Junior Cycle – Clonkeen College

The junior cycle in Clonkeen College is three years long. During this time students will complete curricula in a range of subjects and sit state exams in June of their third academic year.

A range of subjects are offered in Clonkeen at junior cycle level. Some subjects are elective and are chosen in first year to be studied for the duration of the three years.

Mandatory Subjects
English
Irish
Maths
Science
Geography
History
French or Spanish
Business Studies
Physical Education
Religious Studies
CSPE
SPHE

Optional Subjects
Graphics
Music
Home Economics
Art

Embracing the New Junior Cycle Programme

Junior Cycle places the student at the centre of the learning process. The new Junior Cycle is made up of subjects and short courses. There is a focus on literacy, numeracy and the development of eight key skills. Students will experience new approaches to assessment and reporting. The Junior Cycle will also incorporate a range of other learning experiences. Students will also engage in an area of learning entitled Wellbeing.

All students, entering first year in September 2019, will study new specifications in all subjects. Underpinning the new junior cycle are a set of eight principles, eight key skills and twenty four statements of learning. Students will encounter a rich educational experience. Students will have access to a varied curriculum, one that encourages the development of knowledge, skills and values.

Key Skills

Eight key skills permeate the entire curriculum. Through engaging with their range of subjects, students’ key skills will evolve. Students will actively engage with learning; take greater ownership for their learning; use digital technology and be encouraged to problem solve and think both creatively and critically.

Assessment & Reporting

Junior cycle students will receive a new Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA). The JCPA will report on a number of areas, including:
1.    State Examinations Commission (SEC) Grades
2.    Classroom Based Assessments
3.    Other Learning Experiences

Classroom Based Assessments and Assessment Tasks

Classroom Based Assessments (CBAs) provide students with opportunities to demonstrate their learning and skills in ways not possible in a pen and paper examination, for example, their verbal communication and investigation skills. CBAs will be undertaken in all subjects and are facilitated by the classroom teacher. CBAs will be undertaken during a defined time period, within normal class time and to a national timetable. Students will complete one CBA in second year and one in third year. With the exception being in Irish, with students completing CBA1 & CBA2 in 3^rd year.

Once the second CBA is completed students in 3^rd year will complete a written Assessment Task. This task, set by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), is undertaken during normal class time and will be sent to the State Examinations Commission (SEC) for marking. This Assessment Task will be worth 10% of the overall mark in the case of most subjects.

CBAs will be reported on in the JCPA using the following descriptors:

Exceptional
Above Expectations
In Line with Expectations
Yet to Meet Expectations

Terminal Exams

At the end of third year, students will sit the final SEC examination in June. Exams will be of two hours duration or less.

Core subjects: English, Maths and Irish will be offered at higher and ordinary level. All other subjects will be studied at common level.

Short Courses

Clonkeen College is currently not offering any short courses.

Other Learning Experiences

Students will have the opportunity to engage with a range of other learning experiences as part of their Junior Cycle programme and these can be recorded on the JCPA. These learning experiences could include student engagement in a science fair, a musical performance, a debating competition or being a member of school clubs.

Student Wellbeing

Student wellbeing is an integral part in educational success and overall happiness. As a result Wellbeing has become a core part of the Junior Cycle programme. This area of learning includes, amongst others, Physical Education, Civic, Social and Political Education, Social, Personal and Health Education and Guidance.