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Education Minister Richard Bruton has today launched the new Junior Cycle Business Studies and Science subject specifications.

The new specifications launched today were approved by the NCCA Council and the Minister and are now in place for 1^st year students who will receive their Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA) in 2019. 

Speaking at the launch, Minister Bruton said:

The new Framework for Junior Cycle gives students the opportunity to develop a wider range of knowledge and skills – to equip them for further learning, for work, for responsible and active citizenship, and for healthy living. It gives students better learning opportunities, and rewards and recognises non-academic performance and achievements, with a central focus on the student’s quality of life, wellbeing and mental health.

Coding is now a short course at Junior Cycle. I have also asked the NCCA to consider the introduction of coding at primary school level in the context of its review of the primary mathematics curriculum. This will ensure that every child has an opportunity to develop the computational, flexible and creative thinking skills that are the basis of computer science and coding. I am acutely conscious that we need to give all children the best start in a world where such skills will be key to participation and success. The NCCA is also looking at the introduction of computer science as a subject at Leaving Cert level.

The development of ICT skills, through the use of information systems are being embedded in all new specifications of subjects and short courses, are an important element of learning. The new Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 (Enhancing Teaching, Learning & Assessment), launched in October 2015, sets out a clear vision for the role of ICT in teaching, learning and assessment for schools. In recognition of this the Minister was also treated to a progressive coding demonstration by students. Some €210m has been allocated towards the implementation of the Digital Strategy.