Junior Certificate School Programme - JCSP

In September 2007, Rossa College was accepted into the Junior Certificate Schools
Programme. As a result, we have been able to take part in a number of
initiatives that are aimed at improving the educational experience of our Junior
Cycle students. The JCSP has identical subjects, curriculum and students sit
their Junior Certificate examinations as normal. The only difference is that
student successes and achievements are rewarded and acknowledged at regular
intervals over the three years. To this end, our students take part in a number
of initiatives and activities each year, all of which are provided free of
charge as they are funded by the programme. 

In recent years, these initiatives and activities have included:

• Christmas celebrations
• Easter celebrations
• Graduation and Presentation of Certificates
  celebrations
• Cross-curricular field trips
• ‘Make a Book’ competition
• Reading initiatives
• ‘Maidin Gaeilge’ Coffee mornings

What is the JCSP?

A student centered approach to the Junior Cycle Curriculum"

The Junior Certificate School Programme in Rossa College has been designed to ensure that our Junior Certificate students can benefit from their time in school and that they experience success and improvement in all of their school activities. Currently the programme is operating in over 240 schools throughout the country. It attempts to help young people experience success and develop a positive self-image by providing a curriculum and assessment framework suitable to their needs. On completion of the programme, students receive a profile which is an official record of their achievements from the Department of Education and Science. This is in addition to their Junior Certificate and is presented prior to the examinations.

The aim for the student is to:

• Enjoy school
• Get involved
• Experience success
• Have positive reports to bring home
• Develop a positive self-image
• Improve literacy and numeracy
• Improve attendance
• Enjoy a broad curriculum
• Stay in school
• Achieve a final positive record of achievement

Is this an alternative to the Junior Certificate?

No, the Junior Certificate School Programme is not an alternative to the Junior Certificate. It works alongside the Junior Certificate and acknowledges and rewards student over the three years leading to the Junior Certificate exam. All the students in the JCSP must be entered for the Junior Certificate examination.

What is the difference between the JCSP and the Junior Certificate?

The Junior Certificate School Programme is a way of working within the Junior Certificate. It is designed especially to help young people who may have difficulty in literacy or in Mathematics. Through a system of profiling a student’s work in Junior Cycle classes, students are provided with opportunities to engage with the curriculum and to achieve success at school. They get an official certificate of their achievements, validated by the Department of Education and Science, in addition to their Junior Certificate Examination Certificate.

Do students sit the Junior Certificate examination?

Absolutely! The whole point of participating in the Junior Certificate School Programme is to stay at school, experience success in school and become more confident about sitting the Junior Certificate Exam.

Do many students fail JCSP?

Students cannot fail JCSP. The Programme is about success. Achievable targets and statements are carefully chosen. Students get an opportunity to complete a series of targets and build their own success profile – a profile listing all the things they can do.

Do parents have a role in JCSP?

Parental involvement is encouraged and welcomed in JCSP. Parents are encouraged to get more involved with the work that their children are doing in class. In Rossa College, we hold celebrations, usually around Christmas and Easter, to exhibit work done, award certificates of achievement and generally celebrate with parents their children’s successes. Positive communication is encouraged between parents and schools through the use of postcards, phone calls and certificates. Parents are invited to become actively involved in their children’s education by working with the school in encouraging good attendance, punctuality and homework and by praising progress made.

Future plans for JCSP in Rossa College will include further celebrations, field trips and competitions.

In 2011/2012, we hope that all our Junior Cycle students will take part in various activities and initiatives that can be encouraged at home.

For more information go to http://jcsp.slss.ie/