The New Primary Curriculum in Ireland

What is it?

The new Primary Curriculum is a major reform of how primary education works in Ireland. Introduced in stages, it’s built on a framework designed to make learning more relevant, inclusive, and engaging for all children. Key features include more emphasis on outcomes, flexibility for schools, and supporting children’s holistic development.

Key Elements

Here are some of the main things changing or being added:

  • Five curriculum areas: The curriculum is structured around five broad areas:

    1. Arts Education

    2. Language (including Irish, English, and Modern Foreign Languages)

    3. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Education

    4. Social and Environmental Education

    5. Wellbeing

  • Primary Language Curriculum (“Curaclam Teanga na Bunscoile”): This framework, for Junior Infants to Sixth Class, sets out how children develop language skills in Irish, English, and foreign languages. It focuses on strands, learning outcomes, and progression.

  • New Mathematics Curriculum: Launched in September 2023, this aims to make maths more engaging, inclusive and connected with real life. Teachers have had preparation time, with full implementation from the 2024-2025 school year ongoing.

  • Wellbeing and Social & Environmental Education: Greater weight is being given to students’ wellbeing, their social, emotional, physical and ethical development, as well as environmental awareness.

  • Pedagogical approach: More active learning, inquiry-based learning and  play-where-appropriate. Also more flexibility for schools to adapt to their pupils’ needs while following core learning outcomes.

  • Phased introduction: The new curriculum is being phased in, so schools are given time and supports to prepare.

See here for more information