Junior Cycle gears up with old and new

A mix of the old and the new are among the books, plays, and films that young teens can study for the first Junior Cycle Student Award in 2017.

While debate continues about who should mark students on their exams for the qualification to replace the Junior Certificate, the new course list sets out the choices for students starting second level in September.

Films they can study for second- and third-year include Bend It Like Beckham starring Keira Knightley and Corkman Jonathan Rhys-Meyers; Jack Black comedy School of Rock; and Oscar-winning Italian Holocaust movie Life is Beautiful.