Shane Dalton, Conor Cuddihy,

Thomas Leonard,
Junior Cycle Reform & its Impact Carmella o’ Donoghue
& Orna MacDonough

Aims 1.(a) Overview of the proposed JC reforms

1.To identify and critically assess the proposed JC reforms. It consists of 10 Subjects (from a choice of 21) – 200
2.To examine and identify why schools differ in implementing reform efforts hours each, except English, Irish & Math (240).
3. Identify what impacts on bringing about significant curricular change There is an option of taking a maximum of 4 short
1.(b)Critical Analysis of the Proposed JC reforms courses (100 hours each) with an emphasis on
wellbeing. Dual Approach Assessment - 2 CBAs
Strengths Weaknesses corrected by teachers, followed by a written
The proposed reforms are mostly Short course provisions will vary assessment and final written exam corrected by the
student-centred. Recognising a wide from school to school (resources SEC. PLU, level 2 available for SEN. These changes
range of learning, and students available). SLARS (Subject are informed by:
progress through JC becomes Learning & Assessment Review)
paramount, while the short courses • 24 Statements of Learning
meetings may be held outside
allow for students to focus on their normal school hours. Union’s • 8 principles that underpin the entire Framework
interests and develop personally. It disagreement regarding training
also reduces the focus on one terminal and implementation is • 8 key skills for successful learning
examination, and gives prominence to controversial.
classroom based assessment. 2.Why do schools differ in implementing the reforms?

3. Impacts on bringing about significant Curricular Change
Unions - namely ASTI and TUI disagree on implementation and could
result in strikes. Also there may be extra costs and workloads for teachers
with the extra challenge of completing course content in a timely manner.
All subjects barring English, Irish and Maths will not be subdivided into
levels and the short course options is really dependent on school
resources
Voluntary schools (some are fee paying). The new
reforms will increase workloads and costs. Vocational
schools are run by the local ETB. The board of
management is made up of some parents, which may
cause conflicts. Community & Comprehensive
schools offer such a broad range of subjects that the
new assessments will increase teachers workloads
two-fold.
Collaboration - Research & Reviews - Chairperson - Orna MacDonough
(Image of our google drive. Can be accessed on techandmaths@gmail.com. Password Timekeeper and Observer – Shane Dalton
techandmaths3)
Scribe & Reader – Carmella O’ Donoghue
Reader – Conor Cuddihy
Reader – Thomas Leonard
References

file:///C:/Users/T410/Downloads/0024-2016_Arrangments_for_the_implementation_of_the_Framework_for_Junior_Cycle_with_particular_reference_to_sc
hool_years_2015-2016_and_2016-2017.pdf (accessed 20/10/2016)

file:///C:/Users/T410/Downloads/Junior_Cycle_Joint_Statement_Principles_and_Implementation_22May2015_Final.pdf (accessed 22/10/2016)

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