Ireland's Online Resource for Parents & Teachers
The Junior Certificate Programme |
A candidate following an approved course of study outside the State or who is attending an approved course of study organised under the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme , Adult Literacy and Community Education Schemes, the Department of Social and Family Affairs second-level scheme for the unemployed or an analagous scheme, may also sit the exams. Junior Cycle, students study eight broad areas:
· Language and Literature
· Mathematical Studies
· Science and Technology
· Social, Political and Environmental Education
· Arts Education
· Physical Education
· Religious and Moral Education
· Guidance, Counselling, Pastoral Care.
Over the 3 years in the Junior Cycle, every student should have formal experiences across these 8 areas.
| Junior Certificate subjects |
| Irish | Technology |
| English | Home Economics |
| Mathematics | Music |
| History | Art, Craft, Design |
| Geography | Materials Technology (Wood) |
| Latin | Metalwork |
| Greek | Technical Graphics |
| Classical Studies | Business Studies |
| Hebrew Studies | Typewriting |
| French | Environmental and Social Studies |
| German | Civic, Social and Political Education |
| Spanish | Religious Education |
| Italian | Physical Education |
| Science | Social, Personal and Health Education |
New Project Maths Syllabus
The new Project Maths syllabus is due to be rolled out in all schools from September 2010. There will no longer be a Foundation level syllabus at Junior Certificate. There will be Ordinary level and Higher level syllabuses only. However, a Foundation level examination will be offered at Junior Certificate for as long as is necessary to meet the needs of candidates for whom an Ordinary level examination is not appropriate
There is an increase in the amount of statistics and probability to be studied at both Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate. At each level there is increased emphasis on student understanding of the concepts, as well as on the use of appropriate contexts and applications. More active methodologies will be used to promote better student engagement in mathematics classes and to provide them with better insights into mathematics and its applications. Further information on the new syllabus is available on the following PDF
and on the NCCA website project maths page
All students must follow courses in Irish (except where exemptions apply), English, Mathematics and Civic, Social and Political Education. There may be other compulsory subjects, depending on the type of school. Further informati0n on the Junior Certificate Syllabus and Curriculum is available on the NCCA Curriculum On Line website -
| Assessment and examinations |
The Junior Certificate is assessed by means of a written examination at the end of the three-year programme, along with practical examinations and project work in some subjects and oral and aural examinations in Irish and continental languages.
The practical and oral examinations take place during the third year of the programme. The written examination takes place in June.
| Examination fees |
Students sitting for the Junior Certificate must pay an examination fee. This fee is paid through the school.
Examination Grades
| Percentage Range | Grade |
| 85 or over | A |
| 70 but less than 85 | B |
| 55 but less than 70 | C |
| 40 but less than 55 | D |
| 25 but less than 40 | E |
| 10 but less than 25 | F |
| Less than 10 | No Grade |
| Rules |
The school sends parents who are paying the examination fee a form. The parent makes the payment through a bank and the bank must stamp the form. The parent then returns the form to the school.
Students whose parent or guardian holds a current medical card do not have to pay the fee. In the case of parents who have a current medical card, details of the medical card are put on the form and the parent then sends the form back to the school.
| Source: copyright Irish Government Website, Oasis
and NCCA Curriculum on line website – www.curriculumonline.ie | Additional Resources and Information: Transition Year Resources Junior Certificate Resources Leaving Certificate Resources Tutors & Grinds |