Assessment in our school is the all day, every day. However, there are specific moments in the school year that we capture this assessment and where students receive both feedback and grade descriptors. These are called Classroom Based Assessments and are similar to the assessments students are used to in our school from first year.
The grid above represents an overview of the Classroom based assessments taking place in all Junior Cycle Subjects and the Wellbeing short courses, SPHE, and CSPE). The information has been taken from the most recent subject assessment guidelines. For a full understanding of these classroom-based assessments, it is important to read the relevant subject assessment guidelines in full available on www.curriculumonline.ie. A link to the relevant assessment guidelines (where available) is provided in line with each subject below. These assessment guidelines provide schools with the autonomy to complete the Classroom Based Assessments so that they can suit the particular needs, contexts, and circumstances of students. Our school supports the completion of the assessments by, among other actions, ensuring that the most up to date version of NCCA Guidelines for the Classroom-Based Assessments and Assessment Task are provided to teachers.
Explore the full range of Junior Cycle Subjects here.
English
| English |
CBA One: Oral Communication |
CBA Two: The Collection of the Student’s Texts |
Link to Assessment Guidelines: https://www.curriculumonline.ie/getmedia/40f1f58f-5a57-4d0f-b9b7-67af7fe50380/JC_English_Assessment_Guidelines.pdf
| Student Learning |
Students are given an opportunity to choose a topic or issue that is of interest or importance to them and to carry out an exploration over time. The development of basic research skills will be central here. This Classroom-Based Assessment provides useful opportunities for the study of a range of oral presentation styles. In addition, the task offers students opportunities, where appropriate, to collaborate with classmates. |
Creative writing is a vital part of English, but students are not ‘born’ writers. They need to develop a voice and an identity, a good sense of audience, and an awareness of the process of writing. This is best done over time, with supportive feedback and scaffolding from the teacher. |
| How will students demonstrate their learning? |
In completing the Oral Communication CBA, students may use the following formats:
1. Performance
2. Presentation
3. Interview
4. Response to stimulus material
Oral Communication can be completed by the student as an individual or as a member of a group. |
In most cases, the work in the student’s collection will arise from normal classwork. Students will, during Years two and three, plan to complete and retain at least four texts.
Completion of this Classroom-Based Assessment in Year three involves each student choosing two texts from their collection to submit for assessment. |
| Length of Classroom based assessment |
While oral communication will form part of everyday learning and teaching across Years One and Two, the preparation for and communication by students of their Oral Communication Classroom Based Assessment must be completed over a period of three school weeks. (Usually Term 2 of second year.) |
The collection is developed across second year and third year. The CBA is completed in third year. (Approx. 18 months) |
Mathematics
| Mathematics |
CBA One: Mathematical Investigation |
CBA Two: Statistical Investigation |
Link to Assessment Guidelines: https://www.curriculumonline.ie/getmedia/f5af815d-5916-4dc9-bfda-4f3d73bc4787/Assessment_Guidelines_Mathematics.pdf
| Student Learning |
Students engage with the mathematical problem-solving cycle; defining the problem statement, finding a strategy and translating it to mathematics (if necessary), engaging with the problem and solving it if possible, and interpreting the solution in the context of the original problem. Students will have the opportunity to develop their mathematical, communicative, research and collaboration skills, competencies and knowledge. |
Students engage with the statistical enquiry cycle; designing the investigation, identifying the variables of interest and choosing reliable, valid measurement methods for gathering data on each variable, gathering, organising and managing thedata, analysing and interpreting the data in the context of the original question. Students will have the opportunity to develop their mathematical, communicative, research and collaboration skills, competencies and knowledge. |
| How will students demonstrate their learning? |
Students research a question that they have about the world around them or that they have explored in the course of their mathematical studies. Students will produce a report and submit their research records. They have choice about the format of their report and possibilities to collaborate. |
Students research a statistical question that they have about the world around them or that they explored in the course of their mathematical studies. Students will produce a report and submit their research records. They have choice about the format of their report and possibilities to collaborate. |
| Length of Classroom based assessment |
The CBA will be completed within a three-week period during second year. |
The CBA will be completed within a three-week period during third year. |
Engineering
| Engineering |
CBA One: Engineering in Action |
CBA Two: Research and Development |
Link to Assessment Guidelines:https://www.curriculumonline.ie/getmedia/bb96a1bf-ad0c-4a7a-bd62-5bd797ce9e37/Engineering-AG.pdf
| Student Learning |
Students will investigate real-life applications of the processes and principles of engineering. Students can focus their investigation through the lens of a specific strand, a combination of two strands or can adopt an integrated approach across all three strands. The students will communicate their findings through any appropriate media |
This Classroom-Based Assessment will encourage students to carry out research based on a theme which will be reflective of an aspect of the final project. The purpose of this CBA is to research, explore and present their findings through any appropriate media. Classroom-Based Assessment 2 will inform the project assessment. |
| How will students demonstrate their learning? |
Further information will be set out in the Assessment Guidelines |
Further information will be set out in the Assessment Guidelines |
| Length of Classroom based assessment |
The CBA will be completed within a three-week period during term two of second year. |
The CBA will be completed within a three-week period during term one of third year. |
Wood Technology
| Wood Technology |
CBA One: Wood science in our environment |
CBA Two: Student Self-Analysis and Evaluation |
Link to Assessment Guidelines: https://www.curriculumonline.ie/getmedia/33dcb2a2-019c-44a3-91e9-5d16d6ae9c00/Wood-Technology-AG.pdf
| Student Learning |
Students will explore a wood science-related issue within a local/global context. They will analyse the information/data collected, evaluate and present the findings of their research of the issue they have
investigated, with support/guidance from the teacher. It is important to instil in students a curious disposition where they are free to experiment and encouraged to explore new and challenging opportunities and to reflect on the process. |
The student, individually, will conduct an analysis of their coursework and skills to date in Wood Technology. Students will focus their analysis and evaluation on a range of completed tasks or on a specific task. Students are expected to critically review their progress and identify areas of strength and areas for improvement, with a view to
informing their planning and decisions for the project |
| How will students demonstrate their learning? |
Further information will be set out in the Assessment Guidelines |
Further information will be set out in the Assessment Guidelines |
| Length of Classroom based assessment |
The CBA will be completed within a three-week period during term one of second year. |
The CBA will be completed within a three-week period during term one of third year and will inform the student’s work on the project. |