The Experience of Senior Cycle

The vision of senior cycle education sees the learner at the centre of the educational experience. That experience will enable learners to be resourceful, to be confident, to participate actively in society, and to build an interest in learning throughout their future lives.

This vision of the learner (Figure 2 on p. 8) is underpinned by the values and principles on which the senior cycle curriculum is built. The curriculum, including subjects and courses, embedded key skills, clearly expressed learning outcomes, and diverse approaches to assessment is the vehicle through which the vision becomes a reality for the learner.

At a practical level, the provision of a high quality educational experience in senior cycle is supported by

• effective curriculum planning, development, organisation and evaluation
• teaching and learning approaches that motivate and interest learners, that enable them to progress, deepen and apply their learning, and that develop their capacity to reflect on their learning
• professional development for teachers and school management that enables them to lead curriculum development and change in their schools
• a school culture that respects learners, that encourages them to take responsibility for their own learning over time, and that promotes a love of learning.

Figure 1: Overview of Senior Cycle

Figure 2: Vision for Senior Cycle