Junior Cycle Reform at Lower Secondary

May 2013

Why change?

• ESRI research - evidence base for junior cycle review • 1 st year, 2 nd year, 3 rd year • nature of engagement • Request for advice from Minister and DES •

Innovation and Identity- Ideas for a New Junior Cycle

• (2010) discussion paper PISA 2

The new junior cycle

• • • • • Greater flexibility and autonomy for schools Clarity on junior cycle learning – a different kind of core Focus on the programme as well as the exam Key skills development Access to a more varied curriculum/curriculum development 3

4

Level 2 short course 5

Most students will include from eight to ten full subjects or their equivalent Seven subjects + 2 short courses or 6 subjects + 4 short courses Eight subjects + 2 short courses or 7 subjects + 4 short courses Nine subjects + 2 short courses or 8 subjects + 4 short courses

7

Main features of the

Framework for Junior Cycle

Features of Junior Cycle Assessment

• Move towards school-based assessment • Mostly formative but linked to summative • Continual feedback to students on how to progress learning and performance • Based on clear outcomes-based specifications and expectations for learners • Annotated examples of student work illustrate those expectations

Main features of the

Framework for Junior Cycle

Features of Junior Cycle Assessment

• Clear specification of assessment tasks for the School Work Component • Features of quality used to assess those tasks also set out (grade by grade) • Process of school-focused moderation • Toolkit of assessment materials and guidance • Professional development and other practical supports • Some State Examinations retained and Final Assessment in all subjects • DES monitors assessment results

Assessment and Moderation Toolkit Guide to formative assessment Planning for and designing assessment Assessment tasks for classroom use Judging student work: expectations for learners and quality Guide to school focused moderation Thinking about assessment: ideas, research and reflections Glossary of Reporting to assessment and moderation terms parents

Level 2 Programmes

Denise Kelly April 2013 11

Features of Level 2 Learning Programmes • • • Defined target group, range of settings Based around Priority Learning Units (250hrs) • Communicating and literacy • Numeracy • • Personal Care Living in a community • Preparing for work PLUs set out in elements and learning outcomes – a learning menu 12

Features of Level 2 Learning Programmes • • • • • For introduction in 2014 with other junior cycle changes Personalised 2 short courses (100 hrs each) School-based assessment Student not confined to L2 learning only

Level 2 short course 14

Level 2 Toolkit

AVAILABLE ONLINE FOR TRIAL www.ncca.ie/level2toolkit

16