The Junior Certificate Schools Proramme (JCSP) is a national programme sponsored by the Department of Education and Science and the National Council for Curriculum Assessment.  The programme began operating in 1997 and is now facilitated in over 240 schools throughout Ireland.

 

Its leading aim is to assist young people in accessing a Junior Certificate.  Also the programme helps students experience success in class, develop a positive self-image and become more involved in their learning. 

In Loreto College we offer the JCSP programme in six subject areas, maths, history, geography, English, home economics and business studies.  When the students sit their Junior Certificate exam they also receive a certifiacte from the Department of Education and Science  and a profile, listing all they have achieved while in the JCSP programme.   Therefore the JCSP programme provides students with a Junior Certificate plus a JCSP certificate.

 

We are now in our third year of the JCSP programme.  There are 45 students enrolled in the programme, including 13 first years, 13 second years and 19 third years.    The programme is designed to enhance student’s literacy and numeracy skills, social development and Junior Certificate attainment.    To date our students have engaged in numerous JCSP initiatives including field trips, Christmas cake making, reading challenges and maths games.    Overall there have been two major highlights for students since we commenced the programme.  Last years second years formulated, developed and produced their own easy-to-read cookbook which was displayed in the Dublin Civic Offices as part of the Make A Book project.    Also 6 third year students were presented with their JCSP final profiling certificate in May 2009 and then received great results in their Junior Certificate. We are very proud of all our JCSP students.