Junior Cycle

Junior Cycle covers 1st, 2nd and 3rd year at St Joseph's. Students study a broad range of core subjects, choose three option subjects, and complete the Junior Cycle Student Award (JCSA) at the end of 3rd year.

7
Core subjects
11
Option subjects
3
Years (1st–3rd)
JCSA
Award at end of 3rd year

Subjects

Core subjects All students — compulsory 7 subjects ›
Irish English Mathematics Science Geography History Religious Education
Option subjects Students choose any 3 11 subjects ›
Students pick 3 of these at the start of 1st year
Business & Humanities
Business StudiesClassics
Technology & Design
GraphicsWood TechnologyApplied Technology
Creative & Practical
Visual ArtMusicHome Economics
Languages
SpanishFrenchGerman
Non-exam subjects All students — not assessed in JCSA
Wellbeing PE SPHE CSPE
📖SPHE — Social, Personal & Health Education
🏛️CSPE — Civic, Social & Political Education

Wellbeing programme

🏃
Wellbeing at St Joseph's
Our Wellbeing programme goes beyond the classroom — students take part in practical health and fitness activities throughout Junior Cycle.
🏊 1st & 2nd year — Swimming module 🏃 3rd year — Couch to 5K PE for all year groups SPHE — personal development
View Wellbeing Programme ›

Assessment & award

📝
Junior Cycle Student Award (JCSA)
Students receive the JCSA at the end of 3rd year. It includes results from classroom-based assessments (CBAs), final exams, and a student portfolio.
Completed end of 3rd year
📋
Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs)
CBAs are assessed by teachers during 2nd and 3rd year. They are a formal part of the Junior Cycle and count towards the final award.
Assessed in 2nd & 3rd year

Further information

↓
Option Subjects Presentation SlidesParent information on choosing Junior Cycle options
›
↓
Option Subjects Booklet 2026Detailed descriptions of all 11 Junior Cycle option subjects
›
↗
curriculumonline.ieFull details on all Junior Cycle subjects from the NCCA
›
▶
Wellbeing ProgrammeOur approach to student health, fitness and personal development
›
▶
Teaching and Learning in St Joseph'sOur approach to teaching, learning and student development
›
Questions about Junior Cycle?
Contact the school at info@droghedacbs.ie or call (041) 9837232 — the team is happy to help parents and students with any queries.