Primary

This section provides an overview of the NCCA's work to support children's learning from Junior Infants to 6th Class. The Irish primary education system aims to provide a holistic education to enable children to live their lives to the full and to realise their potential as unique individuals.

Primary Developments

Keep up to date with all the developments in the primary curriculum.

Two teachers in a classroom, one pointing

Preparation for Teaching and Learning

Information to support teachers and schools in curriculum planning.

Outdoor Learning

Watch NCCA’s webinars on outdoor learning in the primary school.

Areas and Subjects

The curriculum is structured in six curricular areas with 11 subjects. You can access the state curriculum here.

Assessment

Building on the experiences of teachers, principals, parents and children of the Primary School Curriculum, here are a range of supports to schools in using assessment as part of daily classroom practice.

Reporting and Transfer

Everything you need for reporting to parents and the transfer of pupil information to other schools.

Close up of teacher working with child in class

Early Years of Primary

Teachers use play across the curriculum in junior and senior infant classrooms. The podcasts, videos and tip sheets on this page give suggestions for planning and organising your classroom and show examples of teaching and learning through play.

Resources for Parents

Resources to support your children's learning and development in primary school from junior infants to sixth class.

Latest News

View All

Equalities in Children’s School Lives: the Im...

The eighth report from the Children’s School Lives study examines ‘Equalities’, and how affluence...

PMC Toolkit: New suite of Strand Unit supports

A suite of Support Materials for each Strand Unit of the Primary Mathematics Curriculum is now av...

Did you have your say?!

From March to June, NCCA invited anyone with an interest in primary and special education to have...

Children’s School Lives Study: Report 7

Children’s School Lives: Children’s wellbeing in Irish Primary Schools (2019 to 2023)