At the outset I wish to state that, neither my Department nor the State Examinations Commission has any role in relation to the setting or marking of mock examinations. Mock examinations can either be set by teachers themselves or are sourced from commercial providers. Similarly, they are either marked by the class teacher or many mock providers offer a marking service. This is a decision for the school.
The updated Framework for Junior Cycle (2015) published by my Department in July 2015 provided for the introduction of a modernised Junior Cycle curriculum across all subjects. The Framework provided for final Junior Cycle Examinations marked by the State Examinations Commission and new classroom-based assessments conducted by classroom teachers. This dual approach will help to ensure a learner experience appropriate to the needs of the 21st century. It is recognised that embedding classroom-based assessment and formative assessment for learning represents a major culture change for teachers and schools – and students and parents. The Junior Cycle Framework is moving away from reliance on a single external examination and promoting a wider range of learning opportunities for all.