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.
Loreto Secondary School is currently in the process of phased transition from the older Junior Certificate Programme to the new Junior Cycle Programme, as outlined in The Framework for Junior Cycle, 2015. The last of the subjects to be phased in will be recorded on the JCPA in autumn 2022. The teaching, learning, assessment and reporting activities that take place in the revised Junior Cycle programme encompass a wider range of activities, a new balance between the development of skills and competences and the development of students’ knowledge. More info …
Information for Parents Presentation (Part 1) (Part 2). Synopsis of learning aims and classroom implications (Courtesy of Dr. Mark Fennell, NUI Maynooth)
We, at Loreto Balbriggan, expect pupils to aim for high academic standards and are proud of producing consistently excellent examination results. Many of our students have received scholarships over the years. We offer a curriculum that is balanced, integrated and stimulating. The school continues to adapt itself to the educational requirements of a changing world and our curriculum is constantly under review. Students coming into first year take core and optional subjects. Currently, our students take 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. Arrangements for this year group remain as per the Framework for Junior Cycle (2015) for the school year 2022/23. 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
Due to exceptional circumstances from the impact of the COVID-19, current 3rd year students must complete a minimum of one CBA in each subject.
As per revised arrangements, students from this cohort will not be required to complete Assessment Tasks. The results of CBA(s) in each subject will be reported in the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA).
Below please find information on CBA Assessment Guidelines and the Junior Cycle:
This documents details the windows within which CBAs will take place in this academic year.