Consultation on the Draft Primary Mathematics Curriculum is now open.
If you are working or involved in education complete the online questionnaire.
If you are a parent / guardian complete the online questionnaire.
If you or your organisation would like to make a written submission, please use our Written Submission Template.
The questionnaires and written submission facility will remain open until the end of June. We look forward to hearing your feedback in the months ahead.
Draft Primary Mathematics Curriculum
Draft overview of the Primary Mathematics Toolkit
Draft Support Materials
1. An introduction to using Cognitively Challenging Tasks
2. Supporting inclusive practice when teaching Time
3. An introduction to Maths Talk
4. Promoting Maths Talk to support children’s
learning of Place Value in Stages 1 & 2
5. Creating rich learning environments
6. Supporting the Development of Maths Eyes at Home and in the Community
7. Preparation for teaching and learning in primary mathematics
8. Developing Maths Eyes in the classroom
9. An Introduction to Mathematical Modeling
10. Supporting Mathematical Modeling in the classroom
11. Designing activities, tasks and problems for Mathematical Modeling
Consultation opens
Consultation on the full Draft Primary Mathematics Curriculum is now open. Please see the 'Consultation' tab for more information.
There are a number of strands to the consultation.
1) School network
This work will involve engaging with a network of 15 schools. These reflect the rich diversity of school types in primary education. The schools will work with the draft curriculum, including the draft learning outcomes, mathematical concepts and progression continua.
2) Children’s voice
Another key aim of the consultation will be gathering feedback with children. We want to hear what they think about the types of learning experiences associated with the Draft Primary Mathematics Curriculum. This work will be carried out in collaboration with the school network.
3) Online questionnaires
There will be two questionnaires available online; one for those working in and/ or involved in education and another for parents and guardians. These will be available on the primary mathematics webpage at the end of April.
4) Written submissions
There will also be an online facility for groups or individuals to make a written submission. This facility will open at the end of April and details will be found be found on the primary mathematics webpage.
Finally, taking account of the proposals set out in the Draft Primary Curriculum Framework, we will also seek to explore some initial considerations for potential connectivity between Mathematics and Science and Technology. This work will involve engagement with teachers, school leaders and other stakeholders in the area.
Primary Mathematics Developments
Additional research for teaching and learning in the senior primary classes
In addition to the comprehensive suite of research for teaching and learning mathematics for children aged 4-8 years, a new suite of research has been commissioned by the NCCA which addresses teaching and learning for children in the senior classes of primary school. This research includes:
A research addendum to the original Research Reports 17 & 18 entitled 'Learning and Teaching Primary Mathematics'. This comprehensive research paper, authored by Dr Therese Dooley (2019), focuses on the middle to upper years of primary education to explore key ideas and considerations for teaching and learning.
A suite of five short research papers which span the five key domains of mathematical learning to discuss core learning concepts, mathematical processes and key messages for enactment in the classroom.
- Algebra in the senior primary classes - Dr Aisling Twohill (2020)
- Data and Chance in the senior primary classes - Dr Aisling Leavy (2020)
- Measures in the senior primary classes - Dr Siún Nic Mhuirí (2020)
- Number in the senior primary classes - Dr Seán Delaney (2020)
- Shape and Space in the senior primary classes - Dr Siún Nic Mhuirí (2020)
Consultation Report
Consultation on the new Primary Mathematics Curriculum from Junior Infants to Second Class ran from October 2017 to March 2018. The report on this consultation has now been published. An accompanying video was developed to summarise the consultation and can be viewed below. Once again, thank you to all those who engaged with the consultation.
Draft Specification
The draft specification for junior infants to second class is available here. Following a period of consultation, this specification is currently being revised and extended for junior infants up to sixth class.
Primary Mathematics Consultation
Consider the research related to the development of the new Primary Mathematics Curriculum.
Research Papers
Research addendum
A research addendum to the original reports below was published in September 2019. It explores mathematical teaching and learning in the middle to upper years of primary education.
Research reports
Mathematics in Early Childhood and Primary Education (3 - 8 years): Executive Summaries
Mathematics in Early Childhood and Primary Education (3 - 8 years): Definitions, theories, development and progression. RESEARCH REPORT No. 17
Mathematics in Early Childhood and Primary Education (3 - 8 years): Teaching and learning. RESEARCH REPORT No.18
The Building Blocks of Early Mathematics
What are the building blocks of mathematics? How important are they? Doug Clements answers these questions by summarizing recent research and development work. One effective instructional approach featured in all these is basing instruction on learning trajectories. This approach will be illustrated through a set of research projects using learning trajectories successfully.
How teachers can use maths learning trajectories to support all children to progress.
The role of technology in maths in primary schools for children aged 4-8.
Hallmarks of a good maths curriculum for children aged 4-8 years.
Appropriate maths experiences look like in classrooms for 4-8 year olds.
Learning trajectories in early mathematics.
The impact of parental expectations on children’s maths learning.
The importance of children understanding rather than memorising maths.
Intentional play-based teaching and learning in maths.
A conference on developing mathematical ideas with children (3-8 years) took place on Monday, November 24th 2014 in the Conference Centre in Dublin Castle.
Delegates heard keynotes from Professor Douglas Clements (University of Denver) and Professor Elizabeth Wood (Sheffield University) and took part in workshops spotlighting innovative maths work in schools and early years services. The conference closed with the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan, TD launching two research reports:
- Mathematics in Early Childhood and Primary Education (3-8 years): Definitions, Theories, Development and Progression. NCCA Research Report No. 17
- Mathematics in Early Childhood and Primary Education (3-8 years): Teaching and Learning. NCCA Research Report No. 18
- Details of the conference, including video recordings of conference, two research reports and information on the workshops