Classics

Junior Cycle Classics aims to contribute to the development of an appreciation of the classical civilisations of Greece and Rome and the ancient Greek and Latin languages. The specification encourages student self-expression, promotes self-esteem and self-reflection, fires their imagination, encourages multicultural sensitivity, and therefore, supports the development of the whole person.

Students will develop the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to engage with these unique civilisations, and in doing so, they will develop the visual literacy, critical skills and language competencies necessary to engage with today's diverse world.

For students who begin first year before September 2019 the Junior Certificate Classical Studies, Latin and Ancient Greek syllabuses apply.

These can be viewed here:

For students who begin first year in or after September 2019 the Junior Cycle Classics specification applies. To support the specification, Assessment Guidelines and Examples of Student Work will be provided. These will be made available on www.curriculumonline.ie.

The Junior Cycle Classics specification will be introduced into schools in September 2019. The development of the specification began in September 2017.

The background paper and consultation report for Junior Cycle Classics explores the development of the subject at junior cycle; highlights good practice at home and abroad; and uses evidence-based research to inform the revision of the specification.

The Classics Development Group consists of the nominees from a range of education stakeholders including teacher and management bodies, Department of Education and Skills, and the State Examinations Commission. The membership of the development group can be viewed here. Reports of development group meetings can be accessed below.

For students entering first year before September 2019, the Junior Certificate Classical Studies syllabus, Latin syllabus and Ancient Greek syllabus apply. Download the fact sheets for these subjects here.