Ardee Community School offers the three-year Department of Education Programme which has been developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.
Since September 2019, students from first year to third year study the revised programme for the Junior Cycle in all subjects. The aim of the Junior Cycle is to place the student at the centre of the learning process. It promotes new ways of learning and a broader range of skills (Key Skills) to be assessed.
This is a three year programme and now incorporates a range of subjects which are assessed under the Junior Cycle framework introduced over the last ten years.
| Compulsory | Subject Options |
|---|---|
| Irish* | French** |
| English | German** |
| Maths | Music |
| Science | Home Economics |
| Religious Education | Graphics (Technical Graphics) |
| Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) | Engineering (Metalwork) |
| Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE) | Wood Technology (Woodwork) |
| Physical Education | Art |
| History | Applied Technology (Technology) |
| Geography | |
| Business Studies |
Students choose four options in total, from three different groupings.
*Students may be exempt from Irish in specific circumstances.
** Most students study at least one language.
Since September 2019, students from First Year to Third Year study the revised programme for the Junior Cycle in all subjects. The aim of the Junior Cycle is to place the student at the centre of the learning process. It promotes new ways of learning and a broader range of skills (Key Skills) to be assessed.
The Junior Cycle is under pinned by
Students take exams in June of third year. All Junior Cycle exams are taken at common level with the exception of Irish, English and Maths which can be taken at higher or ordinary level.
Students also engage in Classroom Based Assessments (CBA’s) in all subjects.The CBA’s take place in Second Year and Third Year.
Wellbeing will form an integral part of the programme for the three years Wellbeing includes Physical Education, CSPE, SPHE and Guidance.
Students will be awarded a Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement(JCPA) after Junior Cycle. The JCPA reports on the results of final exams, the CBA’s and other areas of learning. Achievements in individual subjects and CBA’s are awarded using a new grading system as follows:
| JCPA grades for exams | JCPA CBA Grade Descriptors | |
| Percentage Range | Grade | Grade Descriptors |
|---|---|---|
| 90 or over | Distinction | Exceptional |
| 75 to less than 90 | Higher Merit | Above Expectations |
| 55 to less than 75 | Merit | In Line with Expectations |
| 40 to less than 55 | Achieved | Yet to Meet Expectations |
| 20 to less than 40 | Partially Achieved | Not Reported |
| Less than 20 | Not Graded | |
Further information on the Junior Cycle can be found on the website of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA): www.ncca/junior-cycle
Students receive support during timetabled Irish (if they have an exemption) for numeracy and literacy. Students may also be supported in their classrooms through team teaching. This is based on the individually assessed needs of each student.
Approximately 24 to 30 students are chosen each year to follow a special programme in addition to the conventional Junior Cycle. Students work on several projects/initiatives throughout second and third year. Students are awarded a folder of certificates documenting their achievements during their Junior Cycle at the end of third year. The aim of this programme is to improve numeracy and literacy skills of the students involved.
Ardee Community School offers the L1LP and L2LP programmes to students who have difficulty accessing the Junior Cycle programme.
ARDEE COMMUNITY SCHOOL JUNIOR CYCLE INFORMATION BOOKLET (click link)
ARDEE COMMUNITY SCHOOL INCOMING FIRST YEAR INFORMATION (click link)
