CBAs (Junior Cert Engineering): Revision Notes
CBAs
What are CBAs?
CBAs (Classroom Based Assessments) are an essential part of your Junior Cycle Engineering course. These assessments allow you to demonstrate your engineering knowledge and skills through practical projects and research work. Your teacher will evaluate your performance and award you one of four descriptors based on your achievement level.
Assessment descriptors
Your work will be graded using a four-level system that shows how well you've met the learning objectives:
- Exceptional - Outstanding work that goes well beyond what's expected
- Above expectations - Very good work that exceeds the standard requirements
- In line with expectations - Good work that meets all the required standards
- Yet to meet expectations - Work that needs improvement to reach the expected level
Understanding these descriptors helps you aim for the highest possible achievement in your CBAs.
CBA 1: Engineering in action
When: Second half of your 2nd year
CBA 1 focuses on exploring how engineering impacts our daily lives. This project-based assessment allows you to investigate real-world engineering applications that interest you. You have the freedom to choose your own topic from countless possibilities.
Topic examples
Example Topics You Could Choose:
Your chosen topic could explore any of these areas:
- How car engines function and their engineering principles
- The technology behind computer games and gaming systems
- Agricultural machinery and farming equipment mechanisms
- Smart medical technology and healthcare innovations
Presentation formats
You can showcase your understanding through various media options that suit your strengths:
- PowerPoint presentations with detailed explanations
- Creative posters with visual demonstrations
- Video productions showing your research
- Other innovative presentation methods
Features of quality
Throughout your CBA work, your teacher provides ongoing feedback to help improve your project. This feedback process is crucial for achieving your best possible result. You should already be familiar with Features of Quality from previous subjects - these are the criteria your teacher uses to evaluate your work.
Exam tip: Choose a topic that genuinely interests you. Your enthusiasm will show in your work and make the project more enjoyable to complete.
CBA 2: Research and development
When: Start of your 3rd year
CBA 2 centres on research skills and connects directly to your major project. The State Examinations Commission (SEC) provides the project theme around October, and your CBA 2 research must align with this upcoming project topic. This coordination ensures your research work supports your main project effectively.
Key components
Research presentation Similar to CBA 1, you'll present your findings through your preferred media format. However, since this CBA links to your project (worth 70% of your overall grade), invest significant time and effort into producing high-quality work.
Learning evaluation You must reflect on and evaluate what you've learned during CBA 2. This reflexion demonstrates to your teacher:
- What new knowledge you've gained from the research process
- How you plan to apply this knowledge in your upcoming project
- What interesting discoveries you've made during your investigation
This self-evaluation section is particularly important as it shows your ability to think critically about your own learning journey.
Research methodology
Understanding Research Types
Your work must include both primary and secondary research sources:
- Primary research - Original information you gather yourself (surveys, interviews, observations)
- Secondary research - Information from existing sources (books, websites, articles)
Keep detailed records of all sources you use and include them as evidence of your thorough research approach.
Feedback process Just like CBA 1, you'll receive regular feedback throughout the process. Use this guidance to refine and improve your work before final submission.
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- CBA timing matters - CBA 1 happens in 2nd year, CBA 2 in early 3rd year, and the project starts in October of 3rd year
- Choose interesting topics - Select subjects that genuinely engage you for better results and enjoyment
- Use feedback effectively - Your teacher's guidance helps improve your work, so listen carefully and make changes
- Research thoroughly - Combine primary and secondary sources to strengthen your CBA 2 work