Primary School Curriculum Curaclam na Bunscoile - NCCA

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Minister’s foreword
The introduction into schools of the Primary School Curriculum (1999) is a
significant landmark in the history of primary education in Ireland. It
represents the culmination of many years of development and planning
that involved all the partners and interests in primary education.
The preparation of the Primary School Curriculum was chiefly the
responsibility of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment
(NCCA), whose function it is to advise the Minister for Education and
Science on matters of curriculum review and assessment. The NCCA was
assisted in its work by committees, representing all the principal partners
and interests in primary education, who worked on six curriculum areas:
Language; Mathematics; Social, environmental and scientific education
(SESE); Arts education; Physical education; and Social, personal and
health education (SPHE). The development and implementation of the
curriculum in religious education in primary schools remains the
responsibility of the relevant church authorities.
The Primary School Curriculum constitutes a detailed interpretation of the
recommendations of the Review Body on the Primary Curriculum (1990).
It encompasses the philosophical thrust of Curaclam na Bunscoile (1971)
and the Education Act, 1998.
The curriculum incorporates current educational thinking and the most
effective pedagogical practices. It represents a process of revision that is
both evolutionary and developmental. It is designed to cater for the
needs of children in the modern world.
The introduction of the Primary School Curriculum is an exciting
opportunity for change and renewal in primary schools. I would like to
take this opportunity to thank all of those who were involved in its
development. I know that I can depend on their continued co-operation
and assistance as the curriculum is implemented in schools.
Micheál Martin TD
Minister for Education and Science