PCC Falcarragh student Aisling McFadden received 7 distinctions in Junior Cycle

Aisling McFadden, a student at Pobalscoil Chloich Cheannfhaola (PCC) received an outstanding result in her Junior Cycle.

The Dunfanaghy native received 7 Distinctions and 2 higher Merits in her Junior Cycle. 

Meaning, Aisling completed 9 subjects and achieved over 90% in each of her 7 subjects and above 75% in two others.

Pobalscoil Chloich Cheannfhaola School Principal Maeve Sweeney with Aisling McFadden (Pic: Mairead McGee)

The Junior Cycle was reformed and introduced gradually between 2014 and 2022 and has now replaced the Junior Certificate.

In this reformed process, students complete a range of classroom-based assessments (CBAs) in the second and third years. At the end of year 3, students complete a written exam and upon completion, they receive a Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA). The JCPA combines the CBA and written examination to replace the Junior Certificate. 

The aim is to place less emphasis on performance in exams and incorporate continuous assessment. The Junior Cycle programme offers 40% of the student’s grade as CBA and 60% is based upon the final exam. Ultimately, the final exam was previously a state exam and it is now an in-house examination and the grading system has been updated. 

          The new junior cycle grading system: