News Introduction to Junior Cycle Science: A CPD event hosted in the School of Education, NUI Galway

The new Junior Cycle Science Specification was launched in September 2016, with students due to receive their Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA) in 2019.  In line with this new specification, the School of Education, NUI Galway is hosting a CPD event for science teachers, in conjunction with the Galway Branch of the ISTA and the JCT Science team.

According to the Junior Cycle Science Specification: "Science in junior cycle aims to develop students’ evidence-based understanding of the natural world and their ability to gather and evaluate evidence: to consolidate and deepen their skills of working scientifically; to make them more self-aware as learners and become competent and confident in their ability to use and apply science in their everyday lives.” (NCCA, 2015 p.5)

Commenting on this event, Dr. Veronica McCauley (@VMcC_ScienceEd) Lecturer in Science Education, NUI Galway said “The new Junior Science Specification has the potential to contribute further to the debate of ‘Science with and for society’ with the unifying strand, The Nature of Science, woven throughout .  What is particularly exciting is the introduction of the new Earth and Space contextual strand, especially with Space Week nationally starting today - Oct 4th-10th, 2017”.

The "Introduction to Junior Cycle Science” event will be held from 7-9pm on Monday 9th October 2017 in the Education Building, Nuns Island, NUI Galway and will be led by the JCT Science team.  This workshop aims to work with all teachers of Junior Cycle Science, in a collaborative manner with the JCT Team to assist in teaching the new specification.  Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT) is a dedicated continuing professional development (CPD) support service of the Department of Education and Skills.  Their aim is to support schools in their implementation of the new Framework for Junior Cycle (2015) through the provision of appropriate high quality CPD for school leaders and teachers, and the provision of effective teaching and learning resources.

Event: An Introduction to Junior Cycle Science
Date: Monday, October 9th
Time: 7.00 - 9.00 pm
Location: Education Building, Nuns Island, NUI Galway (building next door to St Joseph's 'The Bish' secondary school. Parking will be available in The Bish school carpark for attendees)

A maximum number of 30 teachers will be facilitated. 

Booking is essential at  https://goo.gl/forms/WiukbTKFv9KpbUne2

Teachers who are successful in getting a place will be sent a confirmation email.  A waiting list will be in operation so early booking is essential