The following information is intended to help parents and guardians with Classroom Based Assessments or CBA’s.
Some of the terms may be new for you – if you have any questions, feel free to contact your child’s teacher.
What is a CBA? A CBA is a form of assessment that your child’s teacher carries out in the classroom over a set period of time. It is a chance for your child to show their learning a particular area that they have been studying.
When will my child have a CBA? Your child will have a CBA in each subject that they study. They will complete a CBA in second year and in third year for each of their subjects. For short course subjects, they will complete one CBA.
How will I know when my child has a CBA?
The school provides parents with a CBA timetable. Teachers will also let students know when it is time to start their subject CBA.
How will the CBA be recorded and assessed? Your child’s teacher will meet with another teacher (sometimes from another school) and assess the work that has been presented by your child. Your child’s CBA will be awarded one of the following descriptors…
- Exceptional
- Above Expectations
- In line with Expectations
- Yet to meet Expectations
What is an Assessment Task? After your child completes their second CBA in 3rd year, they will complete an assessment task (AT) in the school. This takes the form of a reflection of what they have learned while completing their CBA’s and is worth 10% of their overall Junior Cycle grade. This usually takes one hour to complete.
Please note that the AT is corrected with your child’s Junior Cycle exam paper and not by the class teacher.
Advice for Parents
- The CBA process is an alternative way to assess your child’s abilities in each subject.
- The teacher has experience in the process and will guide your child.
- The CBA is different in each subject, sometimes a research project, sometimes a presentation or some creative work.
- Most of the work is done in class, but some preparation and planning need to be done at home too.
- Submit your work on time, dates will be given by the teacher.
- The CBA may replace house exams in February or May.
The leaflet below provides further information for parents on the Junior Cycle.
https://www.jct.ie/perch/resources/publications/jc-info-parents-post-primary-2019.pdf