Junior Cycle
At Bandon Grammar School we pride ourselves on a nurturing learning environment led by a team of excellent teachers who differentiate each lesson so that students can achieve to the best of their ability. We have an inclusive learning environment that respects the creative and intellectual development of each student. Our curriculum is designed to have a broad subject offering in order to stimulate individual students' capacity to learn.
Junior cycle describes the curriculum for years 1-3 inclusive. Students join the first year as they turn 13 years old. The programme for Junior Cycle is provided by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment This programme is based on eight key skills. NCCA : Junior Cycle
Core Subjects
In 1st – 3rd year at Bandon Grammar School there are the following core subjects. Core subjects are ones that every student must study.
Long Courses
- English
- Geography
- Irish (unless Irish exemption in place)
- Maths
- Modern Foreign Language: French or German or Spanish
- History
- Science
Two of the following optional Long Courses. All students will experience the equivalent of 2 weeks 'taster classes' to try out each subject before making their final choice. See more information below
- Art
- Business
- Home Economics
- Music
- Technical Graphics
- Woodwork
Classrooms
Short Courses
These courses are designed to enhance students’ personal development and understanding of their social responsibilities:
- Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE)
- Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE)
- Physical Education (PE)
- Food from the Ground Up (For students not taking Irish)
Wellbeing Programme
In first year, students as part of the wellbeing programme from primary to secondary school students take an Introduction to Secondary School course with their Year Head. First year students also take Choir and Digital Wellbeing classes.
Classroom Based Assessment
Subjects are assessed using both project work, and terminal examination. The projects are carried out through Classroom Based Assessments, or CBAs. In most subjects, CBA 1 is completed in Form II, with CBA 2 completed in Form III. The result of these CBAs are listed on the ‘Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement’ which is awarded on completion of the Junior Cycle Programme.
Choice Subject Information
Subject | What You’ll Learn | Skills You’ll Build | Links With Other Subjects | Who It’s Good For | Future Ideas / Careers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Business Studies | - How money, banks, and businesses work- How people buy, sell, and make products- How to save, budget, and start your own business | - Managing money- Making good decisions- Talking, planning, and teamwork | - Maths (percentages, profit/loss)- Home Ec (money skills)- Technology (online shopping, marketing) | - Curious about how money and business work- Likes planning and solving problems- Interested in running a business | - Business, Marketing, Accounting- Finance, Law, Entrepreneurship |
Wood Technology (MTW) | - How to make things from wood- How to use tools safely- How to design and build projects | - Measuring, planning, and problem-solving- Using tools and machines- Working carefully and safely | - Maths (measurement)- Tech Graphics (design drawing)- Science (materials, sustainability) | - Likes practical, hands-on work- Enjoys building or fixing things- Creative with designs | - Carpentry, Architecture, Engineering- Furniture Design, Construction |
Music | - Playing instruments and singing- Writing and listening to music- Performing in groups | - Listening and memory- Confidence on stage- Teamwork and creativity | - Maths (rhythm and patterns)- History (music styles)- Business (music industry) | - Loves music and performing- Enjoys working with others- Creative and expressive | - Musician, Sound Engineer, Teacher- Events or Media work |
Art, Craft & Design | - Drawing, painting, and making things- Creating designs and artworks- Learning about famous artists | - Creativity and observation- Fine motor and craft skills- Design and presentation | - History (art and culture)- Business (branding and design) | - Artistic and imaginative- Likes hands-on work- Enjoys expressing ideas visually | - Graphic Design, Fashion, Animation- Architecture, Art Teaching |
Home Economics | - Cooking and nutrition- Managing money and budgets- Sewing and clothing care | - Cooking and planning meals- Money and time management- Teamwork and problem-solving | - Science (nutrition)- Maths (budgeting)- Business (consumer rights) | - Enjoys cooking or making things- Likes practical work- Interested in food, fashion, or family life | - Chef, Nutritionist, Teacher- Fashion, Childcare, Retail |
Technical Graphics | - How to draw and design objects- How to use drawing tools and computers (CAD)- How to show 3D ideas on paper | - Accuracy and problem-solving- 2D and 3D drawing- Logical and visual thinking | - Maths (geometry, angles)- Art (design)- Technology (CAD software) | - Likes drawing and design- Enjoys puzzles and visual problems- Careful and precise worker | - Architecture, Engineering, Design- Construction or CAD Technician |
🗣️ Subject Choice Advice from 1st Years to 1st Years
📄 Download Student Advice Responses
copy of subject advice for 1st years responses form responses 1 1.pdf
Choice Subject JC Content and Exam Structure
Wood Technology
-
Resources:
Curriculum Specification & Assessment Guidelines
Examples of Student Work
CBA 1 Examples
CBA 2 Sample Work PDF
Assessment Guidelines PDF -
Exam Structure:
- CBA 1: Project work
- CBA 2: Practical task
- Final Exam: Written paper including drawing and theory
Technical Graphics (Graphics)
-
Resources:
Curriculum Specification
Junior Cycle Graphics Specification PDF
Examples of CBA 1
CBA 2 Sample Work PDF
Assessment Guidelines PDF -
Exam Structure:
- CBA 1: Design task
- CBA 2: Drawing project
- Final Exam: Drawing and CAD-based questions
Business Studies
-
Resources:
Curriculum Specification & Assessment Guidelines
Examples of Student Work
CBA 1: Business in Action
Sample Questions PDF
Assessment Guidelines PDF -
Exam Structure:
- CBA 1: Group project – Business in Action
- Final Exam: Written paper with short and long answer questions
Home Economics
-
Resources:
Curriculum Specification & Assessment Guidelines
Examples of Student Work
Sample Questions PDF
Assessment Guidelines PDF -
Exam Structure:
- CBA 1: Investigation task
- Final Exam: Written paper and practical food skills assessment
Music
-
Resources:
Curriculum Specification & Assessment Guidelines
CBA 1: Composition Portfolio
CBA 2: Programme Note
Sample Assessment Items PDF
Assessment Guidelines PDF -
Exam Structure:
- CBA 1: Composition portfolio
- CBA 2: Programme note
- Final Exam: Listening and performance components