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
- 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.
