Supporting Every Student to Reach Their Full Potential
At Hansfield ETSS, we believe that every student should have access to a meaningful, ambitious and appropriately challenging curriculum.
The Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes, commonly referred to as L1/L2LPs, provide personalised learning pathways for students at both Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle. The programmes enable students to access the curriculum at a level that reflects their individual strengths, abilities and learning needs while supporting them to make progress and reach their full potential.
These programmes reflect our child-centred and inclusive ethos and our values of Respect, Inclusivity, Honesty, Openness, Community and Partnerships.
What Are the Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes?
The Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes are designed for students for whom learning outcomes at Level 1 or Level 2 are the most appropriate.
The programmes focus on developing the knowledge, skills and confidence students need to:
- communicate and participate more independently
- develop literacy and numeracy skills
- look after their personal care and wellbeing
- participate in school, home and community life
- build positive relationships
- develop practical and creative skills
- prepare for adult life and life beyond school.
Each student’s programme is personalised. This means that learning is planned around the student’s strengths, interests, needs, abilities and future goals. Students may also access appropriate elements of the wider school curriculum where these support their individual learning programme.
The Senior Cycle programmes build upon the learning completed through Level 1 or Level 2 at Junior Cycle and place a strong emphasis on lifelong learning, independence and preparation for life after school.
Programme Coordination at Hansfield ETSS
The Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes at Hansfield ETSS are coordinated by Hayley Spollen, L1/L2LP Programme Coordinator.
The Programme Coordinator works with students, parents and guardians, teachers, the Additional Educational Needs Department and the wider school team to support the planning and delivery of each student’s programme.
Regular communication and collaboration help to ensure that:
- learning is appropriate and meaningful
- students experience suitable challenge and progression
- learning is connected across different classes and settings
- progress is monitored and celebrated
- planning reflects the student’s changing needs and future goals.
Junior Cycle Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes
At Junior Cycle, students may follow either the:
- Junior Cycle Level 1 Learning Programme (JCL1LP)
- Junior Cycle Level 2 Learning Programme (JCL2LP)
The programmes are organised around Priority Learning Units, known as PLUs. PLUs identify important areas of learning that support students in developing the personal, social, communication, practical and academic skills required for their future lives.
Although the PLUs are listed separately, learning is often integrated across several areas and developed through practical, relevant and real-life experiences.
Junior Cycle Level 1 Learning Programme
There are six Priority Learning Units at the centre of the JCL1LP:
- Communication, Language and Literacy
- Numeracy
- Personal Care and Wellbeing
- Being Part of a Community
- The Arts
- Physical Education
These areas support students in developing communication, independence, wellbeing, creativity, physical development and participation in their community.
Junior Cycle Level 2 Learning Programme
There are five Priority Learning Units at the centre of the JCL2LP:
- Communicating and Literacy
- Numeracy
- Personal Care
- Living in a Community
- Skills for Life
These PLUs help prepare students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of Senior Cycle, adult life, working life and lifelong learning.
Short Courses and Other Learning Experiences
Students following a JCL1LP or JCL2LP may also complete suitable Level 1 or Level 2 Short Courses. These allow students to develop and demonstrate their learning through practical, creative and engaging activities.
Depending on the student’s individual programme, they may also participate in appropriate subjects, school activities, community based learning and other experiences from the wider Junior Cycle curriculum.
Senior Cycle Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes
At Senior Cycle, students may progress to either the:
- Senior Cycle Level 1 Learning Programme (SCL1LP)
- Senior Cycle Level 2 Learning Programme (SCL2LP)
These are personalised two-year programmes designed to build upon the learning and progress made at Junior Cycle. The programmes aim to prepare students for life beyond school while supporting greater independence, confidence, participation and lifelong learning.
Senior Cycle Curriculum Areas
Both the SCL1LP and SCL2LP are organised around four main curriculum areas:
- Communication and Literacy
- Numeracy
- Personal Care
- Elective Modules
The curriculum areas are modular and are designed to support students in school, at home, in their communities and as they prepare for their future lives.
Elective Modules
Elective modules provide opportunities for students to explore areas connected to their interests, strengths and future goals.
Depending on the student’s programme and the modules available, electives may include areas such as:
- Physical Education
- Visual Art
- Drama
- Cookery
- Literature
- Music
- information technology skills
- looking after the environment
- being part of the community
- personal finance
- preparation for life after school.
The selection of curriculum areas and elective modules is personalised for each student and is reviewed as the student progresses.
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Assessment is an ongoing and supportive part of the Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes. It helps teachers and students recognise progress, identify the next steps in learning and celebrate achievement.
Students are given opportunities to demonstrate their learning in ways that are appropriate to their communication and learning strengths. This may include:
- practical activities
- photographs and videos
- projects
- written or digital work
- teacher observations
- presentations
- demonstrations of skills
- samples of work completed in school or the community.
Junior Cycle Assessment
At Junior Cycle, assessment is primarily classroom-based. Students build a portfolio containing evidence of their learning and progress across the Priority Learning Units and other components of their programme.
Achievements in the Level 2 Priority Learning Units are recorded as part of the student’s Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement, or JCPA.
Senior Cycle Assessment and Certification
At Senior Cycle, evidence of learning is also gathered through a portfolio. This portfolio is presented for assessment and certification.
Learning may be recognised at Level 1 and/or Level 2 of the National Framework of Qualifications. Modules successfully completed by a student are certified by the State Examinations Commission (SEC)
Working in Partnership with Parents and Guardians
Parents and guardians are important partners in the planning and review of a student’s learning programme.
The school will work collaboratively with families to:
- identify the student’s strengths, interests and priority learning needs
- agree meaningful and achievable learning goals
- review progress
- support important transitions
- plan for Senior Cycle
- prepare for life beyond school.
Families are encouraged to remain in regular contact with the student’s teachers, tutor and the L1/L2LP Programme Coordinator.
Further Information
Further information about the Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes is available through the following official resources: