Primary education consists of an eight year cycle across four stages:
Stage 1 - Junior and Senior Infants
Stage 2 - First and Second Classes
Stage 3 - Third and Fourth Classes
Stage 4 - Fifth and Sixth Classes
A redeveloped Primary School Curriculum has now been published and will be introduced to all primary and special schools in the coming years.
The curriculum includes the Primary Curriculum Framework and specifications for five curriculum areas. The curriculum is supported by online curriculum toolkits for teachers.
The Primary Curriculum Framework sets out the nature, structure and content for the curriculum. It forms the basis for high-quality learning, teaching and assessment for all children. Importantly, it aims to provide a strong foundation for every child to thrive and flourish, supporting them in realising their full potential as individuals and as members of communities and society.
The online Primary Curriculum Toolkit provides overarching support for teachers and school leaders in working with the curriculum.
The curriculum is presented across five curriculum areas outlining the learning children will experience in Arts Education; Language; STEM Education; Social and Environmental Education; and Wellbeing. The development and enactment of the Religious/Ethical/Multi-belief, and Values Education (or Patron’s Programme) remains the responsibility of the relevant patron bodies.
