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Dublin, 22 September 2025 – Marking a generational shift in Irish education, Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee TD has officially launched the Redeveloped Primary Curriculum Specifications for all primary and special schools across the country. Rooted in inclusion, creativity, and relevance, the new curriculum places a strong emphasis on fun, play-based learning, and the development of real-world skills for a rapidly evolving global landscape.
A Curriculum for Today – and Tomorrow
Described by Minister McEntee as “designed for the children of today and tomorrow,” the new curriculum reflects the changing needs of Irish learners and society. It promotes critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication, while strengthening foundational competencies in language, wellbeing, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
“This curriculum is about giving every child the tools they need to succeed – not just in school, but in life,” McEntee said. “It’s about sparking joy in learning, encouraging children to explore, to play, and to grow as confident, active citizens.”
Key Features of the Redeveloped Curriculum
The new specifications, developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), aim to integrate learning in meaningful ways. Key features include:
- Playful, Inquiry-Based Learning: Emphasis on active discovery, outdoor education, and curiosity-led learning.
- STEM and Innovation: Children investigate real-world scientific concepts, from magnetism to energy, encouraging design thinking and exploration.
- Language Development: Strengthened instruction in English and Irish, with modern foreign languages introduced from Stage 3 onwards.
- Creative Expression: The Arts Education specification encourages expression through drama, music, visual arts, dance, and media.
- Active Citizenship: Learners are guided to engage with local and global challenges, fostering empathy and responsibility.
- Wellbeing: A new integrated Wellbeing specification addresses physical education and social, personal, and health education (SPHE), equipping children with tools for resilience and mental health.
Gradual and Supported Rollout
The curriculum will be introduced gradually, starting in the 2025/26 school year. Schools will engage with one new area at a time, supported by dedicated funding, teacher training, and resources. The Wellbeing specification must be among the first three areas adopted.
Implementation will include:
- A six-year programme of support
- Whole-school closure days for training
- €9.7 million already allocated for resources in 2024
Shaped by Research – Guided by Children
The development process included extensive consultation with teachers, parents, researchers, and children themselves, drawing on insights from studies such as Children’s School Lives (CSL). The curriculum builds on the 1999 framework while aligning with early childhood and post-primary learning, ensuring continuity across a child’s educational journey.
A Vision for the Future
As Ireland navigates a globalised, digital era, the redeveloped curriculum reflects a national ambition to provide equitable, dynamic, and inclusive education for every child.
“This curriculum is not just a policy document,” McEntee concluded. “It is a promise – to our children, our schools, and our future.”
Key Curriculum Areas
- Arts Education (Art, Drama, Music)
- Language (English, Irish, Modern Foreign Languages)
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Social & Environmental Education (History, Geography)
- Wellbeing (PE, SPHE)
📎 For more information:
gov.ie – Primary Curriculum for Primary and Special Schools
