Junior Cycle Information

Assessment

In each subject, students complete a terminal exam in June at the end of 3rd year. In most subjects, this accounts for 90% of the overall grade awarded. The remaining 10% is gained from a written Assessment Task, completed following the second classroom-based assessment in the subject.

Students will receive the following grades for each subject:

  • Distinction (90%+)
  • Higher Merit (75%-90%)
  • Merit (55%-75%)
  • Achieved (40%-55%)
  • Partially Achieved (20%-40%)
  • Not Graded (0%-20%)

Classroom Based Assessment

Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs) provide students with opportunities to demonstrate their learning and skills in ways not possible in a pen and paper examination, for example, their verbal communication and investigation skills. CBAs will be undertaken in subjects and short courses and will be facilitated by the classroom teacher.

CBAs will be undertaken during a defined time period within normal class contact time and to a national timetable. Students will generally complete one CBA in 2nd year and another in 3rd year, in each subject. A student’s CBA offers a snapshot of the standard of their work at the time of completion and the following grades may be awarded:

  • Exceptional
  • Above Expectations
  • In Line with Expectations
  • Yet to meet Expectations

Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement

At the end of the programme, students will receive a JCPA which reports on student achievement across a broad range of areas of learning in junior cycle. This will include the student’s:

  • Achievements in the state-certified final examinations (inclusive of the Assessment Task)
  • Achievements in the Classroom-Based Assessments in subjects
  • Achievement in other areas of learning

Junior Cycle Subject choices can be viewed here.