Aims of junior cycle

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. This is achieved by ensuring that students encounter an educational programme that covers a number of areas of experience.

The junior cycle aims to

- reinforce and further develop in the young person the knowledge, understanding, attitudes, skills and competencies acquired at primary level
- extend and deepen the range and quality of the young person's educational experience in terms of knowledge understanding, skills and competencies
- develop the young person's personal and social confidence, initiative and competence through a broad, well balanced, general education
- prepare the young person for the requirements of further programmes of study, of employment or of life outside full time education
- contribute to the moral and spiritual development of the young person and develop a tolerance and respect for the values and beliefs of others
- prepare the young person for the responsibilities of citizenship in the national context and in the context of the wider European and global communities.