The Junior Cycle

The Junior Cycle is a three year programme of study in post-primary school. It aims to develop students’ basic skills and knowledge in key areas of development as a foundation for learning for life beyond school. The programme of study offers a range of learning opportunities through subjects (core and options), short courses and other learning experiences, including community initiatives and extra-curricular activities. At New Cross College, our Junior Cycle / JCSP Programmes run simultaneously.

The Junior Cycle Programme at New Cross College is packed with lots of add-on activities – field trips, creative writing workshops, readathons and sporting activities. We hope you enjoy the programme and in keeping with our commitment to student voice and parental participation we would welcome your feedback.

The new Junior Cycle for parents

Junior Certificate School Programme

The Junior Certificate School Programme attempts to help young people experience success and develop a positive self-image by providing a curriculum and assessment framework suitable to their needs.

The programme aims to ensure that students actively participate in their learning, make progress and build on their achievements. The programme also aims to develop students’ literacy, numeracy, communication and group work skills.

On completion of the programme, students receive a profile which is an official record of their achievements from the Department of Education and Skills.

Some of the initiatives we have been part of are:

Make a Book: Students design and make a book and are brought to The Dublin City Council offices to display it.

Study Skills Introduction & Packs

Storyteller Visits the school

Author Visit

Christmas Celebration & Awards

Christmas Market

Other initiatives include :

Trip to the Gaeltacht
Number millionaire
Word millionaire
Drop Everything and Read
Paired reading with the local Primary Schools
School newsletter
Science Ecology Trip to the zoo
Trip to an Art Gallery

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is the national body responsible for the development of the curriculum and assessment strategies at Junior Cycle. A lot of general information about the Junior Cycle in all schools is available through its website.

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) is the body responsible for overseeing the Junior Certificate Examinations. It provides general details on its website (see Link below) but the school will provide the details to all students at the relevant stages. Each school carries out some of the assessment components and will provide details as relevant.

You will find more details at the links below :

The Junior Cycle Framework

Department of Education and Skills Information

National Council for Curriculum and Assessment

State Examinations Commission

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