Primary Language Curriculum at Carysfort N.S.
At Carysfort National School, we are committed to developing every child’s communication skills in a supportive, engaging, and inclusive way. Our approach is guided by the Primary Language Curriculum (PLC, 2019), designed by the NCCA for all stages of primary education, from Junior Infants to Sixth Class.
What the Curriculum Covers
The Primary Language Curriculum focuses on three key strands:
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Oral Language
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Reading
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Writing
Each strand is supported by Learning Outcomes, Progression Continua, and a wide range of Support Materials, helping teachers guide children’s learning at every stage.
Learn more here: Primary Language Curriculum – NCCA
Early Years – Play and Language
In the infant classes, language is fostered through Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, where children explore and develop their skills through play, role play, and social interaction. This ensures a smooth transition from play-based learning into more formal literacy development.
More on Aistear: NCCA Aistear
Literacy in Action at Carysfort
We bring the curriculum to life through a variety of engaging literacy practices:
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Literacy Lift-Off
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Story Time
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Drop Everything and Read (DEAR)
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Book Clubs and Book Talk
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Library Time
- AR (Accelerated Reader)
- Building Bridges to Understanding
These initiatives encourage children to develop a lifelong love of reading and to see themselves as confident, capable communicators.
Accelerated Reader at Carysfort N.S.
At Carysfort N.S., we place a strong emphasis on fostering a lifelong love of reading. Children from 2nd to 6th Class are currently engaging with Accelerated Reader (AR), a powerful programme designed to motivate, support, and develop independent reading skills.
Following a computer-based reading assessment, each child is guided towards a range of books that are both enjoyable and matched to their reading ability. This ensures that pupils are consistently challenged while also experiencing success in their reading journey.
As part of the programme, pupils set individual reading targets. They work towards achieving these goals by reading books at their level and completing short, engaging online quizzes to check their understanding. Each successful quiz contributes to their personal points target, providing a sense of achievement and motivation to keep reading.
Reading takes place both independently in school and at home, creating a strong link between classroom learning and family support. Teachers can monitor progress closely, celebrating successes and offering guidance where needed.
In addition, Accelerated Reader helps pupils to:
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Build reading stamina and fluency.
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Develop comprehension skills across a wide variety of genres.
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Gain confidence as independent readers.
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Experience the joy and satisfaction of reading for pleasure.
At Carysfort, we believe that reading is at the heart of learning, and Accelerated Reader is one of the ways we support every child in becoming a confident, enthusiastic, and capable reader.
For more information and resources for parents, please visit the Accelerated Reader Parent Guide.
Inclusive, Whole-School Approach
Language learning is embedded throughout school life at Carysfort. We:
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Create literacy-rich classrooms.
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Encourage strong teacher-parent partnerships.
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Support every child’s progress in oral language, reading, and writing.
Our goal is to ensure that every child develops the skills and confidence to express themselves, connect with others, and thrive in all areas of school life.
