- Public Consultation on Draft Specification
- Early Enactment Report
- Subject Development
- Specification
- Additional Materials
The draft specification for Junior Cycle Modern Foreign Languages has been approved for public consultation. The consultation period runs from Friday the 3rd of May until Friday the 10th of August.
The consultation involves in-depth engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders across Ireland. We invite you to get involved and have your say on the draft specification. You can:
• Complete an online survey
• Complete a written submission form
• Attend a regional or online focus group
NCCA have also contacted schools to participate in school-based focus groups involving teachers, students, and school leaders. The feedback from this consultation will help to inform the work of the Junior Cycle Modern Foreign Languages Development Group in refining the draft specification prior to final approval and publication.
This public consultation has now closed. The report on the public consultation can be read below:
In line with the Framework for Junior Cycle (2015), a new subject specification for Junior Cycle Modern Foreign Languages was introduced in schools in September 2017 as part of Phase 3 of the introduction of new subject specifications. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) conducted an early insights review between February and March 2023 to gather feedback to evaluate and explore:
- how well the specifications get to the heart of the learning aspired to within each subject and more broadly within the Framework for Junior Cycle
- the assessment elements within each subject, as experienced by students and teachers
- how teachers are exercising their professional judgement to mediate the new specification in their schools and classrooms.
The report on the early enactment of JC MFL identified strengths and challenges. In response to the challenges identified in the report, NCCA will convene a Development Group to progress proposed revisions to the MFL specification. You can read the full report and brief below.
The Junior Cycle MFL specification was introduced into schools in September 2017. The development of the specification began in 2015.
The background paper and consultation report for Junior Cycle MFL explores the development of the subject at junior cycle; highlights good practice at home and abroad; and to uses evidence-based research to inform the revision of the specification.
- Background Paper for Junior Cycle Modern Foreign Languages
- Brief for Junior Cycle Modern Foreign Languages
The MFL 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. Reports of development group meetings can be accessed here.
- Report from MFL DG Meeting 1 and 2
- Report from MFL DG Meeting 3
- Report from MFL DG Meeting 4
- Report from MFL DG Meeting 5
- Report from MFL DG Meeting 6
The Junior Cycle MFL specification was developed in 2015 - 2016. The specification can be accessed here.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) conducted an early insights review between February and March 2023. In response to the recommendations outlined in the report, a Development Group was convened in January 2024 to progress proposed revisions to the MFL specification. The full report and brief can be accessed below.
The MFL Development Group consists of the nominees from a range of education stakeholders including teacher and management bodies, Department of Education, and the State Examinations Commission. Reports of development group meetings can be accessed below:
- Report from MFL DG Meeting 1
- Report from MFL DG Meeting 2
- Report from MFL DG Meeting 3
- Report from MFL DG Meeting 4
A public consultation on the draft specification for Junior cycle Modern Foreign Languages took place from May 3rd until August 10th 2024. The report on the public consultation can be read below:
The feedback from this consultation helped to inform the work of the Junior Cycle Modern Foreign Languages Development Group in finalising the specification. Reports of development group meetings can be accessed below:
The Specification for Junior Cycle Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) aims to develop communicative language skills broadly aligned with the A band (A1 to A2, basic user) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and its descriptors. It also aims to enable students to explore the interdependence between language and culture, to develop their appreciation of the relevance of languages to their lives for personal, social, educational, vocational and leisure purposes, and to derive enjoyment from language learning.
Junior Cycle MFL specification, Assessment Guidelines and Examples of Work are available here.
Information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is available here.