The Junior Cycle is of three years duration. Pupils take a broad range of subjects in First Year, most but not all of which are taken to the end of Third Year. At the end of First Year some subject choice takes place. The three year cycle culminates in the state Junior Cycle examination. The Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA) is awarded to students on completion of the Junior Cycle. It adds a classroom-based assessment based on the work completed by the student during second and third year.

The written examination takes place in June of the third year of the Junior Cycle.

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) provides timetables for the Junior Cycle written examinations, practical course work as well as previous Junior Certificate examination papers.

Percentage Range Grade

90 or over – Distinction

75 but less than 90 – Higher Merit

55 but less than 75 – Merit

40 but less than 55 – Achieved

20 but less than 40 – Partially Achieved

Less than 20 – Not Graded

The subject options available are outlined below:

First Year

All First Year students will study the following subjects:

• Irish
• Technical Graphics
• English
• Science
• Maths
• C.S.P.E.
• History
• Religious Education
• Geography
• Business Studies
• Art
• S.P.H.E.
• Music
• Physical Education
• Materials Technology
• Applied Technology
• Wellbeing

Students will also study one of the following subjects, depending on their class:

• French
• Spanish

Second Year

All students will study the following Core Subjects:

• Irish
• English
• Maths
• History
• Geography
• Science
• Physical Education
• C.S.P.E.
• S.P.H.E.
• Religious Education
• French or Spanish

Second Year students will also select two of the following subjects:

• Technical Graphics
• Business Studies
• Applied Technology
• Music
• Visual Art
• Materials Technology (limited places)

For more information regarding Subject Choice at Junior Cycle please click on the link Subject Options and scroll down for more information.