Junior Cycle
The Junior Cycle features newly developed subjects and short courses, a focus on key skills, and new approaches to assessment and reporting. The Framework for the Junior Cycle provides the basis for Borris College to plan quality inclusion and relevant education programmes with improved learning experiences for all students, including those with special educational needs. The key skills taught in all subjects include Being Literate, Managing Myself, Communicating, Working with others, Being Creative, Being Numerate, Managing Information and Thinking and Staying Well.
The following are the core subjects which all students study unless they have an exemption from the study of Irish as per Department of Education Circular Letter 0055/2022.
Core Examinable Subjects
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Irish
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English
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Mathematics
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Geography
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History
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Science
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Optional Examinable Subjects
Students choose three subjects from the following list. Subjects on offer vary from year to year and are dependent on resourcing and students’ demand.
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Spanish
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French
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German
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Engineering
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Wood Technology
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Graphics
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Home Economics
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Music
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Art
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Business Studies
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Religious Education
All Junior Cycle students in 2022-2023 study Religious Education.
Wellbeing
All students in Borris College study short courses in Civic Social and Political Education (CSPE), Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and Physical Education (PE). As part of the SPHE programme, students study four rotational modules on Life Skills (healthy eating, nutrition, exercise, cooking and budgeting), Resilience and Wellbeing Skills, Study Skills and Computer Skills. Each morning during pastoral care, students are met by their Class Teacher and a programme for wellbeing runs through this time.
Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA)
The JCPA captures student achievements in several assessment elements undertaken over the three years of Junior Cycle, including the grades in the state-certified final examinations at the end of the three years. It will also report on students’ achievement in Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs) in subjects and short courses, and in Level 2 Learning Programmes (L2LPs). The JCPA also provides the school an opportunity to comment on student achievement, participation, or progress in other areas of learning that may have been included in the school’s Junior Cycle Programme.