The following is copied from the NCCA ON THE THE NEW PRIMARY CURRICULUM
Introduction
As a parent you are the most important person in your child’s life. You help them learn many important things and as your child moves through primary school, your ongoing help and encouragement make a big difference in their learning journey.
What is the Primary School Curriculum?
The Primary School Curriculum outlines what children should learn and how children learn through the four stages of primary school, as appropriate to their needs, interests and abilities.
The curriculum aims to:
The curriculum views each child as unique, competent and caring. It recognises that every child has the right to keep learning and developing as they grow. There are eight principles that show what is most important in your child’s education. They guide how children learn, how teachers teach and how progress is assessed.
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Principle |
What does this mean for your child? |
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Learning Environments |
Children are supported in their learning across a variety of environments, both indoors and outdoors. |
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Inclusive Education and Diversity |
Children are welcome at school and have opportunities to learn in ways that suit their individual learning needs, interests and abilities. Similarities and differences are celebrated making sure every child feels respected and included in their classroom and school. |
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Engagement and Participation |
Children make choices as part of their learning. They have opportunities to be creative and to work with others. |
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Assessment and Progression |
Children, teachers, parents and sometimes other relevant professionals (for example, speech therapists, psychologists) work together to help understand how children are learning and developing and how they can make progress. |
The Primary School Curriculum also includes seven key competencies for children. The competencies describe the knowledge, skills and attitudes that support children in their learning and development. They recognise that children grow, learn and develop important life skills through everything they do at school – whether it’s by being part of playful and engaging lessons, interacting with others or experiencing the daily routines.
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Key competency |
What does this mean for your child? |
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Being an active citizen |
Understanding the rights and responsibilities of themselves and others and how to take positive actions to create a more sustainable and just world. |
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Being an active learner |
Playing, learning and working on their own, and with others, to reflect on their learning, to solve problems and to set goals for future learning. |
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Being a communicator and using language |
Learning to share ideas in different ways, and to listen and respect what others share. |
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Being creative |
Being curious about, taking part in, and enjoying creative and imaginative experiences. |
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Being a digital learner |
Using a variety of digital technologies creatively and learning to be responsible and safe online. |
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Being mathematical |
Seeing maths in the world around them and using maths to solve problems and make sense of the world. |
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Being well |
Supporting them to be healthy and developing their physical, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. |
What does my child learn in school?
Children’s learning is organised across curriculum areas and subjects including:
Curriculum areas and subjects
Literacy Initiatives
Our school is involved in many literacy initiatives to supplement the work of each class curriculum. These include:
Numeracy Initiatives
Our school has purchased a lot of Maths resources and equipment to enable pupils to have a practical and hands on experience in Maths. Maths initiatives include:
An Ghaeilge
Tá sé mar aidhm againn atmasféar Gaelach agus dearcadh dearfach a chothú sa scoil. Mar sin, bainimíd usáid as nathanna cainte sa seomra ranga agus sa chlós go minic.
We wish to promote an Irish atmosphere and a positive attitude to Irish in our school. Irish phrases and sentences are often used in the classroom and schoolyard.
Religious Education
The “Grow in Love” curriculum is implemented in the Infant Classes. We have regular visits to our school from our local priests.
Science
Science week is marked in our school each year. This year various science experiments were carried out by the pupils of 6th class for the whole school to enjoy. The experiments ranged from a feast of dancing raisins to volatile volcanos, enabling pupils to become more aware of the fascinating world of science. 5th & 6th Class enjoyed Science Workshops.
Art
Art is very strong in our school. The notice boards outside each classroom are awash with beautiful art work prepared by the pupils. Each year pupils partake in a variety of art competitions including the local Credit Union Art Competition.
Assessment
The Curriculum identifies assessment a being integral to all areas of the curriculum. It helps communication between the progress between the teacher and the child, the teacher and parents and teacher and teacher. It enables the child to become increasingly self-aware as learner and to development techniques of self-assessment. It is essential to ensure that an ongoing high stand of education is maintained. In Cappoquin Primary School, assessment ranges from informal assessment which includes teacher observation, classwork, and homework, to more formal assessment in the form of teacher designed tests, diagnostic tests and standardised tests. All pupils from First to Sixth Form are given standardised tests in English and Mathematics every May. Assessment is used to identify children with specific learning difficulties so that the appropriate steps can be taken to ensure progress is achieved despite difficulties which exist. In addition to traditional assessment of knowledge, pupils are also assessed on their acquisition of skills, attitudes and values.
From Junior Infants upwards, parents receive summer reports. Parent/ teacher meetings are usually held each November.