Beginning on a phased from September 2014, the new junior cycle will feature revised subjects and short courses, a focus on literacy, numeracy and key skills, and new approaches of assessment and reporting. Schools will have more freedom to design junior cycle programmes that meet the learning needs of all students. For students, the new junior cycle will mean that the curriculum available in their schools will be a mix of subjects and short courses as well as other learning experiences.
Curriculum
Principals, Key Skills and Statement of Learning

Underpinning the new Junior Cycle are a set of principles, key skills and statements of learning. These will ensure that your child receives a rich educational experience that has both breadth and depth. Your son will have access to a varied curriculum of knowledge, skills and values. Eight principles underpin the framework for Junior Cycle. These inform the planning for, as well as the development and implementation of, junior cycle programmes in all schools.
The eight principles of Junior Cycle are Learning to Learn, Choice and Flexibility, Quality, Creativity and Innovation, Engagement and Participation, Continuity and Development, Inclusive Education and Wellbeing.