Junior Cycle at Killorglin Community College

Foundations for Learning, Growth & Confidence

The Junior Cycle at KCC is designed to support students academically, personally, and socially during the crucial early years of secondary school. We aim to nurture not just capable learners, but confident, thoughtful young people who are ready to take on Senior Cycle and life beyond school.

Underpinned by the principles of wellbeing, inclusion, and active learning, Junior Cycle at KCC offers students a broad and balanced curriculum, rich in opportunities to explore their interests, build key skills, and express their voice.

What Makes Junior Cycle at KCC Stand Out?

Wide subject choice including practical, artistic, and technological options
Emphasis on student voice, leadership, and inclusion
Thoughtfully integrated digital learning, supporting 21st-century skills
A strong commitment to Wellbeing and SEN support, guided by the Continuum of Support
Access to national and international programmes including JCSP and Erasmus+
A unique, NCCA-approved Computer Fundamentals short course, designed by Mr Quinlivan

Curriculum Overview: Subjects Offered at KCC

Core Subjects

English
Gaeilge
Mathematics
Spanish
History
Geography
Science
Religion
CSPE (Short Course)
SPHE (Short Course)
Physical Education (Short Course)
Computer Fundamentals (Short Course)

Optional Subjects (student choice)

Business Studies
Home Economics
Engineering
Graphics
Wood Technology
Visual Art

Short Courses

Computer Fundamentals (KCC-designed & NCCA-approved)
CSPE
SPHE
PE

All students engage in Wellbeing as a key pillar of the Junior Cycle, including PE, SPHE, and CSPE.

Computer Fundamentals (Short Course) – Unique to KCC

Developed by our own Computer Science teacher, Mr Quinlivan, this NCCA-approved short course gives students confidence and creativity with technology.

Students learn:

Full proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Forms, Teams)
Safe and effective use of cloud tools like OneDrive
Photo and video editing using Pixlr and WeVideo
3D design with SketchUp
Storytelling and coding using CS First and MakeCode
Game and app design (JavaScript, App Inventor, Python)
Web development (HTML, CSS)

This hands-on course supports creative problem-solving, digital literacy, and lifelong ICT skills — preparing students for a tech-driven world.

CBAs – Classroom-Based Assessments

A defining feature of the new Junior Cycle is its focus on learning over rote exams. Students complete two CBAs in most subjects, usually in 2nd and 3rd Year. These allow students to:

Investigate real-world topics
Work in teams or independently
Present ideas creatively (e.g. presentations, reports, performances)

Students also complete an Assessment Task linked to their second CBA, which contributes to their final Junior Cycle grade.

The JCPA – Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement

At the end of 3rd Year, every student receives a Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA).

The JCPA is a clear record of a student’s achievements across:

Final examination results
Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs)
Wellbeing
Other areas of learning (e.g. involvement in clubs, committees, or co-curricular activities)

For parents, the JCPA provides a holistic picture of their child’s growth and development — showing not just academic results, but the wider skills, experiences, and contributions that define their Junior Cycle journey.

JCSP – Junior Certificate School Programme

KCC proudly offers the Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP) for students who benefit from extra structure and support. JCSP is not a separate curriculum — it supports access to and success in the mainstream Junior Cycle.

JCSP students benefit from: