The Junior Cycle is a three-year programme designed to support students as they transition into secondary school and develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for future learning.
At Jesus and Mary Secondary School, Gortnor Abbey, students experience a broad and balanced curriculum that encourages curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and personal development.
The programme places a strong emphasis on student wellbeing, active learning, and developing the skills required to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Junior Cycle aims to help every student become a confident learner, an effective communicator, and an active participant in school and community life.
The Junior Cycle Experience
The 8 Key Skills
Generating ideas and exploring new approaches.
Expressing ideas clearly and confidently.
Promoting physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.
Developing responsibility, organisation, and self-management.
Building teamwork and collaboration skills.
Analysing information and solving problems.
Developing reading, writing, and communication skills.
Building confidence in working with numbers and data.
The Junior Cycle Experience
Junior Cycle provides students with the foundation they need to progress confidently into Senior Cycle and beyond. Through academic learning, skill development, wellbeing supports, and personal growth opportunities, students are equipped to make informed choices about their future education and career pathways.
Assessment & Achievement
Assessment within Junior Cycle goes beyond traditional examinations and provides students with opportunities to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.
Students complete Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs) throughout the programme, allowing them to showcase skills, creativity, and understanding across different subjects.
Learning is further recognised through the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA), which provides a comprehensive record of a student’s achievements during Junior Cycle.
This balanced approach supports meaningful learning while encouraging students to take ownership of their educational journey.
