Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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605.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason there is no mention in the new draft curriculum (details supplied) of the previous goal of developing a sense of Irish identity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31078/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is redeveloping the Primary School Curriculum with a commitment to building on the successes and strengths of the, current, Primary School Curriculum published 25 years ago in 1999. This commitment includes fostering a sense of Irish identity which was a key issue in primary education as part of the 1999 curriculum (Government of Ireland, 1999). The publication of the Primary Curriculum Framework (Department of Education) in March 2023 was an important milestone in this work by the NCCA.

The framework defines the vision, nature, structure and purpose for the full redevelopment of the curriculum for primary and special schools in Ireland. The introductory statement to the framework states that education contributes to Irish society and enables children to see themselves as part of the local community, and national and global contexts. It goes on to explain that the directions for curriculum change take account of the particular needs and interests of children, their parents, the wider community, and the characteristic spirit of the school (Department of Education, 2023, Pg 3). The seven Key Competencies for children’s learning and development outlined in the framework include: ‘Being an active citizen’ and ‘Being a communicator and using language’ which aim to develop children’s capacity and motivation for active participation in society at local, national and global levels and to participate in wider society (Department of Education, 2023, Pg 9 – 10).

The framework was informed by an extensive and comprehensive public consultation which was carried out over two phases between March 2020 and March 2022. This foundational framework will be accompanied by a suite of five curriculum specifications due for publication in 2025.

In March 2024, the NCCA published the five draft primary curriculum specifications for consultation. These included:

•Arts Education (Music, Art and Drama)

•Modern Foreign Languages in the Primary Language Curriculum

•Social and Environmental Education (Geography and History)

•Science, Technology and Engineering Education

•Wellbeing (Physical Education - PE; and Social, Personal and Health Education - SPHE)

NCCA consulted extensively on the draft specifications with children and their parents, teachers and school leaders, academics, management bodies and policy makers from March to June 2024. The purpose of the draft specifications during the consultation period was to stimulate and support a national conversation among all interested parties on the future of learning, teaching and assessment in Irish primary and special schools. All feedback is currently being analysed by NCCA and a consultation report will be published later this year. The feedback from this public consultation will inform and influence the finalisation of the Primary Curriculum Specifications in collaboration and deliberation with the members of NCCA’s representative structures.

Across the five draft specifications, references to children’s active involvement in their local community and wider society, as well as fostering of a sense of identity and belonging to their national identity feature.

For example:

Draft Arts Education Curriculum Specification:

The draft Arts Education Curriculum emphasises cultural awareness, aiming to support children to appreciate and engage with the arts from within their local community, their national community - Ireland, and the wider world. This is reflected through the rationale of the curriculum, as well as specific learning outcomes that highlight Irish arts and artists.

Primary Language Curriculum (PLC) with Draft Modern Foreign Languages:

The Primary Language Curriculum emphasises the strong connection between language and Irish cultural identity, reflecting this relationship through the curriculum. It highlights language as crucial for personal development and cultural understanding, particularly through learning Irish and English. The curriculum promotes using Irish informally during the school day to enhance learning and cultural pride. In Gaeltacht and Irish-medium schools, Irish is the working language, enriching native speakers’ skills and immersing non-native speakers. The curriculum encourages intercultural awareness and respect for diverse cultures. Content Language and Integrated Learning (CLIL) integrates Irish into various subjects, increasing exposure and confidence in using the Irish language.

Draft Science, Technology and Engineering Education Curriculum Specification:

The draft Science, Technology and Engineering Education Curriculum includes opportunities for children to explore, discuss and investigate the history of STEM, the evolving nature of STEM and how STEM is infused within our society. The curriculum supports children in developing ethical and responsible approaches to STEM by negotiating the impact of STEM on communities and society, the environment and the planet; striving for improvement and sustainability.

Draft Social and Environmental Education Specification:

The draft Social and Environmental Education Curriculum aims to equip children with the skills, knowledge, dispositions attitudes and values to understand their local, national and global surroundings, cultivating a sense of identity and belonging. The draft curriculum emphasises involving local community members, historians, and geographers to enhance learning. It promotes partnerships with libraries, museums, and heritage centres, and encourages exploring local sites of historical and geographical interest. Children are invited to share stories about their community fostering a connection to personal and local history. The draft curriculum supports understanding local, national and global issues, fostering global awareness and cultural appreciation. The curriculum fosters outdoor inquiry and investigation. It further emphasises purposeful engagement with local experts. The draft curriculum outlines Learning Outcomes focused on Irish heritage, customs and historical contexts. It promotes pedagogical approaches including site investigations and place-based learning, highlighting the importance of ‘working as a historian’ and ‘working as a geographer’.

Draft Wellbeing Curriculum Specification:

The draft Wellbeing Curriculum, aligning with the Principles of the Primary Curriculum Framework, celebrates classroom and societal diversity. It encourages children to see themselves and others as unique individuals and community members. By fostering connections to school, community, and society, it helps children develop a sense of belonging. Embracing democratic practices and exploring values, rights, and responsibilities, the draft curriculum empowers children to balance personal motives with social responsibility, preparing them to be active, engaged citizens in their communities and broader society.

In the coming months, the NCCA will consider the outcomes of the consultation on the draft specifications and, through their deliberative processes, begin the process of finalising the specifications for the redeveloped Primary School Curriculum.