students and contributes to equality of opportunity, participation and outcomes for all.
Wellbeing
The student experience contributes directly to their physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing and resilience. Learning takes place in a climate focused on collective wellbeing of school, community and society.
Key Skills
Key skills help learners develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to face the many challenges in today’s world. They also support students in learning how to learn and to take responsibility for their own learning.
Statements of Learning
The learning at the core of junior cycle is described in 24 statements of learning. Schools will ensure that all statements of learning, along with the key skills feature in the programmes of all junior cycle students. The statements of learning aim that a student:
Communicates effectively using a variety of means in a range of contexts in English
Listens, speaks, reads and writes in L2 and one other language at a level of proficiency that is appropriate to her or his ability
Creates, appreciates and critically interprets a wide range of texts
Creates and presents artistic works and appreciates the process and skills involved
Has an awareness of personal values and an understanding of the process of moral decision making
Appreciates and respects how diverse values, beliefs and traditions have contributed to the communities and culture in which she/he lives
Values what it means to be an active citizen, with rights and responsibilities in local and wider contexts
Values local, national and international heritage, understands the importance of the relationship between past and current events and the forces that drive change
Understands the origins and impacts of social, economic and environmental aspects of the world around her/him
Has the awareness, knowledge, skills, values and motivation to live sustainably
Takes action to safeguard and promote her/his wellbeing and that of others
Is a confident and competent participant in physical activity and is motivated to be physically active
Understands the importance of food and diet in making healthy lifestyle choices
Makes informed financial decisions and develops good consumer skills
Recognises the potential uses of mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding in all areas of learning
Describes, illustrates, interprets, predicts and explains patterns and relationships
Devises and evaluates strategies for investigating and solving problems using mathematical knowledge, reasoning and skills
Observes and evaluates empirical events and processes and draws valid deductions and conclusions
Values the role and contribution of science and technology to society, and their personal, social and global importance
Uses appropriate technologies in meeting a design challenge
Applies practical skills as she/he develop models and products using a variety of materials and technologies
Takes initiative, is innovative and develops entrepreneurial skills
Brings an idea from conception to realisation
Uses technology and digital media tools to learn, communicate, work and think collaboratively and creatively in a responsible and ethical manner
Assessment
Assessment in junior cycle is changing to recognise and value the different types of learning that take place in schools. Students are at the centre of teaching, learning and assessment. This will allow for a more rounded assessment of the education of each young person, enable students to express their learning and provide them with opportunities to grow and flourish as learners. The areas highlighted below outline how changes in assessment will be seen across the three years of junior cycle.
Classroom Based Assessments (CBAs)
In 2nd and 3rd Year, students will undertake a Classroom Based Assessment (CBA) in each subject. The purpose of the CBA is to provide students and parents with a snapshot of their learning and understanding of specific skills at one moment in time The tasks can cover a broad range of activities including oral presentations, written work of different types, practical or designing and making activities, artistic performances, scientific experiments, projects or other suitable tasks. A particular purpose of the Classroom-Based Assessments will be to facilitate developmental feedback to student.
The results of each of these assessments will be reported using one of the final descriptors:
Exceptional
Above Expectations
In line with Expectations
Yet to meet Expectations
See the schedule for CBAs for 2020/2021 here (link forthcoming)
Assessment Task
During 3rd Year, in most subjects, students will complete a written Assessment Task based on the skills and competences developed in the second CBA. This will be graded by the State Examinations Commission and will form 10% of the final grade.
Junior Cycle Exam
At the end of 3rd Year, students will take the Junior Cycle Examination. The grades will be:
Distinction - 90 to 100%
Higher Merit - 75 to 89%
Merit - 55 to 74%
Achieved - 40 to 54%
Partially Achieved - 20 to 39%
Not Graded - 0 to 19%
English, Gaeilge and Mathematics will have two levels, higher and ordinary. Gaeilge and Mathematics classes will be divided at the beginning of 3rd Year into higher and ordinary level groups. All other subjects will be studied in mixed-ability groups.
Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement
In Transition Year, students will be presented with a Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA). As well as the State Examinations results, this will also give details of the Subject Descriptors achieved, the CBA Descriptors achieved in each of 2nd and 3rd Year and will reference additional achievements in the three year programme as identified by students. The following is a sample JCPA:
