A student-centered framework for the first three years of post-primary education in Ireland. It focuses on 8 key skills, 24 statements of learning, and a move t
Ireland
A student-centered framework for the first three years of post-primary education in Ireland. It focuses on 8 key skills, 24 statements of learning, and a move toward a dual approach to assessment involving both state exams and classroom-based assessments.
A student-centered framework for the first three years of post-primary education in Ireland. It focuses on 8 key skills, 24 statements of learning, and a move toward a dual approach to assessment involving both state exams and classroom-based assessments.
Year Adopted: 2015
First Year, Second Year, Third Year
Know and use the conventions of oral language in a variety of contexts, including class discussion, group work and individual presentations.
Key skills: Communicating, Working with othersUse language with confidence and competence to express feelings and ideas, and to interact with others.
Key skills: Communicating, Staying wellListen to, engage with and respond to a range of spoken texts, including digital and multimodal texts.
Key skills: Communicating, Managing information and thinkingDemonstrate how register, including grammar, text structure and word choice, varies with context and purpose in spoken texts.
Key skills: Communicating, LiteracyDeliver a short oral text, alone or in collaboration, for a variety of purposes and audiences.
Key skills: Communicating, Being creativeUse a wide range of vocabulary to articulate feelings and ideas and to enhance the quality of their spoken language.
Key skills: Communicating, LiteracyListen, engage, reflect and collaborate actively in class discussion and group work.
Key skills: Working with others, CommunicatingListen to and respond to a range of spoken texts, including digital and multimodal texts, for a variety of purposes.
Key skills: Communicating, Managing information and thinkingRead a wide range of texts, including digital and multimodal texts, for a variety of purposes.
Key skills: Literacy, Managing information and thinkingUse a range of reading comprehension strategies appropriate to texts, including digital texts.
Key skills: Literacy, Managing information and thinkingRead for a variety of purposes: learning, pleasure, research, comparison.
Key skills: Literacy, Managing myselfRead their texts for understanding and appreciation of character, setting, plot and action and to explore how and why characters develop.
Key skills: Literacy, Being creativeRead their texts for understanding and appreciation of language enrichment by examining an author’s choice of words, figurative language, and images.
Key skills: Literacy, Being creativeRead their texts for understanding and appreciation of the author’s craft, including the use of structure, layout and visual elements.
Key skills: Literacy, Managing information and thinkingRead their texts for understanding and appreciation of the author’s purpose and perspective.
Key skills: Literacy, Managing information and thinkingRead their texts for understanding and appreciation of the author’s voice and style.
Key skills: Literacy, Being creativeWrite for a variety of purposes, for example, to inform, to entertain, to persuade, to argue, to explore, to reflect.
Key skills: Communicating, LiteracyUse language conventions appropriately, especially punctuation and spelling, to aid meaning and presentation.
Key skills: Literacy, Managing myselfWrite for a variety of audiences and contexts, using appropriate register and style.
Key skills: Communicating, LiteracyWrite for a variety of forms, for example, letters, reports, articles, stories, poems, scripts.
Key skills: Being creative, LiteracyWrite for a variety of contexts, including digital and multimodal contexts.
Key skills: Communicating, LiteracyWrite for a variety of purposes and forms, using appropriate language and structure.
Key skills: Communicating, LiteracyKnow and use the conventions of oral language interaction in a variety of contexts and for a range of purposes.
Key skills: Oral interaction, Language conventionsEngage actively and responsively within class groups in order to listen to or recount experiences and to express feelings and ideas.
Key skills: Active listening, Expressing ideasEngage in extended and constructive discussion of their own and other students' work.
Key skills: Constructive discussion, Peer reviewListen actively in order to get the gist of an account or presentation noting its main points and purpose.
Key skills: Active listening, Gist identificationDeliver a short oral text, alone and/or in collaboration with others, using appropriate language, style and visual content.
Key skills: Oral presentation, CollaborationLearn from and evaluate models of oral language use to enrich their own oral language production.
Key skills: Model evaluation, Language enrichmentChoose appropriate language, style and visual content for specific audiences and chosen purposes.
Key skills: Audience awareness, Purposeful styleListen actively in order to interpret meaning, compare, evaluate effectiveness of, and respond to a range of oral texts.
Key skills: Critical listening, Text evaluationApply what they have learned about the effectiveness of spoken texts to their own use of oral language.
Key skills: Application of learning, Oral effectivenessCollaborate with others in order to explore and discuss understandings of spoken texts.
Key skills: Collaboration, Opinion analysisEngage with the world of oral language use as a pleasurable and purposeful activity.
Key skills: Purposeful engagement, Personal enjoymentDemonstrate how register, including grammar, text structure and word choice, varies with context and purpose in spoken texts.
Key skills: Register awareness, Contextual variationUse appropriate terminology to describe the structure and distinctive features of a range of spoken texts.
Key skills: Terminology, Structural analysisRead texts with fluency, understanding and competence, decoding groups of words/phrases and not just single words.
Key skills: Fluency, DecodingRead for a variety of purposes: learning, pleasure, research, comparison.
Key skills: Purposeful reading, Research skillsUse a wide range of reading comprehension strategies appropriate to texts, including digital texts.
Key skills: Comprehension strategies, Information retrievalUse an appropriate critical vocabulary while responding to literary texts.
Key skills: Critical vocabulary, Literary responseEngage in sustained private reading as a pleasurable and purposeful activity.
Key skills: Private reading, Personal engagementRead their texts for understanding and appreciation of character, setting, story and action.
Key skills: Character analysis, Plot structureSelect key moments from their texts and give thoughtful value judgements on characters, scenes, or images.
Key skills: Value judgements, Moment selectionRead their texts to understand and appreciate language enrichment by examining an author's choice of words.
Key skills: Language enrichment, Word choiceIdentify, appreciate and compare the ways in which different genres shape texts and the reader's experience.
Key skills: Genre identification, Text comparisonKnow how to use language resources in order to assist their vocabulary development.
Key skills: Language resources, Vocabulary developmentIdentify and comment on features of English at word and sentence level using appropriate terminology.
Key skills: Sentence analysis, TerminologyUse a range of strategies to find, evaluate and use information from a variety of sources, including digital sources.
Key skills: Information retrieval, Source evaluationAppreciate how the use of language can vary with context and purpose.
Key skills: Contextual variation, Language appreciationDemonstrate understanding of purpose and be able to plan, draft, re-draft, and edit their own writing.
Key skills: Writing process, Planning and editingDiscuss their own and other students' written work constructively and with clear purpose.
Key skills: Constructive discussion, Peer reviewWrite for a variety of purposes, such as to analyse, evaluate, imagine, explore, narrate, inform, or persuade.
Key skills: Purposeful writing, Analytical writingWrite competently in a range of text forms using appropriate vocabulary, tone and style.
Key skills: Text forms, Audience awarenessEngage with and learn from models of oral and written language use to enrich their own written work.
Key skills: Model learning, Written enrichmentUse editing skills continuously during the writing process to enhance meaning and impact.
Key skills: Editing skills, Meaning enhancementRespond imaginatively in writing to their texts showing a critical appreciation of language, style and content.
Key skills: Imaginative response, Critical appreciationWrite about the effectiveness of key moments from their texts commenting on characters, scenes, or images.
Key skills: Character commentary, Moment analysisEngage in the writing process as a private, pleasurable and purposeful activity using a personal voice.
Key skills: Personal voice, Writing processUse and apply knowledge of language structures to make their writing a richer experience.
Key skills: Language structures, ParagraphingUse language conventions appropriately, especially punctuation and spelling, to aid meaning and presentation.
Key skills: Language conventions, Punctuation and spellingDemonstrate an understanding of how the use of language can vary with context and purpose.
Key skills: Contextual variation, Writing applicationUse appropriate terminology to describe the structure and distinctive features of a range of written texts.
Key skills: Terminology, Structural analysisRecall and use terminology, symbols and facts.
Key skills: Mathematical terminology, Symbolic representationSelect and use suitable strategies to find solutions to mathematical problems.
Key skills: Problem solving, Strategic thinkingUse appropriate tools, including ICT, to help solve problems.
Key skills: Digital literacy, Tool selectionCommunicate mathematics effectively using a variety of formats.
Key skills: Mathematical communication, Data presentationReason mathematically and explain their thinking.
Key skills: Logical reasoning, JustificationMake connections between mathematics and the real world.
Key skills: Contextual application, Interdisciplinary linksMake sense of a given problem and mathematise a situation.
Key skills: Problem analysis, Mathematical modelingApply knowledge and skills to solve a problem in a variety of contexts.
Key skills: Skill application, Contextual solvingReflect on their own learning and the strategies they use.
Key skills: Metacognition, Self-reflectionExhibit a positive attitude towards mathematics.
Key skills: Productive disposition, ConfidenceRepresent operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in N, Z, and Q using models.
Key skills: Number representation, Arithmetic modelingPerform operations and understand properties: commutative, associative and distributive in N, Z, Q, and R\Q.
Key skills: Arithmetic operations, Mathematical propertiesExplore numbers written in index form and apply generalisations for indices.
Key skills: Index notation, Exponent lawsCalculate and interpret factors, multiples, and prime numbers.
Key skills: Number theory, FactorisationPresent numerical answers to the degree of accuracy specified.
Key skills: Estimation, Rounding skillsConvert numbers to scientific notation (a x 10^n).
Key skills: Scientific notation, Standard formInvestigate equivalent forms of rational numbers (fractions, decimals, percentages).
Key skills: Number conversion, EquivalenceCompare and order rational numbers.
Key skills: Number comparison, OrderingCheck the results of calculations using estimation.
Key skills: Estimation, VerificationCheck the results of calculations using inverse operations.
Key skills: Inverse operations, Accuracy checkSolve problems involving ratio and proportion.
Key skills: Proportional reasoning, Ratio calculationSolve problems involving map scales.
Key skills: Scale drawing, Measurement conversionSolve problems involving percentage.
Key skills: Percentage calculation, Real-world mathSolve problems involving percentage error.
Key skills: Error analysis, PrecisionSolve problems involving financial mathematics (interest, tax, exchange rates).
Key skills: Financial literacy, Applied arithmeticCalculate area and perimeter of 2D shapes (triangles, quadrilaterals, circles).
Key skills: Geometric measurement, Formula applicationSolve problems involving area and perimeter of composite shapes.
Key skills: Composite area, Problem solvingCalculate volume and surface area of 3D shapes (prisms, cylinders).
Key skills: Spatial measurement, 3D geometrySolve problems involving volume and surface area.
Key skills: Volume calculation, Surface areaInvestigate properties of triangles and quadrilaterals.
Key skills: Shape properties, Geometric reasoningUse properties of shapes to solve problems.
Key skills: Deductive reasoning, Geometric applicationInvestigate symmetry in 2D shapes.
Key skills: Symmetry analysis, Visual patternsPerform geometric constructions.
Key skills: Geometric construction, Precision toolsUse the theorem of Pythagoras to solve problems.
Key skills: Pythagorean theorem, Right-angled trianglesUse trigonometric ratios (sin, cos, tan) in right-angled triangles.
Key skills: Trigonometry, Ratio applicationSolve problems using trigonometry.
Key skills: Angle calculation, Distance findingUse coordinate geometry (midpoint, distance, slope).
Key skills: Coordinate geometry, Algebraic geometrySolve problems using coordinate geometry.
Key skills: Graphing skills, Geometric proofsInvestigate patterns and relationships.
Key skills: Pattern recognition, Sequence analysisRepresent patterns using tables, graphs, and formulae.
Key skills: Data representation, GeneralisationUse algebraic expressions to represent situations.
Key skills: Algebraic modeling, Variable usageSimplify algebraic expressions.
Key skills: Expression simplification, Like termsEvaluate algebraic expressions.
Key skills: Substitution, CalculationSolve linear equations in one variable.
Key skills: Equation solving, Algebraic manipulationSolve problems using linear equations.
Key skills: Word problems, Linear modelingSolve linear inequalities in one variable.
Key skills: Inequality solving, Logical constraintsGraph solution sets of inequalities on a number line.
Key skills: Graphical representation, Number lineGenerate quadratic equations given integer roots.
Key skills: Quadratic equations, Root analysisChange the subject of a formula.
Key skills: Formula manipulation, TranspositionInvestigate the concept of a function.
Key skills: Functional thinking, Input-outputRepresent functions using tables, graphs, and formulae.
Key skills: Function mapping, Graphing functionsInvestigate the use of statistics in the real world.
Key skills: Statistical literacy, Data awarenessIdentify populations and samples.
Key skills: Sampling methods, Population studyCalculate and interpret statistics (mean, median, mode, range).
Key skills: Central tendency, Data interpretationRepresent data using appropriate charts and diagrams.
Key skills: Data visualisation, Chart creationCarry out a statistical investigation.
Key skills: Data collection, Statistical analysisInvestigate the use of probability in everyday life.
Key skills: Probability concepts, Risk assessmentCalculate the probability of events.
Key skills: Probability calculation, Outcome analysisRecall and demonstrate understanding of the fundamental concepts and procedures that underpin each strand
Key skills: Conceptual understanding, Procedural fluencyApply the procedures associated with each strand accurately, effectively, and appropriately
Key skills: Procedural fluency, Problem solvingRecognise that equality is a relationship in which two mathematical expressions have the same value
Key skills: Algebraic thinking, Conceptual understandingRepresent a mathematical situation in a variety of different ways, including: numerically, algebraically, graphically, physically, in words
Key skills: Representation, CommunicationMake connections within strands and between strands
Key skills: Connections, Critical thinkingMake connections between mathematics and the real world
Key skills: Real-world application, Contextual analysisMake sense of a given problem, and if necessary, mathematise a situation
Key skills: Problem solving, Mathematical modellingApply their knowledge and skills to solve a problem, including exploring fixed and varying objects and identifying relationships
Key skills: Strategic competence, Analytical thinkingDeconstruct and solve problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
Key skills: Problem solving, Adaptive reasoningDevise, select and use appropriate mathematical models, formulae or techniques to process information and draw conclusions
Key skills: Modelling, Decision makingGenerate general mathematical statements or conjectures based on specific instances
Key skills: Generalisation, Inductive reasoningPresent and evaluate mathematical arguments and proofs
Key skills: Proof, Logical reasoningCommunicate mathematics effectively: justify reasoning, interpret results, explain conclusions, and use precise notation
Key skills: Communication, JustificationInvestigate the representation of numbers and arithmetic operations in N, Z, Q, and R\Q
Key skills: Number systems, Arithmetic operationsInvestigate equivalent representations of rational numbers, including fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, and proportion
Key skills: Rational numbers, Proportional reasoningInvestigate the set of real numbers, including surds and index notation
Key skills: Real numbers, IndicesAnalyse numerical patterns in different ways, including making out tables and graphs, and continue such patterns
Key skills: Pattern recognition, GraphingInvestigate the concept of a set, including set notation, operations (union, intersection, difference), and Venn diagrams
Key skills: Set theory, Logical classificationInvestigate the representation of numbers and arithmetic operations in the context of financial mathematics
Key skills: Financial literacy, Applied arithmeticCalculate, interpret, and apply units of measure and time
Key skills: Measurement, Unit conversionInvestigate 2D shapes and 3D solids, including perimeter, area, surface area, and volume
Key skills: Spatial reasoning, Geometric calculationInvestigate the concept of proof through engagement with geometry, including axioms, theorems, and constructions
Key skills: Geometric proof, Logical deductionInvestigate the properties of triangles, including congruence, similarity, and the Theorem of Pythagoras
Key skills: Triangle properties, SimilarityInvestigate properties of points, lines and line segments in the co-ordinate plane
Key skills: Coordinate geometry, Linear relationshipsInvestigate transformations of simple objects, including translation, symmetry, and rotation
Key skills: Transformations, SymmetryInvestigate the concept of trigonometry in right-angled triangles
Key skills: Trigonometry, Ratio applicationInvestigate the properties of circles, including terminology and relationships between parts of a circle
Key skills: Circle geometry, Geometric propertiesInvestigate patterns and relationships (linear, quadratic, exponential) in number and real-world phenomena
Key skills: Pattern analysis, Algebraic modellingInvestigate situations in which letters stand for quantities that are variable
Key skills: Variable usage, Expression generationApply properties of arithmetic operations and factorisation to generate equivalent expressions
Key skills: Algebraic manipulation, FactorisationSolve equations and inequalities, including linear and quadratic equations
Key skills: Equation solving, Inequality analysisInvestigate the concept of a function, including domain, range, and notation
Key skills: Functional thinking, Notation usageInvestigate the relationship between variables in linear and non-linear contexts
Key skills: Variable relationships, Contextual interpretationRepresent and interpret functions in different ways: graphically, diagrammatically, in words, and algebraically
Key skills: Function representation, Graphical analysisInvestigate the outcomes of experiments, including sample spaces and the fundamental principle of counting
Key skills: Probability theory, Counting principlesInvestigate random events and use relative frequency to estimate probability
Key skills: Randomness, Probability estimationCarry out a statistical investigation, including data collection, classification, and representation
Key skills: Statistical inquiry, Data handlingAnalyse, interpret, and draw conclusions from data using summary statistics and graphical displays
Key skills: Data analysis, Statistical interpretationAppreciate how scientists work and how scientific ideas are modified over time.
Key skills: Critical thinking, Scientific inquiryRecognise questions that can be investigated scientifically and be able to design, plan and conduct such investigations.
Key skills: Planning investigations, Problem solvingDesign, plan and conduct investigations; explain how reliability, accuracy, precision, fairness, safety, ethics, and selection of suitable equipment have been considered.
Key skills: Experimental design, Safety awarenessProduce and select data (qualitatively/quantitatively), critically analyse data to identify patterns and relationships, identify anomalous observations, draw and justify conclusions.
Key skills: Data analysis, Drawing conclusionsReview and reflect on the skills and knowledge acquired in their investigations.
Key skills: Self-reflection, MetacognitionConduct research relevant to a scientific issue, evaluate different sources of information including secondary data, understanding that a source may have a particular bias.
Key skills: Information literacy, Evaluating sourcesOrganise and communicate their research and investigative findings in a variety of ways fit for purpose and audience, using relevant scientific terminology and representations.
Key skills: Communication, Scientific literacyEvaluate media-based arguments concerning science and technology.
Key skills: Media literacy, Critical evaluationResearch and present information on the contribution that scientists make to scientific discoveries and invention, and its impact on society.
Key skills: Research skills, PresentationAppreciate the role of science in society; and its personal, social and global importance; and how society influences scientific research.
Key skills: Social awareness, Global citizenshipSelect and use appropriate measuring instruments.
Key skills: Measurement, Tool selectionIdentify and measure/calculate length, mass, time, temperature, area, volume, density, speed, acceleration, force, potential difference, current, resistance, electrical power.
Key skills: Calculation, Data collectionInvestigate patterns and relationships between physical observables.
Key skills: Pattern recognition, GraphingExplore the concept of energy, particularly energy sources and conservation of energy.
Key skills: Conceptual understanding, Energy analysisDesign and build simple electronic circuits.
Key skills: Circuit design, Practical skillsExplain energy conservation and analyse the efficiency of energy transfers.
Key skills: Efficiency analysis, Scientific explanationDesign, build, and test a device that transforms energy from one form to another.
Key skills: Engineering design, TestingResearch and discuss the ethical, social, economic and environmental impact of energy usage and sources.
Key skills: Ethical reasoning, Impact assessmentInvestigate whether mass is unchanged when chemical and physical changes take place.
Key skills: Conservation of mass, ObservationDevelop and use models to describe the atomic nature of matter; demonstrate how they provide a simple way to account for the conservation of mass, changes of state, physical change, chemical change, mixtures, and their separation.
Key skills: Modeling, Scientific explanationDescribe and model the structure of the atom in terms of the nucleus, protons, neutrons and electrons; comparing mass and charge of protons, neutrons and electrons.
Key skills: Atomic structure, ComparisonClassify substances as elements, compounds, mixtures, metals, non-metals, solids, liquids, gases and solutions.
Key skills: Classification, Chemical propertiesUse the Periodic Table to predict the ratio of atoms in compounds of two elements.
Key skills: Periodic table use, PredictionInvestigate the properties of different materials including solubilities, conductivity, melting points and boiling points.
Key skills: Material testing, Data recordingInvestigate the effect of a number of variables on the rate of chemical reactions.
Key skills: Variable control, Rate analysisInvestigate reactions between acids and bases; use indicators and the pH scale.
Key skills: pH measurement, NeutralizationConsider chemical reactions in terms of energy, using the terms exothermic and endothermic.
Key skills: Energy changes, TerminologyEvaluate how humans contribute to sustainability through the extraction, use, disposal, and recycling of materials.
Key skills: Sustainability, Lifecycle analysisInvestigate the structures of animal and plant cells and relate them to their functions.
Key skills: Microscopy, Cell biologyDescribe asexual and sexual reproduction; explore patterns in the inheritance and variation of genetically controlled characteristics.
Key skills: Genetics, ReproductionOutline evolution by natural selection and how it explains the diversity of living things.
Key skills: Evolutionary theory, BiodiversityDescribe the structure, function, and interactions of the organs of the human digestive, circulatory and respiratory systems.
Key skills: Human anatomy, System interactionsExplain how the body can be protected from disease and how it can be treated.
Key skills: Health science, Disease preventionEvaluate how human health is affected by: inherited factors and environmental factors including nutrition; lifestyle choices; examine the role of microorganisms in human health.
Key skills: Health evaluation, MicrobiologyDescribe the cell cycle and the role of mitosis and meiosis.
Key skills: Cell division, Biological processesInvestigate the photosynthesis and respiration.
Key skills: Metabolism, Experimental investigationExplain the importance of biodiversity and how it can be protected.
Key skills: Conservation, Ecological awarenessEvaluate how humans can help to conserve biodiversity.
Key skills: Environmental stewardship, Action planningDescribe the relationships between various celestial objects including moons, asteroids, comets, planets, stars, solar systems, galaxies and space.
Key skills: Astronomy, Spatial relationshipsExplore a scientific model to illustrate the origin of the universe.
Key skills: Cosmology, ModelingInterpret data to compare the Earth with other planets and moons in the solar system, with respect to properties including mass, gravity, size, and composition.
Key skills: Comparative analysis, Data interpretationDevelop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to describe predictable phenomena observable on Earth, including seasons, lunar phases, and eclipses of the sun and moon.
Key skills: System modeling, Phenomena explanationDescribe the cycling of matter, including that of carbon and water, associating it with biological and atmospheric phenomena.
Key skills: Cycle analysis, Interdisciplinary thinkingExamine the factors that affect the Earth’s climate and explain how human activity is accelerating climate change.
Key skills: Climate science, Cause and effectResearch and discuss the ethical, social, economic and environmental impact of space exploration.
Key skills: Impact discussion, Ethical inquiryExamine the role of space exploration in our understanding of the universe.
Key skills: Scientific history, Critical thinkingAppreciate how scientists work and how scientific ideas are modified over time.
Key skills: Scientific inquiry, Critical thinkingRecognise questions appropriate for scientific investigation, pose testable hypotheses, and evaluate strategies for investigating them.
Key skills: Hypothesis testing, Investigation designDesign, plan and conduct investigations; explain how reliability, accuracy, precision, fairness, safety, and ethics have been considered.
Key skills: Experimental design, Safety & ethicsProduce and select data, critically analyse data to identify patterns, identify anomalous observations, and draw justified conclusions.
Key skills: Data analysis, Pattern recognitionReview and reflect on the skills and thinking used in investigations, and apply learning to solving problems in unfamiliar contexts.
Key skills: Reflection, Problem solvingConduct research relevant to a scientific issue, evaluate different sources of information, and understand that sources may show bias.
Key skills: Research skills, Information literacyOrganise and communicate research and investigative findings in a variety of ways using relevant scientific terminology.
Key skills: Communication, Scientific terminologyEvaluate media-based arguments concerning science and technology.
Key skills: Media literacy, Critical evaluationResearch and present information on the contribution that scientists make to scientific discovery and invention, and its impact on society.
Key skills: Historical research, Societal impactAppreciate the role of science in society; its personal, social and global importance; and how society influences scientific research.
Key skills: Science & society, Global awarenessInvestigate the relationship between work, energy and power.
Key skills: Work & power, Energy conservationEvaluate the impact of human activity on the environment and the importance of sustainable development.
Key skills: Sustainability, Physical impactAppreciate how scientists work and how scientific ideas are modified over time
Key skills: Scientific inquiry, History of scienceRecognise questions that can be investigated scientifically and be able to design, plan and conduct such investigations
Key skills: Experimental design, PlanningDesign, plan and conduct investigations; explain how reliability, validity, accuracy and precision can be affected by the method used
Key skills: Reliability, AccuracyProduce and select data (qualitative/quantitative), and represent it using tables and graphs
Key skills: Data collection, GraphingAnalyse and interpret data to identify patterns and relationships, and draw conclusions
Key skills: Data analysis, Conclusion drawingEvaluate results and conclusions (including sources of error), and suggest improvements
Key skills: Evaluation, Error analysisOrganise, present and communicate ideas using appropriate scientific language and representations
Key skills: Communication, Scientific languageEvaluate media-based information about science and technology
Key skills: Media literacy, Critical thinkingResearch and present information on the contribution of scientists to society
Key skills: Research, PresentationAppreciate the role of science in society; and its personal, social and global importance; and how society influences scientific research
Key skills: Science and society, EthicsDescribe the relationships between the Earth, sun and moon, the solar system and its place in the universe
Key skills: Astronomy, Solar systemExplore the relative size and distance of objects in the solar system and the universe
Key skills: Scale, Spatial reasoningExplain how the movement of the Earth, sun and moon creates day and night, seasons, and phases of the moon
Key skills: Earth-Moon-Sun cycles, ModelingDiscuss the development of the universe and the Big Bang theory
Key skills: Cosmology, Big Bang theoryIllustrate the cycling of matter, including the carbon and water cycles
Key skills: Matter cycles, Carbon/Water cyclesResearch different energy sources; formulate a hypothesis to explain the role of the sun's energy in Earth's systems
Key skills: Energy sources, Hypothesis formulationIllustrate how earth processes and human factors influence the Earth’s climate, and evaluate effects of climate change
Key skills: Climate change, Human impactExamine some of the current hazards and benefits of space exploration and the role of Ireland's space industry
Key skills: Space exploration, Industry awarenessInvestigate whether a substance is an element, compound or mixture; and distinguish between them
Key skills: Classification of matter, InvestigationDescribe the structure of the atom as a central nucleus containing protons and neutrons, with electrons in shells
Key skills: Atomic structure, Subatomic particlesUse the periodic table to predict the properties of elements and the chemical formulas of simple compounds
Key skills: Periodic table, Chemical formulasDescribe the formation of compounds through ionic and covalent bonding
Key skills: Chemical bonding, Ionic/CovalentInvestigate the properties of different materials and how these properties determine their uses
Key skills: Material properties, ApplicationInvestigate the physical and chemical changes that take place when substances are heated or mixed
Key skills: Chemical reactions, Physical changesInvestigate the effect of temperature, concentration, and surface area on the rate of chemical reactions
Key skills: Reaction rates, VariablesInvestigate the properties of acids and bases, and the use of indicators and the pH scale
Key skills: Acids/Bases, pH scaleConsider chemical reactions in terms of energy, and classify them as exothermic or endothermic
Key skills: Energetics, Exothermic/EndothermicEvaluate how humans contribute to the sustainability of the environment through the use of chemistry
Key skills: Sustainability, Green chemistrySelect and use appropriate instruments to measure length, mass, time, temperature, area and volume
Key skills: Measurement, Instrument useIdentify and measure the properties of density and pressure
Key skills: Density, PressureInvestigate the relationship between force, mass and acceleration
Key skills: Newton's laws, Force/Mass/AccelerationInvestigate the relationship between work, energy and power
Key skills: Work/Energy/Power, CalculationsInvestigate the relationship between voltage, current and resistance in electrical circuits
Key skills: Electricity, Ohm's LawInvestigate the properties of light and sound
Key skills: Waves, Light/SoundDesign and build simple electronic circuits
Key skills: Circuit design, ElectronicsInvestigate the conservation of energy and the conversion of energy from one form to another
Key skills: Energy conservation, TransformationDescribe the effects of forces on the motion and shape of objects
Key skills: Mechanics, Motion/ShapeDiscuss the ethical and environmental implications of the use of energy
Key skills: Energy ethics, SustainabilityInvestigate the structures and functions of animal and plant cells
Key skills: Cell biology, MicroscopyDescribe the processes of photosynthesis and respiration
Key skills: Metabolism, Photosynthesis/RespirationInvestigate the structures and functions of the human digestive, circulatory, respiratory and reproductive systems
Key skills: Human anatomy, PhysiologyDescribe the role of microorganisms in health and disease
Key skills: Microbiology, HealthInvestigate the inheritance of characteristics and the role of DNA and genes
Key skills: Genetics, DNADescribe the process of evolution by natural selection
Key skills: Evolution, Natural selectionInvestigate the interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem
Key skills: Ecology, InterdependenceEvaluate how humans can contribute to the sustainability of the environment through the use of biology
Key skills: Conservation, SustainabilityExplain the importance of biodiversity and the impact of human activity on it
Key skills: Biodiversity, Human impactDiscuss the ethical and social implications of developments in biotechnology
Key skills: Biotechnology, EthicsDevelop a sense of historical empathy by viewing people, issues and events encountered in their study of the past in their historical context.
Key skills: Historical empathy, Contextual analysisConsider contentious or controversial issues in history from more than one perspective and discuss the historical roots of a theme in the contemporary world.
Key skills: Perspective taking, Critical thinkingAppreciate their cultural inheritance through recognising historically significant places and buildings and discussing why personalities and events are commemorated.
Key skills: Cultural awareness, Historical significanceDemonstrate awareness of historical concepts, such as source and evidence; fact and opinion; viewpoint and objectivity; cause and consequence; change and continuity.
Key skills: Conceptual awareness, Evidence analysisInvestigate the job of the historian, including how s/he finds and uses evidence to form historical judgements which may be revised in light of new evidence.
Key skills: Research skills, Information managementDebate the usefulness and limitations of different types of primary and secondary sources of historical evidence and appreciate the contribution of archaeology.
Key skills: Source evaluation, DebatingDevelop historical judgements based on evidence about personalities, issues and events in the past, showing awareness of historical significance.
Key skills: Critical thinking, Judgement formationInvestigate a repository of historical evidence such as a museum, library, heritage centre, digital or other archive or exhibition.
Key skills: Investigation, Field researchDemonstrate awareness of the significance of the history of Ireland, Europe and the wider world across political, social, economic, religious and cultural dimensions.
Key skills: Big picture thinking, Global awarenessDemonstrate chronological awareness by creating and maintaining timelines to locate personalities, issues and events in their appropriate historical eras.
Key skills: Chronological awareness, Timeline creationMake connections and comparisons between people, issues and events in different places and historical eras.
Key skills: Comparative analysis, SynthesisingRecognise how a pattern of settlement and plantation influenced identity on the island of Ireland, referring to one example of settlement and one plantation.
Key skills: Pattern recognition, Identity analysisInvestigate the role and significance of two leaders involved in the parliamentary tradition in Irish politics.
Key skills: Political analysis, Leadership studyExplore how the physical force tradition impacted on Irish politics, with particular reference to a pre-twentieth century example of a rebellion.
Key skills: Conflict analysis, Historical explorationExamine the rise and impact of nationalism and unionism in Ireland, including key events between 1911 and 1923.
Key skills: Ideological analysis, Event examinationIdentify the causes, course and consequences of the Northern Ireland Troubles and their impact on North-South and Anglo-Irish relations.
Key skills: Causality, Relationship analysisConsider the historical significance of Christianity on the island of Ireland, including its contribution to culture and society in the Early Christian period.
Key skills: Cultural impact, Religious historyInvestigate the causes, course and consequences, nationally and internationally, of the Great Famine, and examine the significance of the Irish Diaspora.
Key skills: Social investigation, Demographic analysisDescribe the impact of war on the lives of Irish people, referring to either World War One or World War Two.
Key skills: Impact assessment, Descriptive writingExplain how the experience of women in Irish society changed during the twentieth century.
Key skills: Gender studies, Social changeExamine how one sporting, cultural or social movement impacted on Irish life.
Key skills: Movement analysis, Societal impactMake connections between local, personal or family history and wider national and/or international personalities, issues and events.
Key skills: Local history, Personal connectionDebate the idea that the 1960s was an important decade on the island of Ireland, referring to relevant personalities, issues and events.
Key skills: Debating, Decade analysisAnalyse the evolution and development of Ireland’s links with Europe.
Key skills: Evolutionary analysis, International relationsInvestigate the lives of people in one ancient or medieval civilisation, explaining how its achievements contributed to the history of Europe or the world.
Key skills: Civilisation study, Contribution analysisEvaluate the impact of conquest and colonisation on people, with particular reference to Portuguese and Spanish exploration.
Key skills: Evaluation, Colonial historyExamine the causes, course and consequences of one revolution in pre-twentieth century Europe and/or the wider world.
Key skills: Revolutionary analysis, CausalityDiscuss the general causes and course of World War One or World War Two and the immediate and long-term impact of the war on people and nations.
Key skills: Warfare study, Impact analysisRecognise the importance of the Cold War in international relations in the twentieth century world.
Key skills: Geopolitical awareness, Conflict recognitionExplore life and death in medieval times.
Key skills: Social exploration, Medieval historyAppreciate change in the fields of the arts and science, with particular reference to the significance of the Renaissance.
Key skills: Artistic appreciation, Scientific changeConsider the historical importance of religion, with particular reference to the Reformation and the actions of one Reformer.
Key skills: Religious significance, Biographical studyExamine life in one fascist country and one communist country in the twentieth century.
Key skills: Political systems, Comparative lifeExplore the significance of genocide, including the causes, course and consequences of the Holocaust.
Key skills: Ethical exploration, Genocide studyExplore the contribution of technological developments and innovation to historical change.
Key skills: Technological impact, Innovation studyEvaluate the role of a movement or organisation, such as the EU or UN, in promoting international co-operation, justice and human rights.
Key skills: Institutional evaluation, Human rightsDebate the idea that the 1960s was an important decade in Europe and the wider world, referring to relevant personalities, issues and events.
Key skills: Debating, Cultural analysisIllustrate patterns of change across different time periods in a chosen theme relating to life and society.
Key skills: Thematic illustration, Change over timeDevelop a sense of historical empathy by viewing people, issues and events encountered in their study of the past in their historical context.
Key skills: Historical empathy, Contextual analysisConsider contentious or controversial issues in history from more than one perspective and discuss the historical roots of a contentious or controversial issue.
Key skills: Perspective taking, Critical thinkingAppreciate their cultural inheritance through recognising historically significant places and buildings and discussing why historical personalities, events and issues are commemorated.
Key skills: Cultural appreciation, Historical significanceDemonstrate awareness of historical concepts, such as source and evidence; fact and opinion; viewpoint and objectivity; cause and consequence; change and continuity; time and space.
Key skills: Conceptual awareness, Historical terminologyInvestigate the job of the historian, including how s/he finds and uses evidence to form historical judgements which may be revised in the light of new evidence.
Key skills: Historical inquiry, Evidence evaluationDebate the usefulness and limitations of different types of primary and secondary sources of historical evidence; and appreciate the contribution of archaeology and technology.
Key skills: Source analysis, Debating skillsDevelop historical judgements based on evidence about personalities, issues and events in the past, showing awareness of historical significance.
Key skills: Evidence-based judgement, Critical evaluationInvestigate a repository of historical evidence such as a museum, library, heritage centre, digital or other archive or exhibition.
Key skills: Research skills, Information gatheringDemonstrate awareness of the significance of the history of Ireland and of Europe and the wider world across various dimensions, including political, social, and economic.
Key skills: Global awareness, Thematic analysisDemonstrate chronological awareness by creating and maintaining timelines to locate personalities, issues and events in their appropriate historical eras.
Key skills: Chronological thinking, Timeline creationMake connections and comparisons between people, issues and events in different places and historical eras.
Key skills: Comparative analysis, Synthesizing informationRecognise how a pattern of settlement and plantation influenced identity on the island of Ireland, referring to one example of a pattern of settlement and one plantation.
Key skills: Pattern recognition, Identity analysisInvestigate the role and significance of two leaders involved in the parliamentary tradition in Irish politics.
Key skills: Biographical research, Political analysisExplore how the physical force tradition impacted on Irish politics, with particular reference to a pre-twentieth century example of a rebellion.
Key skills: Historical exploration, Impact assessmentExamine the rise and impact of nationalism and unionism in Ireland, including key events between 1911 and 1923.
Key skills: Ideological analysis, Event examinationIdentify the causes, course and consequences of the Northern Ireland Troubles and their impact on North-South and Anglo-Irish relations.
Key skills: Causality analysis, Conflict studyConsider the historical significance of Christianity on the island of Ireland, including its contribution to culture and society in the Early Christian period.
Key skills: Cultural history, Religious analysisInvestigate the causes, course and consequences, nationally and internationally, of the Great Famine, and examine the significance of the Irish Diaspora.
Key skills: Socio-economic analysis, Migration studyDescribe the impact of war on the lives of Irish people, referring to either World War One or World War Two.
Key skills: Social impact, Historical descriptionExplain how the experience of women in Irish society changed during the twentieth century.
Key skills: Gender studies, Social changeExamine how one sporting, cultural or social movement impacted on Irish life.
Key skills: Movement analysis, Cultural impactMake connections between local, personal or family history and wider national and/or international personalities, issues and events.
Key skills: Local history, Connecting scalesDebate the idea that the 1960s was an important decade on the island of Ireland, referring to relevant personalities, issues and events.
Key skills: Historical debate, Decade analysisAnalyse the evolution and development of Ireland’s links with Europe.
Key skills: Evolutionary analysis, International relationsInvestigate the lives of people in one ancient or medieval civilisation, explaining how its achievements contributed to the history of Europe and/or the wider world.
Key skills: Civilisation study, Contribution analysisEvaluate the impact of conquest and colonisation on people, with particular reference to Portuguese and Spanish exploration.
Key skills: Impact evaluation, Colonial historyExamine the causes, course and consequences of one revolution in pre-twentieth century Europe and/or the wider world.
Key skills: Revolutionary study, CausalityDiscuss the general causes and course of World War One or World War Two and the immediate and long-term impact of the war on people and nations.
Key skills: Warfare analysis, Long-term impactRecognise the importance of the Cold War in international relations in the twentieth century world.
Key skills: Geopolitical awareness, Cold War studyExplore life and death in medieval times.
Key skills: Social history, Medieval lifeAppreciate change in the fields of the arts and science, with particular reference to the significance of the Renaissance.
Key skills: Artistic appreciation, Scientific changeConsider the historical importance of religion, with particular reference to the Reformation and the actions of one Reformer.
Key skills: Religious history, Reformation studyExamine life in one fascist country and one communist country in the twentieth century.
Key skills: Political systems, Comparative lifeExplore the significance of genocide, including the causes, course and consequences of the Holocaust.
Key skills: Human rights, Genocide studyExplore the contribution of technological developments and innovation to historical change.
Key skills: Technological impact, Innovation studyEvaluate the role of a movement or organisation, such as the EU or UN, in promoting international co-operation, justice and human rights.
Key skills: Institutional evaluation, International co-operationDebate the idea that the 1960s was an important decade in Europe and the wider world, referring to relevant personalities, issues and events.
Key skills: Global debate, Decade analysisIllustrate patterns of change across different time periods in a chosen theme relating to life and society (e.g., Crime and punishment, Health and medicine).
Key skills: Thematic illustration, Change over timeThe Junior Cycle is a three-year programme. Learning outcomes are designed to be achieved over the full duration rather than year-by-year. Schools have flexibility in how they sequence these outcomes across the three years. Key skills (e.g., Being Literate, Being Numerate, Staying Well) are embedded across all subjects.
Assessment is dual-pronged: 1) Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs) occur in 2nd and 3rd year, marked by the teacher. 2) A terminal State Examination is taken at the end of 3rd year. Results are compiled into the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA).
This standard was generated using AI with grounded search to find official, accurate information. While we strive for accuracy, please verify important details with official sources.
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