Eileen_Salmon

ACCS Education Conference February 5th, 2014

Theme: Implementation of the Junior Cycle 2014

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Changes from 17 January 2014 

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Name of qualification: (announced 15 Jan 2014) JCSA: Junior Cycle Student Award Changes announced by the DES having consulted with partners in education: The pace of Curriculum Change New details on school-based assessment Changes to CPD to support implementation Developments around assessment and moderation Unions announced they would be balloting members re JC reform proposals

Pace of Curriculum Change        

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English will still be introduced in Sept 2014 Science to be introduced on its own in Sept 2015 Irish and Business Studies to be introduced in Sept 2016 Following a review in 2016 a decision on how many/what subjects will be introduced each year but provisionally: Sept 2017: Art, Craft & Design; Modern Languages Sept 2018: Home Ec.; Music; Maths; Geography Sept 2019:History; Technologies; Jewish St;RE; Classics The JCSA will be fully in place by 2022

Standardised Tests 

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Standardised testing in English and Maths will take place for 2nd years in the Spring of 2017 Standardised testing in Science (and Irish in Irish-medium schools) will take place for 2nd years in Spring of 2018

Short Courses 

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‘Short courses can be introduced from September 2014, but only in schools which want to introduce them – they will not be compulsory’ CSPE?? Appears that there will be a JC exam as usual in 2017 for those who keep the present course

Summary of changes to curriculum     

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Already planned: English for implementation in September 2014 First school-based assessment in English in May 2016 Second school-based assessment in English before Christmas 2016 Final assessment will be set and marked by SEC as planned in summer 2017 NEW: Adjust sequencing and timing of remaining subjects Adjust introduction of short courses in schools Adjust introduction of standardised tests

School-based assessment events  

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For English, Irish and Maths when introduced: The School Based Assessment component for certification (40%) will happen within the min. 240 hrs Assessment will: Be limited to two school-based components Generally happen in summer term of 2nd year and before Christmas in 3rd year within defined, fixed period Replace existing house exams and/or mocks For other subjects, school based assessment within 200hrs of engagement

Changes to CPD: English teachers

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English teachers: will now have 4.5 days CPD

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Year 1: 2013/2014: 1 full day out + 3 periods (max. 2 hrs) in-school teacher-led CPD

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Year 2: 2014/2015: 1 full day out + 3 periods in school

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Year 3: 2015/2016: 1 full day out + 3 periods in school

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Year 4 or 5: 16/17 or 17/18: half-day school visit by JCT advisor

Changes to CPD: Whole School

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One full day (or equivalent) of facilitated whole-school CPD for each year of the duration of implementation period is allowable. Schools are permitted to close for this day.

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2013/2014: Schools can take this day but facilitation this year will be a challenge (subject to capacity and logistics).

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Three models of provision being debated

Other CPD   

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Four days CPD for each of the other subjects Three days for principals over 3 years + range of electives A full day of CPD to provide an overview of the Framework for the school team

Quality assurance & support for teacher assessment 

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NCCA advising on time needed for in-school moderation meetings For discussion: Dedicated time for individual teachers to engage in school-based moderation Posts/duties relating to moderation & assessment ICT infrastructure