Meet the Faces Behind Ireland’s Curriculum Developments

Dr Patrick Sullivan, Deputy CEO

'If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.' These words penned by John Dewey over a century ago, remain relevant in my work with the NCCA. As I read them, I think about today’s children and the world they will help shape in the decades ahead and wonder how the curriculum should evolve to prepare them for an unknown future.

Before joining the NCCA, I was the founding principal of a new primary school in Navan, Co. Meath. Starting without a building, uniforms, policies, enrolments, or a local curriculum, the challenges were immense, but so too were the possibilities. My previous experience as a classroom teacher in Callystown National School in Clogherhead, Co. Louth, where I learned from colleagues with great expertise, was invaluable during this time.

As principal, I developed a keen interest in curriculum development. Our new school served a diverse community, and I was committed to ensuring that all children and families felt represented in the school curriculum. In 2013, I joined the NCCA and have worked on many of the major curriculum developments in recent years. Alongside my professional work, I completed my Doctorate in 2018. I find balancing a demanding work life and further study, with family commitments and sporting endeavours is hugely rewarding and fulfilling.

As Deputy-CEO, I oversee early childhood and primary developments, including the updating of Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework and the redevelopment of the Primary School Curriculum. One of the aspects I enjoy most about my work is engaging with people who hold diverse views on what our curriculum should do for our children and society. These interactions help me to focus on the purpose of early childhood and primary education and consider what today’s children need, and deserve, as we look toward the future they will help shape.

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Dr David King, Education Officer

I joined NCCA in 2019 having previously worked in the Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT) Support Service as an Advisor and Team Leader for Junior Cycle Science, and before that as a Science teacher at Blackwater Community School in Lismore, West Waterford. I am a Science Education graduate of the University of Limerick, I completed my Masters in Education at Waterford Institute of Technology and my professional doctorate in education at the University of Sheffield. The focus of my doctoral studies was curriculum policy enactment and this is an area that has held my interest and curiosity from my time in the classroom, through my work in NCCA and at every stage of my career. 

I spent many years mentoring science fair students for regional, national and international science fairs. I always loved seeing the ownership, excitement and energy students brought to their projects, and the impact of the process on their habit of mind. This desire to instil an enthusiasm and passion for science and learning in young people has been a driving force in my career.

Building on my classroom experiences, I have been involved in curriculum developments in senior cycle sciences, particularly Biology and Agricultural Science. I also drew on my experiences in interdisciplinary teaching and learning in supporting the development of a new Leaving Certificate subject – Climate Action and Sustainable Development. I genuinely love the work we do and feel privileged to engage with colleagues on our development groups, as well as students, teachers, school leaders and other stakeholders across Ireland as we consider future learning, opportunities and experiences for young people in our schools.

Outside of work, I have many passions including soccer coaching, music, fitness, and story writing. I live in East Cork with my wife and five children, all of whom are at different stages of primary and post-primary school. Between work and home, every day is different and every day is a school day!