Change is on the way in junior cycle education. The discussions and consultations have concluded. The proposals for a new junior cycle have been finalised and are available here. A timeframe for their introduction has been agreed. When you have had a look at them you might want to check some of the background thinking and ideas that led to the proposals. You can access the original discussion paper and video material, documents and reports from the consultations by visiting junior cycle developments.
Junior Cycle
Junior cycle (lower secondary education) lies within the compulsory period of education and is usually taken by students between the ages of 12 and 15. The aims and intended outcomes of junior cycle emphasise the importance of students experiencing a broad, balanced and coherent programme of study across a wide range of curriculum areas in order to prepare them for transition to senior cycle education. Currently this is achieved by ensuring that students encounter an educational programme that covers a number of areas of experience. Read more here about the aims of junior cycle.
Junior Certificate
The programme of study followed in junior cycle varies. At the moment, almost all students take courses leading to the Junior Certificate, the State examination taken at the end of the third year of junior cycle when students are 15 years of age. In order to enable them to reach and undertake the Junior Certificate examination, students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds and those viewed as at risk of leaving school early may follow the Junior Certificate School Programme.
 | Junior cycle fact sheetsDo you know someone soon to start first year in post-primary school? If so, they might find the set of 25 fact sheets which the NCCA has put together useful. The factsheets give easy-to-read information about the different subjects available in junior cycle (available in both English and Irish). While the fact sheets have been designed with sixth class pupils and first year students in mind, they will also be useful for parents. |
Review
The NCCA regularly undertakes review on different aspects of junior cycle. Currently there are several aspects to this review, including initiatives related to Assessment for Learning, research into students' experiences of junior cycle (ESRI research), and rebalancing subjects (reducing curriculum overload/overlap). In addition, a number of general areas of work within the NCCA have relevance for junior cycle review. These include developments in the areas of Information andCommunications Technology, Special Educational Needs, Intercultural Education and Children in Detention/Care.
Standardised testing in junior cycle
We've published research into the international practice of standardised testing in lower secondary education. This research gathered data on international practice on testing for the 12-15 age group and will assist us in advising the Minister for Education and Science on the implications of the introduction of standardised testing at one further point in compulsory education.
Standardised testing is already happening in Irish primary schools in English and mathematics. Students are assessed twice during their primary school years - at the end of first class or beginning of second class and at the end of fourth class or beginning of fifth class.
The report on this research is published in the Publications page of the NCCA website.
Documentation
The booklet: A Brief Description of the Irish Education System published by the Department of Education and Science contains a useful overview of junior cycle education and the education system in general.
Related links
Junior Certificate
Junior Certificate Syllabuses and Guidelines for Teachers
Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP)
Junior Cycle Review