Jc presentation aug2012

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Junior Cycle Developments

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Why change?

• ESRI research - evidence base for junior cycle review

• 1st year, 2nd year, 3rd year

• nature of engagement

• Request for advice from Minister and DES

• Innovation and Identity- Ideas for a New Junior Cycle

(2010) discussion paper

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And of course, PISA…

• A need to focus on literacy and numeracy

• A need for connections and progression

• Student resilience and persistence

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http://ncca.ie/framework/

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What’s the difference?

• A Framework – not rules!

• 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

• Access to a more varied curriculum/curriculum development

• Teachers in closer relationship with assessment

• Improved feedback, reporting and modern qualifications

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What’s the difference?

A Framework – not rules!

Greater flexibility and autonomy

for schools!

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What’s the difference?

Clarity on junior cycle learning – a

different kind of CORE!

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•What a student will learn described in statements of learning

•The skills of literacy and numeracy and other key skills

embedded in learning and the curriculum

Learning

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Key Skills

Working with others

Managing myself

Communicat-ing

Staying well

Being creative

Managing in-formation and

thinking

Key Skills – Elements of Working with others

• Developing good relationships and resolving conflict• Co-operating• Respecting difference• Contributing to making the world a better place• Learning with others• Working with others through ICT and digital media

Key Skills – Learning Outcomes for Working with others: Respecting difference

I can• Appreciate difference and diversity• Talk with people from different cultures,

backgrounds and beliefs• Respect people from different cultures, backgrounds

and beliefs• Be open-minded about different ideas, values and

ways of life

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What’s the difference?

Access to a more varied curriculum

and to curriculum development!

• Subjects continue as the main curriculum components

• Schools can offer short courses

• Subjects will be shorter

Curriculum

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Prio

rity

Lear

ning

Uni

ts

Pote

ntial

Sho

rt C

ours

es

Skill

s

Subj

ects

Art Craft Design Business Studies ClassicsEnglish French Geography German History Home Economics Irish Italian Jewish Studies Materials Technology (Wood) Mathematics MetalworkMusicReligious EducationScience SpanishTechnical Graphics Technology

Civic, Social and Political EducationDigital Media Social, Personal and Health EducationChinesePhysical EducationArtistic Performance Programming/Coding

Level 2 Qualification

Communicating and Literacy Numeracy Looking after myself Living in a community Preparing for work

Key skillsManaging myselfStaying wellCommunicatingBeing creativeWorking with othersManaging information and thinking.

LiteracyNumeracy

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VISION

1. Introduction to junior cycle

2. Aim

3. Rationale

EXPECTATIONS OF

LEARNER

S

4. Links (between the course and;)a. Statements of learningb. Key Skillsc. Literacy and Numeracy

5. Course overview • Strands• Learning Outcomes

6. Expectations for learners

7. Assessment and certification/qualifications

SUPPORTS

8. Learning and teaching

ELEMENTS OF COURSE SPECIFICATION

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What’s the difference?

Focus on the programme as well as

the exam!

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A new junior cycle.Q

UALIFICATIO

NS

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What’s the difference?

Assessment closer to learning.

Changed assessment relationships.

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• Assessment plays a major part in everyday learning

over the three years of junior cycle

• Students more responsible for gathering and

presenting evidence of their learning

• Teachers give feedback and report on that evidence

Assessment in junior cycle

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Assessment for certification/qualifications

• Combination of examination and school work

• School involved in assessment

• Supports – CPD, specification,

exemplification, administrative, information

• Manageable and administration-light process

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What’s the difference?

Improved feedback, reporting and

modern qualifications!

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• Qualifications that fit the learning, not just the exam

• Smaller qualifications, giving schools more space and

time to spend on their junior cycle programme, on

literacy, numeracy and key skills

• Two qualifications

Qualifications

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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

• School-based assessment

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Level 2 Qualification

For introduction with junior cycle change from 2014

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Frequently Asked QuestionsCategories

• Framework for Junior Cycle and junior cycle developments

• Planning for junior cycle development• Curriculum choices and the junior cycle

programme• Issues that may arise

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Junior Cycle developments

• More detail on the Framework later in 2012

• Ongoing discussions with DES and SEC on detail

• Template and guidelines for short courses

• Work on JC English specification

• Report card templates

• Programme planning

• Ongoing posting of FAQs