Other Areas of learning (extra-curricular and co-curricular activities)
A significant change in the structure of Junior Cycle is the acceptance that very important learning in relation to the 24 statements of learning and skills is achieved through the involvement of students in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities in school.
We have long believed in CBS Thurles in providing a broad range of options and possibilities for our students outside of the classroom to enrich their educational experience and to promote a more holistic development of character and personhood. The range of activities available is outlined in our prospectus and each student is encouraged to engage in a selection of activities.
For the first time in Irish education, we are now able to record the most important learnings achieved by a student as part of the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA). These learning experiences could include student engagement in competitions, school events, or indeed student involvement in students’ council or a school club or participation in school sporting activities. Here in CBS Thurles, at the end of each year (1st, 2nd and 3rd year), students will be given the opportunity to log their own engagement in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. At the end of 3rd year, through reflecting back on this log, they can choose which of these engagements provided the most significant learning for them in relation to the 24 statements of learning and 8 skills of Junior Cycle and this will then be registered on their Junior Cycle Profile 12 of Achievement (JCPA).