Junior Cycle

Junior Cycle caters for students in the first three years of their post-primary education.

The Junior Cycle was introduced on a phased basis between September 2014 and September 2021. It features revised subjects and short courses, a focus on key skills, and new approaches to assessment and reporting. Schools have more freedom to design junior cycle programmes that meet the learning needs of all students.

For students, the junior cycle curriculum available in their schools is a mix of subjects and short courses as well as other learning experiences. In addition to classroom-based assessments, students complete state examinations at the end of their three year junior cycle and receive a Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement.

Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs)

During second and third year, students complete a number of Classroom-Based Assessments. In addition to classroom-based assessments, students complete state examinations at the end of their three year junior cycle and receive a Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement.

For a small group of students with special educational needs, priority learning units (PLUs) are provided. These components enable the statements of learning and key skills to become a reality for these students throughout their three-year junior cycle.

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In Mount St. Michael students entering first year study eight core subjects, this includes Religion which is a non-exam subject in this school. First years also study three optional subjects, this reduces to two optional subjects in second year and third year.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing is also a core part of each child's Junior Cycle experience. This area of learning is embedded in all subjects but has particular relevance to the subjects listed below. "Wellbeing will cross the three years of junior cycle and build on substantial work already taking place in schools in support of students’ wellbeing. This area of learning will make the school’s culture and ethos and commitment to wellbeing visible to students. It will include learning opportunities to enhance the physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing of students. It will enable students to build life skills and develop a strong sense of connectedness to their school and to their community." (NCCA, Guidelines for Wellbeing in Junior Cycle)

The Junior Cycle Wellbeing programme involves timetabled engagement of 400 hours by all students across the three years.

In Mount St. Michael Students study the following:

Core subjects