Junior Cycle

Curriculum - Junior Cycle

The following subjects are taught to Junior Certificate level:

• Visual Art

• Business Studies

• English

• French

• Gaeilge

• Geography

• German

• History

• Home Economics

• Mathematics

• Engineering

• Physical Education

• Religious Education (R.E.)

• Science

• Graphics

• Wood Technology

• Wellbeing. This is an area of learning encompassing:

  • Physical Education

  • Civic, Social & Political Education (CSPE)

  • Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE)

  • Guidance for Wellbeing

Students partake in all of the above subjects for the month of September, allowing them to identify their areas of interest and aptitude.

All Junior Cycle students in MCS study the following 7 exam subjects and are assessed over the course of the three year cycle: Gaeilge, English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, R.E.

All students study either French or German in Junior Cycle

Students are asked to express their interest in order of preference in the following subjects. They must study two from: Visual Art, Business Studies, Home Economics, Engineering, Graphics and Wood Technology.

The Wellbeing area of learning is also reported on over the Junior Cycle. Please see below for further information on Wellbeing.

Find detailed information on subjects at curriculumonline.ie

The maximum number of subjects permitted at Junior Cycle is now 10. Therefore, it is no longer possible to study an extra subject outside of school for Junior Cycle.

Wellbeing

Student wellbeing is present when students realise their abilities, take care of their physical wellbeing, can cope with the normal stresses of life, and have a sense of purpose and belonging to a wider community.

The Framework for Junior Cycle (2015) provides for a new area of learning at Junior Cycle called Wellbeing. Wellbeing crosses the three years of junior cycle and build on substantial work already taking place in Millstreet Community School in support of students’ wellbeing. This area of learning is designed to make the school’s culture and ethos and commitment to wellbeing visible to students. It includes learning opportunities to enhance the physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing of students. It enables students to build life skills and develop a strong sense of connectedness to their school and to their community. The Junior Cycle Wellbeing programme has begun with 300 hours of timetabled engagement in 2017 building up to 400 hours by 2020 as the new Junior Cycle is implemented fully in MCS.

The Wellbeing Area of Learning will also be reported upon during Junior Cycle and will feature on the student’s Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA) which is awarded after the three years.