Short Courses Short courses are an important part of the reformed junior cycle. They are linked directly to the statements of learning and are designed for approximately 100 hours of student engagement. Nine short courses have been developed by the NCCA and can be used ‘off the shelf’ by schools in their junior cycle programme. But schools can also develop their own short course locally to a template, guidelines and standard set down by the NCCA. Up to four short courses can be included in the junior cycle programme. NCCA Short Courses Civic, Social and Political Education Social, Personal and Health Education Physical Education Coding A Personal Project: Caring for Animals Exploring Forensic Science Digital Media Literacy Chinese Language and Culture Artistic Performance Philosophy