Time, training and resources vital to implementing new Primary Curriculum

Supporting a motion at Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) Congress in Galway today, teachers called for a suite of supports and resources to be adequately rolled out to ensure effective implementation of the redeveloped primary curriculum.

In June 2024 the INTO made a substantive submission to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) on the draft primary curriculum specifications.

The comprehensive submission included over a hundred recommendations, reflecting the views of thousands of INTO members who participated in the consultative process.

Members demanded that any future curriculum roll out should include face-to-face in-service training, measures to facilitate whole school planning for teaching staff and renumeration for teachers who are tasked with any additional training and upskilling outside of planning days. Delegates also called for financial support in the form of an annual curriculum grant to assist with funding for classroom materials and resources.

The new Primary Curriculum Framework will be introduced in Irish schools in September 2025, marking the first major reform in over 25 years. It is intended that curricular specifications will be introduced from September 2026.

Comprehensive and ongoing professional development is critical, especially during the roll-out of the redeveloped curriculum.

The Programme for Government acknowledges the need for sustainable reform and professional development structures. Careful implementation is required to ensure meaningful improvements without overburdening schools. It is the responsibility of the government to provide the resources and supports necessary for the new curriculum to succeed.

INTO General Secretary John Boyle said: “It is crucial that the redeveloped curriculum’s specifications are realistic, practical, and supported by comprehensive professional development and toolkits. A phased, well-supported introduction will help avoid overwhelming teachers. Teachers must receive quality CPD and professional learning opportunities to help them understand and implement the curriculum."

The INTO now calls on the Department of Education and Youth to provide thorough professional development opportunities, including face-to-face CPD and facilitate school planning days during the school year, adequate resourcing and sufficient time for the successful implementation of the new curriculum. "Oide must be resourced to provide support for this, as well as a range of other initiatives," said Mr Boyle. "Our goal is to ensure that the Redeveloped Primary Curriculum not only meets the educational needs of our children but also enhances the professional lives of those tasked with delivering it.

"Together with key education stakeholders, we can build a curriculum that will stand the test of time and provide every child with the chance to thrive.”