The new Junior Cycle has reached Phase 5 of its implementation which means that all subjects from September 2020, at junior level, will be taught using the Junior Cycle curriculum as set out by the National Council for Curriculum & Assessment (NCCA). The objective of the Junior Cycle is to place the student at the centre of the learning process. It allows for new ways of learning and a broader range of skills to be properly assessed.
Among the significant changes in the new Junior Cycle programme is the area of assessment. This is made up of Classroom Based Assessments (CBAs) across three years, which are assessed by the subject teacher, and a final externally assessed, state-certified examination. In some subjects there will be an Assessment Task directly related to CBA2. The assessment task is completed within normal class times, on a specific date as set out by the subject department, but is assessed externally and accounts for 10% of the written examination.
As part of the national Junior Cycle reform students in second and third year will be required to complete Classroom Based Assessments in their subjects, providing them with opportunities to demonstrate their learning and skills in ways not possible in a pen and paper examination, for example, verbal communication and investigation skills. The grading system for CBAs is as follows:
- Exceptional
- Above Expectations
- In Line with Expectations
- Yet to Meet Expectations
The Key Dates for the CBAs are formally set by the NCCA. However, due to the number of CBAs which must be facilitated within school during similar timeframes, CBAs will be undertaken during a defined time period as set out by the subject teacher within normal class contact time. In an effort to alleviate student stress and work load, each department will choose a feasible deadline date for their subject so that students’ subject deadlines do not fall on the same dates.
In order to avoid meriting the “Yet to Meet Expectations” descriptor, and to merit a descriptor in line with potential, it is essential that students make their best effort and submit their work by the date set by their teacher. It will only be in exceptional circumstances that deadlines will be extended. It should be noted that in some subjects, non-completion of CBA2 may affect the student’s ability to complete the Assessment Task, which has a direct impact on their final examination grade.
Clifden Community School 15th January 2020