Post-Primary Context - Wellbeing at JC

Wellbeing at Junior Cycle

In 2015, the Department of Education (DE) published the new Framework for Junior Cycle 2015. This framework documents the revised structure of the Junior Cycle programme in all schools which will be implemented in a phased approach. This includes revised specifications for existing subjects, the addition of Short Courses in new areas of learning such as Coding, Digital Media Literacy and Artistic Performance. It also provides for Short Courses in areas that already existed in Junior Cycle such as Physical Education, CSPE and SPHE.

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In 2017, the NCCA developed Guidelines for Wellbeing in Junior Cycle. These guidelines form part of the Framework for Junior Cycle 2015. A dedicated Wellbeing curriculum in junior cycle aims to ensure that all students engage in important learning about wellbeing through key curriculum areas. For this reason, up to 400 hours are available for learning in the area of Wellbeing in junior cycle.

While all teachers in all subjects can support student learning about and for wellbeing, wellbeing is enhanced when it is embedded in the curriculum and visible to students within specific allocated time. Explicitly planning for wellbeing in the curriculum and assigning it space on the timetable communicates to students, parents and teachers that this area of learning is important – it makes the school’s concern with wellbeing visible and confirms for students in a very recognisable way that their wellbeing matters. For this reason, the guidelines place a strong emphasis on the role that Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE), physical education (PE), Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and guidance can play in supporting learning about wellbeing and learning for wellbeing.

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Social Personal and Health Education ( SPHE)

With the introduction of the new Short Course in SPHE, schools have the option of teaching the existing SPHE Syllabus (2000) or the new NCCA Short Course (2016). The syllabus has 10 modules, while the Short Course is structured into four Strands. Both courses explore content of Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE), Communication, Physical and Emotional Health.

For teachers of SPHE, the PDST offer an Introduction to SPHE two day seminar, which supports the teaching of both the syllabus and the short course. Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT) also offer support to teachers in planning for Wellbeing and SPHE Short Course.

Physical Education (PE)

Similarly for Physical Education, schools can choose to offer the PE Short Course (2016) or the existing PE Syllabus (2003). Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT) provides support for teachers of the PE Short Course.

PDST offer a range of CPD evening workshops on curricular content of both courses aimed at upskilling teachers in particular aspects of PE.

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