We, at Loreto Balbriggan, expect pupils to aim for high academic standards. We are proud of producing consistently excellent examination results. We offer a curriculum that is balanced, integrated and stimulating. The school is continually reviewing and adapting its curriculum to the educational requirements of a changing world.
Junior Cycle caters for students in the first three years of their post-primary education, 1st – 3rd Year.
The Junior Cycle was introduced on a phased basis between September 2014 and September 2021. It features revised subjects and short courses, a focus on key skills, and new approaches to assessment and reporting. From 2022, all Junior Cycle subjects and short courses have been revised and the Junior Certificate has been phased out. In addition to classroom-based assessments, students complete state examinations at the end of their three year junior cycle and receive a Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA).
Students coming into 1st Year take Core and Optional Subjects. Currently, our students can choose any 4 optional subjects.
| Core Subjects | Optional Subjects |
| Irish | Business |
| English | Classics* |
| Mathematics | French |
| Religion | German |
| Physical Education | Graphics |
| Social, Personal & Health Education | Home Economics |
| Civic, Social & Political Education | Music |
| History | Science |
| Geography | Spanish |
| Form Class | Applied Technology |
| Visual Art |
All subjects at Junior and Senior cycle are offered subject to personnel and resources being available.
*The strands studied in Junior Cycle Classics are:
Strand 1: Core Component – Myths and Daily Lives of Ancient Greeks and Romans
Strand 2: Classical Studies Component: The World of Achilles and Rome, Centre of an Empire.
Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs) provide 2nd and 3rd year students with opportunities to demonstrate their learning and skills in new and innovative ways that go beyond the pen-and-paper examinations. Depending on the subject area, students will be asked to complete oral communication tasks, research and investigation skills, action projects, etc.
2nd Year CBAs
CBA1 is undertaken in 2nd Year during a defined period within normal class contact time. Our school CBA Subject Calendar for 2nd year is aligned with national CBA windows. CBAs will form the basis of the school’s 2nd Year Summer Report and will be reported in the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA) using descriptors that are linked to the Features of Quality (e.g. 1, Science, e.g. 2 English) for each subject:
3rd Year CBAs
CBA2 is undertaken in 3rd Year during a defined period within normal class contact time. Below please find information on CBA Assessment Guidelines and the Junior Cycle: