Junior Cycle

The Junior Certificate examination is taken after three years. The main objective of the Junior Cycle is for students to complete a broad and balanced curriculum, and to develop the knowledge and skills that will enable them to proceed to Senior Cycle education. A new Framework for Junior Cycle is going to make significant changes to the current Junior Cycle beginning in September 2015.

The new junior certificate as proposed, is designed to help students engage enthusiastically with learning. Priority will be given in the new junior certificate to the skills of literacy and numeracy, the 24 statements of learning and the 6 key skills for learning, living and working in the 21st century. The curriculum of the new Junior Certificate will contain subjects as it does now; there will also be short courses. The 6 key skills are ‘Managing Myself’, ‘Staying Well’, and ‘Communicating, ‘Being Creative,’ ‘Working With Others’ and ‘Managing Information and Thinking’. These 6 key skills will help learners to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to face the many challenges in today’s world. They will also support students in learning and in taking responsibility for their own learning.