As part of Junior Cycle reform, students engage in a new assessment procedure called Classroom Based Assessments (CBAs).

When?

Throughout 2^nd Year, as part of normal classroom practice, students will be assessed by their teachers. These assessments take place inside the regular timetable and form part of the fabric of ordinary classroom practice.

The timetable below outlines the windows for when these assessments take place. To ensure full engagement with CBAs, it is important that students attend school as scheduled. As you will notice, the bulk of Classroom Based Assessments for 2^nd Year occur in the second half of the year.

• Maths: 13 Mar – 3 April
• English: 20 Apr – 11 May
• Science: 24 Feb – 13 March
• Modern Foreign Language (French and German): 9 March – 30 March
• History: 27 Jan – 14 Feb
• Geography: 13 Jan – 31 Jan
• Home Economics.: Commences in the first half of the year and runs for a number of weeks
• Business: 9 Mar – 3 April
• Visual Art: 6 Jan – 1 May (14-week window)
• Music: By 6 March
• Philosophy: 23 Mar – 24 April

Are these assessments certified?

Yes. The results from the CBAs appear on each student’s JCPA (Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement). This is issued after the State Examinations results when students are in Transition Year.

Who assesses the students for CBAs?

Classroom teachers do. The results are moderated by a committee of teachers to ensure integrity of results.

Is there an appeals process?

No. There is no formal appeals process. These assessments are considered to be formative and should deepen students’ understanding of their subject areas. Students are encouraged to reflect on and learn from the experience of doing CBAs.

Where can I learn more?

• Newpark’s Junior Cycle Assessment Policy can be found on the school’s website. Go to: https://www.newparkschool.ie/wp–content/uploads/2018/10/Junior–Cycle–Assessment–pdf
• Curriculum Online offers all of the subject specifications. Go to: https://www.curriculumonline.ie/ Hover over ‘Junior Cycle’ and use the drop-down menu.
• The Junior Cycle Framework explains the new Junior Cycle. This can be found at on the NCCA’s website here: https://www.ncca.ie/media/3249/framework–for–junior–cycle–2015–pdf

We are aware that the new Junior Cycle assessment procedures may feel unfamiliar to some parents and guardians. An information evening for parents and guardians will be held later this year.

Queries or questions in the meantime to hugh.holmes@newparkschool.ie