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English

Junior Cycle English focuses on improving students’ communication skills, creativity and appreciation of literary, digital and visual texts through the three inter-connected strands of oral language, reading and writing.

Expressions of Interest from Junior Cycle English teachers

NCCA welcomes expressions of interest from post-primary English teachers who would like to be involved in the review of prescribed material for Junior Cycle English (novels, poetry and film). This work will commence in October 2023.

Applications are welcome from current post-primary English teachers who meet the following criteria:

  • have experience of and are currently teaching the Junior Cycle English specification
  • special interest and/or expertise in English Literature (e.g. special interest or expertise in teenage literature, drama and films
  • commit to attending a series of meetings from October 2023

If you are interested in participating in this work, please complete this expression of interest form before 5 p.m. Friday 22 September.

Selections will be made based on relevant teaching experience (Junior Cycle English) and other relevant teaching and/or research on English literature.
In addition to the above criteria, consideration will be given to the applicant's school context. Shortlisting may be involved.

Substitution and supervision cover as well as travel and subsistence will be provided for all meetings.

English aims to develop students’ knowledge of language and literature and to deepen their literacy skills. Students engage personally and think critically about a broad range of spoken, written and visual texts and create texts of their own. As their skills in using language expand, students’ communication skills improve and this empowers them to contribute to society as thoughtful active citizens. Junior Cycle English specification, Assessment Guidelines and Examples of Work are available here.

The Junior Cycle English specification was introduced into schools in September 2014. The specification was re-published in 2015, incorporating changes to the Framework for Junior Cycle. The development of the specification began in September 2012. The background paper and brief for the review of Junior Cycle English explores the development of the subject at junior cycle; highlights good practice at home and abroad; and to use evidence-based research to inform the revision of the specification.

The Junior Cycle English Development Group consisted of nominees from a range of education stakeholders including teacher and management bodies, Department of Education and Skills, and the State Examinations Commission. Reports of development group meetings can be accessed here.

A draft Junior Cycle English specification was developed from September 2012 to May 2013. The draft specification and consultation report are available here.

After the enactment of teh specification in 2014 an early enactment report was published and amendments to the specification were made. A second enactment report was published in 2020 to review the ongoing implementation of the specification. These reports are available below.