SPHE and key skills In addition to their specific content and knowledge, the subjects and short courses of junior cycle provide students with opportunities to develop a range of key skills. The junior cycle curriculum focuses on eight key skills which are set out in detail in Key Skills of Junior Cycle. This course offers opportunities to support all key skills, but some are particularly significant. The examples below identify some of the key skill elements that are realated to learning activities in SPHE. Teachers can also build many other elements of particular key skills into their classroom planning. Links between junior cycle SPHE and key skills Key Skill Key skill element Student learning activity Being Creative Exploring options and alternatives Students explore and evaluate options in the context of decisions they make and consider possible outcomes and consequences. Thinking creatively and being open to the viewpoint and perspective of others is also encouraged. Being Literate Exploring and creating a variety of texts, including multi-modal texts Students are encouraged to express their learning in SPHE in a variety of ways: physically (such as a mime, drama), digitally (such as audio/video recording, presentation), paper-based (scrapbook, poster), data-based (charts, graphs), or through artistic representation. Being Numerate Gathering, interpreting and evaluating information Students consider research data relevant to their lives. In some instances, students may create their own surveys or questionnaires to investigate aspects of health and wellbeing relevant to young people. Communicating Listening and expressing myself Students learn to express ideas and emotions clearly and respectfully and develop empathy by listening to different perspectives and experiences and showing concern for the feelings of others. Managing Information And Thinking Thinking creatively and critically Students are encouraged to question assumptions (their own and others) and social norms. They are supported to reflect on their learning and prompted to review their learning in light of new information and insights gained. Managing Myself Knowing myself Through their learning students develop self-awareness and recognise their personal values, strengths and capacities. They are also supported in considering the influence of family, peers, the media and other contextual factors that influence who they are and the choices they make. Staying Well Being safe Students identify the likely consequences of risky and unhealthy behaviours and learn how to respond if their personal safety is threatened. Working With Others Developing good relationships and dealing with conflict Through their learning students develop the foundational skills needed for healthy relationships, including skills for assertive and respectful communication.
