To help students to achieve their potential, St. Mel’s College offers a comprehensive curriculum and a diverse range of programmes. It is our goal to provide for the needs of all our students and to help them achieve success academically, socially and personally.
Junior Cycle
- Irish
- English
- Maths
- History
- Geography
- Science
- Business Studies
- French/German
- Wood Technology/ Graphics/ Applied Technology
- Religious Education
- Civic, Social & Political Education
- Social Personal & Health Education
- Wellbeing
- Digital Media Literacy
- Physical Education
CBA – Classroom Based Assessment
What are Classroom Based Assessments?
Classroom Based Assessments (CBAs) are a key feature of the Junior Cycle. They allow students to demonstrate their learning in different ways throughout second and third year, rather than relying solely on final examinations. CBAs are completed during class time under the guidance of teachers and focus on practical skills, project work, and applied learning.
How CBAs Work
When they happen: CBAs take place during second year and third year, depending on the subject.
Assessment: Teachers assess students' work using national guidelines and provide descriptive feedback to support learning.
Assessment Task: Following each CBA, students complete a short Assessment Task in third year, which contributes to their final grade alongside the written examination (where applicable).
Reporting: CBA results are reported as Exceptional, Above Expectations, In line with Expectations, or Yet to Meet Expectations.
Irish
- Two CBAs: Oral Communication (Cumarsáid Bhéil) and The Literary or Language Portfolio (An Phunann Liteartha nó Teanga)
- Students develop speaking skills and create a collection of written work
English
- Two CBAs: Oral Communication and Text for a Multimedia Collection
- Focus on presentation skills and creating digital or traditional media texts
Maths
- Two CBAs: Mathematical Investigation and Statistical Investigation
- Students explore mathematical problems and analyse real-world data
History
- One CBA: The Past in My Place
- Students research local history and present their findings
Geography
- One CBA: Geographical Investigation
- Students conduct fieldwork and investigate geographical issues
Science
- Two CBAs: Science in Action (extended investigation) and Science in Society (research task)
- Emphasis on practical investigation and understanding science's role in everyday life
Business Studies
- Two CBAs: Business in Action (enterprise activity) and Future Study or Career Investigation
- Students develop entrepreneurial skills and explore career pathways
French/German
- Two CBAs: Oral Communication and Student Language Portfolio
- Development of speaking skills and evidence of language learning
Wood Technology/Graphics/Applied Technology
- One CBA per subject: Practical Design Brief or Task
- Students design, plan, and create practical solutions or products
Civic, Social & Political Education (CSPE)
- One CBA: Citizenship Action Project
- Students take action on an issue they care about in their community
Physical Education
- One CBA: Physical Activity and Myself
- Students reflect on and demonstrate their physical education learning and development
Important Information for Parents
Final Results: CBA outcomes, Assessment Tasks, and final examinations combine to create the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA), which students receive on results day.
For more information about Junior Cycle and Classroom Based Assessments, visit www.jct.ie or contact your child's year head or class tutor.
CBA Assessment Descriptors
Exceptional
Above Expectations
In Line with Expectations
Yet to meet Expectations
State Certified Examinations
Written Assessment Task
: Takes place in school
: June of Year 3
: Corrected by State Examinations Commission
Grades Awarded As Follows
- Distinction: 85-100%
- Higher Merit: 70-84%
- Merit: 55-69%
- Achieved: 40-54%
- Partially Achieved: 20-39%
- Not Graded: Less than 20%