Your Classroom-Based Assessment starts now. It is called Putting the pieces together, and it is the piece of work that goes on your Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement.

There are two approaches you can take: a final software project in a team, or a portfolio of your own work. Today you learn what each path asks of you, weigh them against the work you already have, and choose.

There are two CBA approaches. Neither is a shortcut. Pick the one that fits your strengths and the evidence you already have.

Approach 1: a final software project. You work in a team of two or three. Together you research a problem, design a solution, build it, test it, document it, present it, take peer feedback, and reflect. The heart of the evidence is one working program or website and the story of how you made it.

Approach 2: a portfolio collection. You work on your own. You gather finished examples of your own work from across the course (for example Scratch or Arcade games, a website or micro:bit project, and Python work) and write a reflection on how your learning and problem-solving grew. The heart of the evidence is the range, tied together by that reflection.

On either path, good work shows a clear purpose, planning and testing, work another person can follow, and honest reflection.

First, take two minutes for an evidence rummage. Open your saved work folder or notebook and star two pieces you are proud of.

Next, open one of those starred pieces. In one line, note what still works and what is broken or unfinished. You will use this when you choose a path.

Then open the interactive activity. Read both cards carefully, then answer the two prompts at the end against your own work so far.

If you finish early, swap with a neighbour: challenge one risk on their card and name one extra evidence piece they could star.

There is no better path, only the one that fits you. Be honest about what you already have and where the risk sits.