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Post Date: 08 June 2023

Looking at Our Centre 2023: A Quality Framework for Centres for Education and Community Training Centres

Looking at Our Centre 2023: A Quality Framework for Centres for Education and Community Training Centres provides a unified and coherent set of standards to guide and support the work of Centres for Education and Community Training centres.

Post Date: 07 June 2023

JCT would like to wish the very best of luck to all students beginning state examinations today. 
A total of 135,033 students combined will sit this year’s Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied and Junior Cycle examinations at over 800 post-primary schools and other venues across Ireland from today.
Go n-éirí go geal libh ar fad. 

Post Date: 26 May 2023

Circular 0028/2023

Arrangements for the implementation of the Framework for Junior Cycle with particular reference to the school year 2023/2024.

This  circular  supersedes  Information  Note 11/2022  and  Circular  59/2021.  It  sets  out  the arrangements now governing the implementation of the Framework for Junior Cycle 2015, with particular reference to the school year 2023/2024.   

Post Date: 22 May 2023

Education for Sustainable Development Newsletter

May 2023 Edition Available Now

The Department of Education's newsletter on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) will keep you up to date with the latest ESD news. Enter the May 2023 ESD Newsletter Photo Competition for Schools and you could win an insect hotel or a garden planter for your school!

Post Date: 19 May 2023

RIAI Graphics Exhibition 2023

The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and the JCt4 Graphics team are delighted to launch the "Find Your Fun" exhibition, in which students explored objects, buildings and spaces that they associate with fun.  Thank you to all the teachers and their students who contributed to this exhibition. To visit the exhibition please click on the image below. The student work can also be viewed on the RIAI website by exploring the Virtual Gallery.

Post Date: 18 May 2023

Arts in Junior Cycle Summer 2023 Elective Workshops 

Places are still available in the following Summer 2023 elective workshops. 

For more information and to register go to:  www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie 

Translations - An introduction to socially engaged art 
Arts in Junior Cycle with Kilkenny County Council Arts Office and artist educator John Johnston 
Date: Tuesday 6th June 2023 
Time: 10.30am - 3.30pm 
Venue: Stoneyford Community Centre, Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny, R95 FCV9 

Rhythm and Moves - A dance workshop 
Arts in Junior Cycle with the JCT Physical Education team, Afro-Brazilian and Capoeira dancer Alessandra Azevedo and contemporary circus performer Danae Wollen
Dates: Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th June 2023 
Times: Day 1 & 2 10.30am – 4.00pm 
Venue: Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick 

Your Story Starts Here - A creative writing workshop 
Arts in Junior Cycle with author Dave Rudden and MoLI 
Dates: Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th June 2023
Times: Day 1 & 2 10.30am – 4.00pm 
Venue: Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI), 86 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. D02 XY43

Unearthing the Past - A hands-on archaeology experience 
Arts in Junior Cycle with Mark Kelly from the School of Irish Archaeology
Date: Friday 16th June 2023  
Time: 10.30am – 3.30pm 
Venue: Bective Abbey, R161, Ballina, Co. Meath 

Post Date: 18 May 2023

Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE)

The specification for the NCCA short course in Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE) 2023 has been published. From September 2023 onwards first years entering post-primary school will follow this specification.

Visit the NCCA's website to access the 2023 SPHE specification and 2023 SPHE toolkit.

Post Date: 04 May 2023

Towards a New Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy

The report "Towards a New Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy: A Review of Literature", together with supporting review papers, was launched on 3rd May 2023 by Minister for Education Norma Foley TD.

The new Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy  published will provide the overarching framework connecting many Department of Education policies, strategies and developments at curriculum level. It will be relevant for all learners, educators and education partners and stakeholders – including those in early learning and care, primary and post-primary school settings.

Post Date: 02 May 2023

Arts in Junior Cycle

Booking is now OPEN for our Summer 2023 Elective Workshops, all taking place in June. 
For more information and to register, go to:  www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie

Translations - an introduction to socially engaged art 
Arts in Junior Cycle with Kilkenny County Council Arts Office and artist educator John Johnston 
Date: Tuesday 6th June 2023 
Time: 10.30am - 3.30pm 
Venue: Stoneyford Community Centre, Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny, R95 FCV9

Rhythm and Moves - a dance workshop 
Arts in Junior Cycle with the JCT Physical Education team, Afro-Brazilian and Capoeira dancer Alessandra Azevedo and contemporary circus performer Danae Wollen.
Dates: Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th June 2023 
Times: Day 1 & 2 10.30am – 4.00pm 
Venue: Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick 

Lights, Camera, Action!  A film production workshop 
Arts in Junior Cycle with Young Irish Film Makers (YIFM) and Kilkenny Education Centre 
Dates: Wednesday 7th, Thursday 8th and Friday 9th June 2023 
Times: Day 1, 2 & 3 10.30am - 4.00pm 
Venue: Kilkenny Education Centre, Callan Road, Kilkenny, R95 RH97 

The Magic of Musicals - a musical theatre workshop 
Arts in Junior Cycle with the Gaiety School of Acting and facilitator Charlene Gleeson
Dates: Thursday 8th & Friday 9th June 2023 
Times: Day 1 & 2 10.30am – 3.30pm 
Venue: Gaiety School of Acting, Essex St, Temple Bar, Dublin 8 D08 T2V0 

Contemporary Life Drawing - a drawing workshop 
Arts in Junior Cycle with curator Sarah McAuliffe, Dorothy Smith and Sahoko Blake 
Dates: Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th June 2023 
Times: Day 1 & 2 10.30am – 3.30pm 
Venue: Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts (RHA), Dublin 

Your Story Starts Here - a creative writing workshop 
Arts in Junior Cycle with author Dave Rudden and MoLI 
Dates: Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th June 2023
Times: Day 1 & 2 10.30am – 4.00pm 
Venue: Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI), 86 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. D02 XY43

Unearthing the Past - a hands-on archaeology experience 
Arts in Junior Cycle with Mark Kelly from the School of Irish Archaeology
Date: Friday 16th June 2023  
Time: 10.30am – 3.30pm 
Venue: Bective Abbey, R161, Ballina, Co. Meath 

Figurative Oil Painting - a painting workshop 
Arts in Junior Cycle with visual artist Blaise Smith 
Dates: Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th June 2023 
Times: Day 1 & 2 10.30am – 3.30pm 
Venue: Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts (RHA), Dublin 

Do Your Own Thing!  A workshop to explore the creative process 
Arts in Junior Cycle with visual artist threadstories and writer and poet Colm Keegan 
Dates: Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd June 2023 
Times: Day 1 & 2 10.30am – 4.00pm 
Venue: Irish Museum of Modern Art, D08 FW31 

For more, go to: www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie

Post Date: 25 April 2023

Exploring the Introduction of the Framework for Junior Cycle

Newly Published: Exploring the introduction of the Framework for Junior Cycle: A longitudinal study – Interim report no. 2. This is the second in a series of research reports on the implementation and impact of the Framework for Junior Cycle and, as such, provides further insights into schools’ experiences of working with the Framework since its introduction in 2015.

Post Date: 24 April 2023

Arts in Junior Cycle

Register for all our workshops on www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie 

NEW!
An Introduction to Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) 
Arts in Junior Cycle with artist Claire Halpin and the Hugh Lane Gallery 
A unique opportunity for teachers of all subjects and disciplines to utilise the VTS method of looking. During the workshop, participants will: 
•  look at and respond to a range of images 
•  practice the VTS method of looking in a collaborative and supportive environment 
•  discuss how thoughtful image selection supports aesthetic development and critical thinking skills 
•  reflect on how the VTS method can be utilised to engage students in analysing imagery
Date: Saturday, 13th May 2023 
Time: 10:30am - 3:30pm 
Venue: Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin D01 F2X9

The Art of being in Nature 
Arts in Junior Cycle in collaboration with Kilkenny County Council Arts Office, Kilkenny Education Centre and artist Lisa Fingleton 
This workshop explores the intersection of Art, Food and the Environment. You will discuss the connections between local food, self-sufficiency and sustainability, examine the role art can play in protecting biodiversity and gain insights into eco-social art practices. 
Date: Tuesday 25th April 2023 
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm 
Venue: Zoom

Journalism in the Digital Age 
Arts in Junior Cycle with Newsbrands Ireland and Chris Maddaloni 
Join us online for Video Journalism with Chris Maddaloni. We will explore the power of image and video to tell stories and their importance in responsible journalism.
Date: Tuesday 25th April 2023 
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm 
Venue: Zoom

Knights of the Borrowed Dark: Approaches to Story Writing 
Arts in Junior Cycle with award-winning author Dave Rudden 
Using his novel Knights of the Borrowed Dark - an indicative text for 1st year junior cycle English - Dave will share how he turns inspiration into a fully developed narrative. 
Date: Wednesday 3rd May 2023
Time: 5:00pm - 6:30pm 
Venue: Zoom

Let’s Dance!
Arts in Junior Cycle with JCT Physical Education team and dancer Alessandra Azevedo
Some places are still available in this practical workshop in which you will create and choreograph a dance piece and explore Afro-Brazilian and Capoeira dance. 
Coming to Galway on Saturday 6th May 2023

Artistic Performance Community of Practice 
Our final community of practice 2022-23 supporting engagement with the junior cycle short course in Artistic Performance takes place next month. 
Date: Monday 8th May 2023 
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm 
Venue: Zoom 

Tartuffe: Text to Performance
Arts in Junior Cycle with the Abbey Theatre 
Some places are still available in this workshop, which includes a performance of the Abbey Theatre’s visually stunning production of Molière’s 17th century classic comedy Tartuffe. 
Coming to Cork on Saturday 13th May 2023

For more details and to register, go to www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie

Post Date: 18 April 2023

NCCA: 3 Short Courses - Early Insights Review

The public consultation is now open.

The NCCA is seeking the views of a range of parties, including education stakeholders, practising teachers and students who are interested in contributing to the following three short course early insights reviews:

Chinese Language and Culture

Coding

Digital Media Literacy

Closing date: Monday, 29th May at 5pm.

Post Date: 17 April 2023

Cineáltas Implementation Plan 2023-2027

The Department of Education has published ‘Cineáltas: Action Plan on Bullying Implementation Plan 2023-­2027’ to prevent bullying in our school communities and ensure that individual difference is both valued and celebrated in schools.

Post Date: 03 April 2023

Arts in Junior Cycle – Upcoming Events;

For more details and to register for any of the workshops below, go to www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie 

Green Fingers
Arts in Junior Cycle with organic horticulturalist Colman Power Join us for this hands-on workshop, facilitated by expert in organic horticulture Colman Power, in which you will explore approaches to organic growing and create and design a sustainable organic garden. Please Note: Places are limited to a maximum of 10 participants. 
Date: Saturday 22nd April 2023 
Time: 10:00am - 3:30pm 
Venue: Featherfield Farm, Rathangan, Kildare

Knights of the Borrowed Dark: Approaches to Story Writing 
Arts in Junior Cycle with award-winning author Dave Rudden 
Using his novel Knights of the Borrowed Dark - an indicative text for 1st year junior cycle English - Dave will share how he turns inspiration into a fully developed narrative. You will see the writing process from the inside and learn creative writing techniques you may wish to use in the classroom. 
Date: Wednesday 3rd May 2023
Time: 5:00pm - 6:30pm 
Venue: Zoom

The Art of being in Nature 
Arts in Junior Cycle in collaboration with Kilkenny County Council Arts Office, Kilkenny Education Centre and artist Lisa Fingleton 
This workshop explores the intersection of Art, Food and the Environment. You will discuss the connections between local food, self-sufficiency and sustainability, examine the role art can play in protecting biodiversity and gain insights into eco-social art practices. 
Date: Tuesday 25th April 2023 
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm 
Venue: Zoom

Journalism in the Digital Age 
Arts in Junior Cycle with Newsbrands Ireland and journalists Sybil Mulcahy and Chris Maddaloni 
Join us for this two-part online workshop in which you'll gain insights into digital and video journalism, support your own digital literacy and be inspired to engage with and create multi-modal texts in the classroom. 
Sybil Mulcahy - Digital Journalism 
Date: Wednesday 19th April 2023 Time: 7.00pm - 8.30pm 
Venue: Zoom 
Chris Maddaloni - Video Journalism 
Date: Tuesday 25th April 2023 
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm 
Venue: Zoom

Modelling the Head in Clay 
Arts in Junior Cycle with ceramicist artist Mairead Stafford 
These studio-based ceramic workshops take place over two Saturdays. You will explore self-portraiture through drawing, experiment with modelling techniques to create form and structure, and experience approaches to raw glazing and the kiln-firing process. 
Dates: Saturday 6th & Saturday 13th May 2023 
Times: 10:30am - 3:30pm 
Venue: Ballyelland Pottery, Co Wexford

Tartuffe: Text to Performance
Arts in Junior Cycle with the Abbey Theatre 
‘Tiktok, techno and style – welcome to the world of Tartuffe!’
Some places are still available in Tartuffe: Text to Performance. This workshop includes a performance of the Abbey Theatre’s new and visually stunning production of Molière’s 17th century classic comedy Tartuffe. 
Coming to Donegal on Saturday 6th May, and Cork on Saturday 13th May 2023

Let’s Dance!
Arts in Junior Cycle with JCT Physical Education team and dancer Alessandra Azevedo
‘Lovely atmosphere with extraordinary professionals!' (Participant, March 2023)
Some places are still available in this practical workshop in which you will create and choreograph a dance piece and explore Afro-Brazilian and Capoeira dance. 
Coming to Monaghan on Saturday 22nd April and Galway on Saturday 6th May 2023

For more details and to register for any of the above workshops, go to www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie 

Post Date: 31 March 2023

Get Your World Turning

Arts in Junior Cycle and the Junior Cycle Technologies Team (JCt4), in collaboration with woodturner Willie Creighton, are pleased to offer Get your World Turning again in April and May, 2023.

Experience exciting ways of creating turned artefacts in the Wood Technology classroom. Experiment with the craft of woodturning with an emphasis on using the natural properties and aesthetics of wood to create artefacts of value. Participants will experience a range of specialised turning techniques including laminated turning and others. The natural properties of wood will also be explored. All information, including dates and venues is available here.

Post Date: 23 March 2023

NCCA Level 1/Level 2 Learning Programme Update

As part of the consultation process on the Background Paper and Brief for development of Senior Cycle modules for students engaged in L1LPs & L2LPs, the NCCA are inviting individuals, educational organisations and organisations working with young people with additional needs to feed back, through written submissions or online survey, their views on the Background Paper and Brief. It is especially important the NCCA has as diverse a consultation process as possible.

This process will inform deliberations and discussions of the NCCA’s Post Primary Special Education Development Group.  

The closing date is Friday April 28th. Full details are available here.

Post Date: 23 March 2023

Upcoming CSPE Workshop - Making Connections

When: 19th April - 4th May

This workshop comprises of three engaging sessions:

Session 1: Connecting the Strands

Explore practical ideas to integrate learning across the strands

Session 2: Consider-Create-Collaborate

Co-create learning experiences that are classroom ready

Session 3: Connecting the Learning

Consider interdisciplinary approaches to CSPE in your school.

Schools can register teachers via the blue button called “Register for CSPE Workshops 2023” on the dashboard of our registration site, www.jctregistration.ie

Post Date: 21 March 2023

State Examinations Commission Information Note, March 2023

Junior Cycle Examinations, 2022: Information note on Junior Cycle examinations in a range of subjects is available here.

Post Date: 21 March 2023

Arts in Junior Cycle Workshops

NEW!
A Stitch in Time 
Arts in Junior Cycle with the National Library of Ireland 
In this in-person workshop, facilitated by paper conservator Louise O'Connor, you'll learn about the history of paper, engage with practical ways of preserving unique documents and artworks, and discover the social, historical and scientific significance of selected objects. 
Date: Saturday 6th May 2023 
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Venue: National Library of Ireland, Kildare St Dublin 2
Register on www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie 

NEW!
Journalism in the Digital Age 
Arts in Junior Cycle with Newsbrands Ireland and journalists Sybil Mulcahy and Chris Maddaloni 
Join us for this two-part online workshop in which you'll gain insights into digital and video journalism, support your own digital literacy and be inspired to engage with and create multi-modal texts in the classroom. 
Sybil Mulcahy - Digital Journalism 
Date: Wednesday 19th April 2023 
Time: 7.00pm - 8.30pm 
Venue: Zoom 
Chris Maddaloni - Video Journalism 
Date: Tuesday 25th April 2023 
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm 
Venue: Zoom
Register on www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie 

Post Date: 06 March 2023

Circular 0015/2023

Circular 0015/2023: Amendments to Junior Cycle Irish T1 and T2 specifications and assessment arrangements for Classroom-Based Assessments 1 and 2

This Circular, available here sets out adjustments to the:

•  minimum volume of literary texts with which students engage over the three years of Junior Cycle for T1 and T2 as well as the genres to be explored,

•  the recommended list of literary texts for first year T2 and prescribed lists of literary texts for second and third year T1 and T2

•  assessment arrangements for Classroom-Based Assessments 1 and 2 for T1 and T2.

Post Date: 06 March 2023

Senior Cycle Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE)

Arising from the review of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in primary and post-primary schools, the need to update the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum was identified as a key priority.

The first step involved a public consultation on the Background Paper and Brief for the redevelopment of Senior Cycle SPHE. This report has now been published and is available here.

The report on the consultation will inform the Development Group for Senior Cycle SPHE as they work on the redevelopment of the curriculum.

Post Date: 02 March 2023

Arts in Junior Cycle

Register for all our events on www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie 

Tartuffe: Text to Performance
Arts in Junior Cycle with the Abbey Theatre 
Places still available in Tartuffe: Text to Performance, Dublin. 
Workshop includes performance of the Abbey Theatre’s new production of Molière’s 17th century classic comedy Tartuffe. 
Dates: Saturday 11th March 2023 
Time: 10:00am - 12.30pm (workshop) & 2pm (performance)
Venues: Drumcondra Education Centre and the Abbey Theatre, Dublin 
Date: Monday 13th March 2023
Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm (follow-up online workshop)
Register on www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie 

Let’s Dance!
Arts in Junior Cycle with JCT Physical Education team and dancer Alessandra Azevedo
Workshop places available in Dublin Saturday 4th March & Cork Saturday 11th March 2023
Create and choreograph a dance piece and explore Afro-Brazilian and Capoeira dance. 
Dublin
Date: Saturday 4th March 2023 
Time: 10:00am - 1:30pm 
Venue: Mash House, Dublin 1 
Cork
Date: Saturday 11th March 2023
Time: 10:00 - 1:30pm 
Venue: Christ King Girls' Secondary School, Cork 
Register on www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie 

Find the Seeker - Reading and Writing Poetry
Arts in Junior Cycle with poet Colm Keegan 
This NEW two-part online workshop offers an opportunity to expand your repertoire of methodologies for engaging with and creating poetry. You will consider approaches to reading and understanding poetry and engage in creative expression through oral language and writing. 
Dates: Monday 24th April and Monday 8th May 2023 
Times: 7:30pm - 9:00pm 
Register on www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie 

Post Date: 28 February 2023

JCIS Webinar

The recording of our recent JCIS webinar, ‘Strategic Planning for Awarding the 2022 JCPA’ is available at this link

Post Date: 23 February 2023

Arts in Junior Cycle

Let's Dance! Arts in Junior Cycle with the JCT Physical Education team and dancer Alessandra Azevedo.
Touring to Dublin, Cork, Monaghan and Galway March – May 2023
During this dance workshop, you will engage in warm-up dance activities, explore Afro-Brazilian and Capoeira dance, and create and choreograph a dance piece with others. This workshop may be of particular interest to junior cycle teachers of PE. No prior experience of dance is required. 
Dublin: Saturday 4th March 2023 Time: 10:00am - 1:30pm at Mash House, Dublin 1, D01 A9N7 
Cork: Saturday 11th March 2023 Time: 10:00am - 1:30pm at Christ King Girls' Secondary School, Cork, T12 R22C
See flyer for details on Monaghan and Galway dates and venues.

Register on www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie 

Tartuffe: Text to Performance 
Arts in Junior Cycle with the Abbey Theatre.
Dublin, Donegal and Cork, March – May 2023
Would you like to explore how a play in performance communicates its message to an audience? Tartuffe: Text to Performance provides an opportunity to do just that. This elective consists of two workshops and a performance of the Abbey Theatre’s new touring production of Molière’s 17th century classic Tartuffe, directed by the Abbey's artistic director, Caitríona McLaughlin. 
Dublin: Saturday 11th March 2023 10:00am - 12:30pm (workshop) & 2:00pm (performance) 
Venues: Drumcondra Education Centre and the Abbey Theatre, Dublin 
Online workshop on Monday 13th March 2023 6:00pm - 7:00pm 
See flyer for details on Cork and Donegal dates and venues.
Register on www.artsinjuniorcycle.ie 

Post Date: 15 February 2023

Modern Foreign Languages

What's Your Story? National MFL Digital Story Award

Date: Tuesday 07th March 2023
Time: 18:00-19:30
Register by clicking on this link

This is an online interactive workshop where teachers of Modern Foreign Languages explore how to support students in 1st, 2nd and 3rd year to write and produce a digital story of their choosing. When students have completed their story, they can submit it for entry to What's Your Story? National MFL Digital Story Award.

This workshop will also be repeated on the following dates, which you can register for by clicking on the relevant link below. 

Date: Wednesday 15th March 2023
Time: 18:00-19:30
Register for this workshop by clicking on this link

Date: Thursday 23rd March 2023
Time: 18:00-19:30
Register for this workshop by clicking on this link

Post Date: 08 February 2023

Applied Technology Elective Workshop

The Applied Technology team is delighted to announce that registration for our Spring Elective workshop, “Exploring how the sensor circuit board can further enhance teaching and learning in Applied Technology” is now open.
This face-to-face elective will take place in Applied Technology rooms in schools around the country. Details of each event and their location can be found in the advertisement below. Click on the image or the link below to access the registration form.
Places in each event are limited to a maximum of twenty participants. Applicants will be treated on a first come basis. Please click on the image below or this link for the Registration Form.

Post Date: 26 January 2023

JCPA

Details for schools on the process of creating the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA) for students who completed Junior Cycle in June 2022 are now available by clicking on this link.

Post Date: 25 January 2023

Arts in Junior Cycle Workshops

Get your World Turning with woodturner Willie Creighton:

Arts in Junior Cycle and the JCT Technologies team (JCt4), in collaboration with woodturner Willie Creighton, are pleased to offer ‘Get your World Turning’ workshops again in early 2023.

Eight workshops will take place in four school venues over the coming weeks in counties: Sligo, Kerry, Offaly, and Waterford. Workshops are now full but you can still register for workshop waiting lists. Please visit the Arts in Junior Cycle website, or click on the image below, for further details about the workshop events, and to register for a workshop waiting list.

SKETCH IT with Jim O’Farrell:

 Arts in Junior Cycle and the JCt4 Technologies team, in collaboration with retired Technologies subject teacher and artist Jim O’Farrell, are delighted to offer SKETCH IT an elective sketching workshop for technologies subject teachers. Please visit the Arts in Junior Cycle website, or click on the image below, for further details about the workshop, and to register for a SKETCH IT workshop.

Post Date: 17 January 2023

Science Elective Workshop

Date: Tuesday, January 24th
Time: 7 pm
Event: Online learning event
Title: Developing Students’ Skills for a Science in Society Investigation - Moving Towards Classroom-Based Assessment 2
This live online learning event is to support teachers in developing their students’ skills towards the Science in Society Investigation, Classroom-Based Assessment 2. This event will be interactive where teachers can have professional conversations around their experiences so far and discuss/share ideas on how best to develop our students’ investigative skills from 1st year. It will particularly benefit new or returning teachers to Junior Cycle Science or any teachers that would like to further collaborate on how these skills can be implemented in the Science classroom. Developing these research and investigative skills from 1st year will ensure students are well-equipped with the necessary skills to engage with CBA 2 in 3rd year. You can register to attend at this link.

Post Date: 17 January 2023

English

JCT English in collaboration with Arts in Junior Cycle were delighted to chat with comic book illustrator Will Sliney last year. In this conversation, Will discusses how he came to work for Marvel Comics. He also delves into the art of telling stories through comics! A particularly helpful podcast for anyone considering Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse from the new Prescribed Text List.

Click on this link to listen .

Post Date: 06 January 2023

Information Note TC11/2022

Please find an Information Note TC11/2022 published by the Department of Education by clicking here. It provides updates on the implementation of the Framework for Junior Cycle with particular reference to the school year 2022/2023. To be read in conjunction with Circular 0059/2021 which is available by clicking here.

Post Date: 14 November 2022

English

JCT English were delighted to chat with Kathyrn McCance, from the Listen Now Again Seamus Heaney exhibition curated by the National Library of Ireland. Kathryn gives a fascinating insight into Heaney's 'The Burial at Thebes.' The play is a version of Sophocles' Greek tragedy 'Antigone.' Kathryn discusses the creative departures that Heaney took from the original play and the various dramatic techniques he used to bring the play to a new audience.  

Listen at this link

Post Date: 09 September 2022

Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate Examinations 2023

The Department of Education has published an updated document which sets out the adjusted assessment arrangements for post-primary students taking certificate examinations in the 2022/23 school year.

While the level of disruption to the learning experience due to Covid-19 reduced in the 2021/22 school year compared to the previous year, these arrangements are designed to take account of the disrupted learning experienced by students.

Post Date: 07 September 2022

CBA Calendar Dates, 2022/2023

Revised arrangements for the completion of Classroom-Based Arrangements (CBAs) for students in third year and second year in 2022/2023 are available here.

Post Date: 05 September 2022

Adjustments to State Examinations, 2023

The Minister for Education Norma Foley TD has announced that adjustments will be made to the assessment arrangements for students due to sit State examinations in 2023, to take account of the disruption to their learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.  A document detailing the adjusted assessment arrangements for every subject/ module descriptor in the Leaving Certificate Established, Leaving Certificate Applied, Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme and Junior Cycle programmes will be issued to schools and schools will be asked to ensure that all students are made aware of these changes.

Post Date: 30 August 2022

Looking at Our School 2022: A Quality Framework for Post-Primary Schools

Looking at Our School 2022: A Quality Framework for Post-Primary Schools is a framework that provides a shared understanding of what effective and highly effective learning, teaching, leadership and management practices look like in the Irish school system. This document replaces the previous version published in 2016.

Post Date: 02 June 2022

Summer Programme 2022

The Department of Education encourages schools to provide the summer programme for primary and post-primary students with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage. Find out more about this programme by watching this short video.

Post Date: 01 June 2022

Important Update - Management Resource Hours

The Department of Education has decided, on an interim basis, to continue to allocate the Management Resource Hours for the school year 2022/23. All Post-primary schools have been sent a letter outlining this arrangement in further detail. Please find a wealth of supports developed by JCT for MRH personnel here.

Post Date: 26 May 2022

JCIS CPD for 2022/2023

Schools will have received a letter regarding the scheduling of a day of whole-school planning and self-evaluation for Junior Cycle implementation 2022/2023.

The theme of next year’s JCIS workshop is to review your Junior Cycle implementation and identify areas for consolidation and further development.

Further details of this whole staff workshop are found in the JCIS CPD Brochure. The earliest day for bookings will be Monday, 12th September 2022. Please contact your Regional Team in order to book your JCIS day.

Post Date: 25 May 2022

JCt4 - CBA 2 updates

Graphics: The NCCA have published the domain for Classroom-Based Assessment (CBA) 2 – Graphical presentation skills in Graphics, which is to be completed by third year students in the 2022/2023 academic year. The domain can be accessed through the green panel on the Graphics section of www.curriculumonline.ie.

Engineering: The NCCA have also published the theme for Classroom-Based Assessment (CBA) 2 - Research and development in Engineering for third year student in the 2022/2023 academic year. The theme can be accessed through the green panel on the Engineering section of  www.curriculumonline.ie.

Post Date: 13 May 2022

Professional Time Resource

The most recent professional time resource created by the JCIS team offers ideas for teachers' individual and collaborative reflective practice. This Individual-Collaborative Reflective Practice Professional Time resource includes a Padlet and a one-page document with an explanation of each section of the Padlet. These sections are entitled Professional Reading, Professional Dialogue, Professional Learning and Professional Practice and consist of relevant readings, screencasts, PowerPoints, videos, support documents and reflective templates. This resource is located on the JCIS section of the JCT website in the Resources section under the heading Professional Time.

Post Date: 13 May 2022

Music

For all music colleagues participating in their Subject Learning and Assessment Review meeting in the coming weeks, please click our webinar 'A Shared Understanding: CBAs and the SLAR in Junior Cycle Music' for further support.

Post Date: 05 May 2022

SPHE Resources

Thank you to all of the SPHE teachers for their positive engagement in our SPHE Online CPD 2021/2022 workshops. 

Resources are available here.

Post Date: 27 April 2022

Post-Primary SPHE/RSE Teachers

Minister Foley announces initiative to provide a new postgraduate upskilling programme for post-primary SPHE/RSE teachers. Find detail of the press release by clicking here.

Post Date: 27 April 2022

Parents’ Information Leaflet – Russian

Junior Cycle Information for Parents of Post-Primary Students is available in Russian at the following link.

Post Date: 27 April 2022

Parents’ Information Leaflet – Ukranian

Junior Cycle Information for Parents of Post-Primary Students is available in Ukrainian at the following link.

Post Date: 27 April 2022

Circular 0027/2022

The new Digital Strategy for Schools 2021-2027, which will build on the progress made under the previous Digital Strategy, will be underpinned by an investment of some €200m included in the National Development Plan 2021-2030. Please find a link to the circular here.

Post Date: 27 April 2022

Circular 0011/2022

Policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022: Post-primary schools in Gaeltacht language-planning areas participating in the Gaeltacht school recognition scheme: Ongoing implementation of the Scheme (2022 - 2024). School authorities can access the circular published on 26th April 2022 by clicking this link.

Post Date: 08 April 2022

MFL

The presentation from the MFL SOLE elective workshop, “Formative Assessment in the Modern Foreign Languages Classroom” which was held recently has been uploaded to the MFL section of JCT’s website and is available at  this link.

Post Date: 24 March 2022

MFL

The resources associated with our recent elective workshop titled Oral Communication in Junior Cycle MFL: Sharing learning from classroom experience & supporting our students towards Classroom-Based Assessment 1, can be found by clicking on this link.  This workshop is to support teachers in developing the skill of oral communication in the Junior Cycle MFL classroom. 

Post Date: 14 March 2022

English

The Department of Education has published the new English Prescribed Text List for 2nd and 3rd year students presenting for examination in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Click to access this list. 

Post Date: 10 March 2022

Step Up Project Launch

Thank you to all who attended the launch of the Step Up website yesterday. The project story of the SSE journey of 9 schools is told in the videos, podcast, school reports and composite report on http://stepupproject.ie

Post Date: 10 February 2022

JCt4 in conversation with GMIT Letterfrack (Part two)

The JCt4 Wood Technology team were delighted to recently record a two-part podcast with GMIT Letterfrack Head of Department, Paul Leamy for the latest episode of the ‘Hands On’ podcast series. 

In part two of this recording, Paul talks about the need for responsible use of wood, developing transferable skills with students and how GMIT Letterfrack has developed its facilities to include converting and seasoning their own timber for use in student projects. 

You can listen to the full podcast by clicking here or on the image below.

Post Date: 02 February 2022

English

The latest episode from the JCT English podcast series 'Conversations from the Classroom' features English teacher Emer Whyte from Galway Educate Together Secondary School.
Emer describes how she and her colleagues have incorporated planning for students following an L2LP in their Junior Cycle English Classes. Emer also offers an insight into some key steps that work for her and her colleagues when collaboratively designing learning. A must-listen for those looking to learn more about supporting students following Level 2 and Level 3 in the Junior Cycle English classroom!

Post Date: 26 January 2022

JCt4 in conversation with GMIT Letterfrack (Part one)

The JCt4 Wood Technology team were delighted to recently record a two-part podcast with GMIT Letterfrack Head of Department, Paul Leamy for the latest episode of the ‘Hands On’ podcast series. In part one of this recording, Paul talks about the joy of designing and making with wood and the importance of developing the key principles of hand skills at GMIT Letterfrack, the National Centre for Excellence in Furniture Design and Technology.   You can listen to the full podcast by clicking here or on the image below.

Post Date: 19 January 2022

Graphics: CBA 1 Resources

The Graphics team have recently created some new resources as a support for teachers as their students engage with CBA 1: Communicating through sketching. These include a PowerPoint presentation entitled ‘Exploring Classroom-Based Assessment 1’ and a supporting interactive poster and video. Please click on this link or on the image below to access these resources. 

Post Date: 17 December 2021

Religious Education

Check out the video capturing some of the highlights from the ‘National Forum Seminar on Valuing Teaching and Learning about Sacred Artefacts from the Worlds’ Major Religions’, which included a presentation from Dr Ailís Travers, Team Leader for Religious Education with Junior Cycle for Teachers. The video is available at the following link: Video Highlights Link The event was hosted by Chester Beatty Library Dublin, with MIC Limerick and Dublin City Interfaith Forum.

Post Date: 09 December 2021

Circular letter 0059/2021

Circular letter 0059/2021- Arrangements for the Implementation of the Framework for Junior Cycle with particular reference to school year 2021/22 is available now by clicking on the following link: Link to Circular letter 0059/2021

Post Date: 22 November 2021

JCt4 Wood Technology: New Podcast

The Wood Technology team in collaboration with Arts in Junior Cycle were delighted to chat with furniture maker Daniel Gill about his passion for his craft & his process from wood selection to completion of a piece of furniture. Listen to the full conversation by clicking on this link

Post Date: 17 November 2021

Music

The NCCA have published updated Assessment Guidelines for the Classroom-based Assessments dated November 2021. 

To access please click here 

Post Date: 03 November 2021

Technologies Sample Papers

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) published sample examination papers (common level) for each of the suite of Technology subjects on Friday 22nd October. Please click on the relevant subjects below to access the respective sample examination paper.   

Applied Technology Sample Paper

Engineering Sample Paper

Graphics Sample Paper

Wood Technology Sample Paper

Post Date: 18 October 2021

English

JCT English in collaboration with Arts in Junior Cycle were delighted to chat with poet and playwright Inua Ellams earlier this year. His text “The 14th Tale” is on the current prescribed text list for 2nd and 3rd year students.  

Listen to our full conversation in collaboration here

Post Date: 17 October 2021

Technology

The coursework briefs and project materials for the suite of Technology subjects have been published by the State Examinations Commission. Please click on the relevant subjects below to access the documentation. 

Wood Technology Coursework Design Briefs

Applied Technology Coursework Briefs

Graphics Student Project

Engineering Project Coursework

Post Date: 06 October 2021

Junior Cycle English

JCT English are delighted to release their latest podcast with Galway author Patricia Forde. Patricia talks about the power of language and her novel “The Wordsmith” which is on the new indicative text list for First Year students 2021, 2022 and 2023. Have a listen to this and other podcasts in the series by clicking on Junior Cycle Talks  on SoundCloud, or by searching for Junior Cycle Talks wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Post Date: 28 September 2021

Graphics CBA 2 Resources

A number of newly created resources including an ‘important considerations’ document, a PowerPoint presentation with supporting interactive poster and video for CBA 2: Graphical Presentation Skills can be accessed by clicking on resources or on the graphics image below.

Post Date: 28 September 2021

Engineering CBA 2 Resources

A number of newly created resources including a video, support documents, and details on important considerations for CBA 2: Research and Development can be accessed by clicking on resources or on the engineering image below.

Post Date: 17 September 2021

New MFL Resources

Our MFL Team have uploaded new resources which can be accessed by clicking on the links below

CEFR Infographic – exploring links between the CEFR, the Junior Cycle Framework and the MFL Specification

Screencast: Planning with Learning outcomes  -a screencast to introduce our new planning resource

Planning with Learning Outcomes – a resource to support collaborative conversations around planning for learning

Learning Outcomes and Planning for Student Learning – a one page document to support MFL departments in planning for student learning

Digi Tech for Languages  - a tool to support teachers to further integrate digital methodologies into their practice.

Post Date: 06 September 2021

Department of Education (DoE) Update (18 August 2021)   

Assessment Arrangements for Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate Examinations 2022.

Click to download PDF document. 

Post Date: 09 March 2021

The Department of Education published on 09th March 2021 guidelines for schools entitled “Assessment and Reporting on Students’ Learning - Junior Cycle 2021”. The guideline documents can be found here:

Assessment and Reporting on Students’ Learning – Junior Cycle 2021

Post Date: 09 March 2021

Guidelines for Schools on Assessment and Reporting on Students’ Learning – Junior Cycle 2021 issued by the Department of Education on March 9th state that the school will issue a School Report detailing the learning achievements of the student. Each school has the autonomy to choose the format of the school report that will be used and issued to students. Relevant supports for reporting can be found at this link: Reporting/NCCA

Post Date: 09 March 2021

The Junior Cycle Wellbeing Guidelines have been updated to support schools as they continue to plan and develop junior cycle Wellbeing programmes. The updated 2021 Guidelines can be found at this link:

Wellbeing Guidelines for Junior Cycle | NCCA

Post Date: 04 November 2020

Visual Arts

The themes for CBA 1: From Process to Realisation 2020/21 can be found on www.curriculumonline.ie and here.

Post Date: 04 November 2020

Home Economics

Food Literacy Skills Examination Assignment Briefs are now available on www.examinations.ie or here.

Post Date: 04 November 2020

SEC sample papers for Final Assessment are now available for the following subjects:

Geography

History

Home Economics

Mathematics Higher Level 

Mathematics Ordinary Level

Music

Post Date: 25 September 2020

Report on early enactment of Junior Cycle Business Studies and Science published by the NCCA. Click here...

Post Date: 10 December 2019

JCT in Conversation with Parents

“JCT in Conversation with Parents” video is available here...

It is found on the Communication with Parents page of the Leadership section of jct.ie, here..., along with many other resources to support schools communicating Junior Cycle to parents. 

Post Date: 01 October 2019

How are we equipping our young people to flourish in The Fourth Industrial Revolution? The role of creativity in the Junior Cycle Classroom

Article by Fiona O’Brien, Team leader for School Leadership, Junior Cycle for Teachers here...

Post Date: 27 May 2019

The Webinar "Guidance Related Units of Learning" is now available online here...

The Webinar "Exploring Other Areas of Learning in Junior Cycle" is now available online here...

Post Date: 13 December 2018

Special Schools and Further Education Sector

JCAD Handbook and User Guide

Post Date: 03 December 2018

Please find attached a handbook and appendices for schools to assist in the issuing of the JCPA

here...

The handbook also contains the following:

Appendix 1 - Checklist

Appendix 2 - Logos and Signatures

Appendix 3 -  Privacy Notice and Consent Forms

Appendix 4 - Samples of JCPAs for 2018

Please complete Appendix 2 should you wish to submit or update your school crest or signatures by Wednesday the 5th December, 2018.

(Please note, only Principal and Year Head signatures can appear on the JCPA).  Vice/Deputy Principal or Co-Ordinator will not appear on the JCPA.

Please note that the administration grant to support schools with production of the JCPAs will also issue in the coming days.

Should you have any queries please email jcpa@education.gov.ie.  Please ensure you quote your school name and roll number in all correspondence”.

Post Date: 27 September 2018

Enhancing Teacher Professional Collaboration Through Junior Cycle Reform

here...

Post Date: 14 March 2018

Our recent Leadership for Learning Conference showcased the learning from our ATS2020 Erasmus + project . This short video shows some of the highlights from the day: Video...

Post Date: 12 December 2017

Placing the Student at the Centre of Learning

here...

Post Date: 25 May 2018

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