ACCS Education Conference
February 5th, 2014
Theme: Implementation of
the Junior Cycle 2014
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Changes from 17 January 2014
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Name of qualification: (announced 15 Jan 2014)
JCSA: Junior Cycle Student Award
Changes announced by the DES having consulted with
partners in education:
The pace of Curriculum Change
New details on school-based assessment
Changes to CPD to support implementation
Developments around assessment and moderation
Unions announced they would be balloting members re
JC reform proposals
Pace of Curriculum Change
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English will still be introduced in Sept 2014
Science to be introduced on its own in Sept 2015
Irish and Business Studies to be introduced in Sept 2016
Following a review in 2016 a decision on how many/what
subjects will be introduced each year but provisionally:
Sept 2017: Art, Craft & Design; Modern Languages
Sept 2018: Home Ec.; Music; Maths; Geography
Sept 2019:History; Technologies; Jewish St;RE; Classics
The JCSA will be fully in place by 2022
Standardised Tests
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Standardised testing in English and Maths will
take place for 2nd years in the Spring of 2017
Standardised testing in Science (and Irish in
Irish-medium schools) will take place for 2nd
years in Spring of 2018
Short Courses
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‘Short courses can be introduced from
September 2014, but only in schools which
want to introduce them – they will not be
compulsory’
CSPE?? Appears that there will be a JC exam
as usual in 2017 for those who keep the
present course
Summary of changes to curriculum
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Already planned:
English for implementation in September 2014
First school-based assessment in English in May 2016
Second school-based assessment in English before
Christmas 2016
Final assessment will be set and marked by SEC as
planned in summer 2017
NEW:
Adjust sequencing and timing of remaining subjects
Adjust introduction of short courses in schools
Adjust introduction of standardised tests
School-based assessment events
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For English, Irish and Maths when introduced:
The School Based Assessment component for
certification (40%) will happen within the min. 240 hrs
Assessment will:
Be limited to two school-based components
Generally happen in summer term of 2nd year and
before Christmas in 3rd year within defined, fixed
period
Replace existing house exams and/or mocks
For other subjects, school based assessment within
200hrs of engagement
Changes to CPD: English teachers
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English teachers: will now have 4.5 days CPD
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Year 1: 2013/2014: 1 full day out + 3 periods (max. 2
hrs) in-school teacher-led CPD
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Year 2: 2014/2015: 1 full day out + 3 periods in school
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Year 3: 2015/2016: 1 full day out + 3 periods in school
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Year 4 or 5: 16/17 or 17/18: half-day school visit by
JCT advisor
Changes to CPD: Whole School
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One full day (or equivalent) of facilitated whole-school
CPD for each year of the duration of implementation
period is allowable. Schools are permitted to close for
this day.
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2013/2014: Schools can take this day but facilitation
this year will be a challenge (subject to capacity and
logistics).
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Three models of provision being debated
Other CPD
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Four days CPD for each of the other subjects
Three days for principals over 3 years + range
of electives
A full day of CPD to provide an overview of the
Framework for the school team
Quality assurance & support for
teacher assessment
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NCCA advising on time needed for in-school
moderation meetings
For discussion:
Dedicated time for individual teachers to
engage in school-based moderation
Posts/duties relating to moderation &
assessment
ICT infrastructure