Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE)

Subject Overview

The aims of junior cycle CSPE are to develop active citizens with

  • a sense of belonging
  • a capacity to gain access to information and structures relating to the society in which they live
  • an ability and confidence to participate in democratic society.

Content

Junior Certificate CSPE is studied at Common Level.

The course is based on 7 core concepts:

  • Democracy
  • Law
  • Human rights and responsibilities
  • Human dignity
  • Interdependence
  • Development
  • Stewardship

There are 4 units of study

Unit 1 - The Individual and Citizenship
Unit 2 - The Community
Unit 3 - The State - Ireland
Unit 4 - Ireland and the world

Assessment

Junior Certificate Civic, Social and Political Education is assessed at Common Level. There are two assessment components:

Examination paper40%
A Report on an Action Project or
A Course Work Assessment Booklet		60%

Current status

CSPE is part of the of the Junior Certificate core curriculum in all post-primary schools since 1997.

Documentation

PDFJunior Certificate Civic Social and Political Education Syllabus
PDFJunior Certificate Civic Social and Political Education - Guidelines for Teachers

Related links

State Examinations Commission
Junior Certificate CSPE Support Service
Scoilnet
The Association of CSPE Teachers (ACT)
European Studies Programme

 
NCCA, 24 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Telephone: +353 1 661 7177, Fax: +353 1 661 7180, E-mail: info@ncca.ie