Curriculum Areas

Subjects

The curriculum is presented in six curriculum areas, some of which are further divided into subjects. These are Language: Gaeilge and English; Mathematics; Social, environmental and scientific education (SESE): History, Geography and Science; Arts education: Visual arts, Music and Drama; Physical education; and Social, personal and health education (SPHE).

The revised primary curriculum has been prepared by the NCCA and will be formally submitted to the Minister for Education and Science for consideration in the near future. Once the curriculum has been considered and approved by the Minister, a major printing operation will follow which, because of its size, will involve an international tendering process by the Department of Education and Science.

Planning

The revised curriculum places a new emphasis on planning.

There are a number of strategies in the curriculum that will support the planning process at school and classroom levels. Among these are the following:

- the clear and accessible delineation of content

- overview tables at each of four class levels

- guides to the selection of content

- structured range of options and choices

- guidelines on school planning, organisational aspects and curriculum aspects

- guidelines on classroom planning and management

- exploration of a variety of approaches and methodologies

School planning guidelines distinguish between curriculum planning and organisational arrangements, which support the process of curriculum implementation, and change. Curriculum planning guidelines set the key priorities in each subject area and encapsulate the essence and special nature of the subject. The organisational considerations give useful and practical guidance on making it happen and provide for a collaborative and consultative approach as well as making recommendations on resources and support.

A curriculum focused on learning

The curriculum for primary schools is focused on the learner.

The strands of the curriculum will enable children to learn in many different ways.

The curriculum will support teaching approaches that are flexible and respond to different learning needs.

The curriculum promotes learning for understanding through a range of active learning approaches.

The curriculum outlines problem-solving strategies that enable children to become independent learners.

The focus on the learner promotes teaching approaches that can enable every child to experience success in school.