Teacher CPD · Secondary Schools

Teaching the Junior Cycle Coding Short Course

This professional development course equips educators to deliver the Junior Cycle Coding Short Course effectively. Participants explore the curriculum's structure, including its three strands, two classroom-based assessments, and flexible 100-hour model. Key topics encompass engaging 12- to 15-year-olds through Scratch-to-Python transitions, physical computing, evidence-based pedagogy, computer science in society, assessment coaching, and recruitment pathways to senior cycle computer science. The programme fosters a Lead Learner mindset, integrating AI tools and reflective planning for confident implementation.
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€79
Enrolment per teacher
What's included
  • Self paced
  • Online course
  • Step-by-step lessons
  • Certificate from Coding Ireland

Explore the Course

11 lessons across 5 modules

Two lessons that establish three things: an honest map of where you are starting from (the confidence audit), a working understanding of what the JC Coding Short Course requires of students (and therefore of you), and a productive mindset for delivering it without pretending to be a CS expert.

Welcome, Confidence Audit and the Lead Learner Mindset Beginner
The JC Coding Short Course: Three Strands, Two Cbas, 100 Hours Beginner

Engagement is the highest-frequency challenge in JC Coding, bigger than subject content and bigger than assessment. This module addresses the two most reliable engagement levers: managing the block-to-text transition cleanly so students do not fall off the cliff between Scratch and Python, and using physical computing and cross-curricular hooks to make coding tangible and relevant beyond the screen.

Block to Text: Bridging Scratch and Python Beginner
Physical Computing and Cross-curricular Hooks Beginner

Two lessons covering the cross-strand pedagogy that makes JC Coding actually teachable: evidence-based programming pedagogy (PRIMM, worked examples, explicit debugging) drawing on the same research base as LC CS but scaled appropriately for 12 to 15 year-olds, and structured approaches to the Computer Science in Society and digital citizenship content that runs through the Short Course.

Programming Pedagogy for Novices: PRIMM, Worked Examples, and Debugging Beginner
Computer Science in Society: Internet, Web and AI for JC Level Beginner

The two CBAs are where teachers most need help and where good supervision most directly affects student outcomes. This module is the longest in the course because it carries the assessment weight. Three lessons cover reading the NCCA Features of Quality fluently, coaching students through each CBA without doing the work for them, and preparing for the Subject Learning and Assessment Review (SLAR) meeting where teachers moderate each other's judgements.

Understanding the Two Cbas and the Features of Quality Beginner
Coaching the First CBA Beginner
Coaching the Second CBA and Preparing for the SLAR Beginner

JC Coding is, for many schools, the recruitment pipeline into Leaving Cert Computer Science. The strongest predictor of who picks LC CS in fifth year is who took the Short Course in third year. This module closes the course by treating that pipeline deliberately. The persistent LC CS gender gap can be moved meaningfully at the JC Coding stage. The course closes with the participant's year plan and final reflection.

From JC Coding to LC CS: the Recruitment Pipeline Beginner
Your Year Plan and Final Reflection Beginner

Two lessons that establish three things: an honest map of where you are starting from (the confidence audit), a working understanding of what the JC Coding Short Course requires of students (and therefore of you), and a productive mindset for delivering it without pretending to be a CS expert.

Welcome, Confidence Audit and the Lead Learner Mindset Beginner
The JC Coding Short Course: Three Strands, Two Cbas, 100 Hours Beginner

Engagement is the highest-frequency challenge in JC Coding, bigger than subject content and bigger than assessment. This module addresses the two most reliable engagement levers: managing the block-to-text transition cleanly so students do not fall off the cliff between Scratch and Python, and using physical computing and cross-curricular hooks to make coding tangible and relevant beyond the screen.

Block to Text: Bridging Scratch and Python Beginner
Physical Computing and Cross-curricular Hooks Beginner

Two lessons covering the cross-strand pedagogy that makes JC Coding actually teachable: evidence-based programming pedagogy (PRIMM, worked examples, explicit debugging) drawing on the same research base as LC CS but scaled appropriately for 12 to 15 year-olds, and structured approaches to the Computer Science in Society and digital citizenship content that runs through the Short Course.

Programming Pedagogy for Novices: PRIMM, Worked Examples, and Debugging Beginner
Computer Science in Society: Internet, Web and AI for JC Level Beginner

The two CBAs are where teachers most need help and where good supervision most directly affects student outcomes. This module is the longest in the course because it carries the assessment weight. Three lessons cover reading the NCCA Features of Quality fluently, coaching students through each CBA without doing the work for them, and preparing for the Subject Learning and Assessment Review (SLAR) meeting where teachers moderate each other's judgements.

Understanding the Two Cbas and the Features of Quality Beginner
Coaching the First CBA Beginner
Coaching the Second CBA and Preparing for the SLAR Beginner

JC Coding is, for many schools, the recruitment pipeline into Leaving Cert Computer Science. The strongest predictor of who picks LC CS in fifth year is who took the Short Course in third year. This module closes the course by treating that pipeline deliberately. The persistent LC CS gender gap can be moved meaningfully at the JC Coding stage. The course closes with the participant's year plan and final reflection.

From JC Coding to LC CS: the Recruitment Pipeline Beginner
Your Year Plan and Final Reflection Beginner

What You'll Learn

Learning Goals

  1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the Junior Cycle Coding Short Course structure, including its strands, CBAs, and flexible delivery model.
  2. Acquire evidence-based pedagogical strategies for teaching coding to novice 12-15 year-olds, bridging block-based and text-based programming.
  3. Design engaging, cross-curricular lessons incorporating physical computing and real-world societal impacts of computer science.
  4. Master supervision and coaching techniques for the two CBAs, ensuring quality features and effective moderation preparation.
  5. Create a recruitment pipeline from Junior Cycle Coding to Leaving Certificate Computer Science, addressing diversity and ability range.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Map the Junior Cycle Coding Short Course specification, including its three interlocking strands, two CBAs, and flexible 100-hour delivery model.
  2. Plan a structured Scratch-to-Python transition that anchors new concepts to prior knowledge and identifies common confidence pitfalls for 12-15 year-olds.
  3. Design a cross-curricular physical computing activity using a selected platform to engage novice learners with specific learning outcomes.
  4. Apply evidence-based novice programming pedagogies, such as PRIMM progression, worked examples, and explicit debugging instruction, in lesson plans.
  5. Develop supervision strategies for both CBAs, including milestone-based coaching, quality feedback aligned to NCCA features, and preparation for SLAR moderation.

Ready to start this course?

Enrol today and learn at your own pace.

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