The Junior Certificate Examination is taken at the end of junior cycle in post-primary schools. The Junior Cycle caters for students aged from twelve to fifteen years and students normally sit the exam at the age of 14 or 15, after 3 years of post-primary education. Students must follow a number of core subjects which includes Gaeilge, English, Mathematics, Social Personal & Health Education, Civic, Social and Political Education and two other subjects from a list which includes languages, Science, Business Studies, Art, Music etc. In addition, students in Secondary Schools must study History and Geography.The Junior Certificate is assessed by means of a written examination at the end of the three-year programme, along with practical examinations and project work in some subjects and oral and aural examinations in Irish and continental languages.