INTO Curriculum consultation – focus groups

26th January 2022

The INTO is conducting online consultation with members based on the Draft Primary Curriculum Framework (available here) published by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) in February 2020.

Given that over 20 years have elapsed since the introduction of the 1999 curriculum, it is important this review takes place to ensure primary education meets the need of today’s children.

Ireland is now more socially, culturally, and linguistically diverse than ever before. Since the publication of the 1999 curriculum, there has been considerable change in terms of policies and strategies, curriculum and assessment, and in children’s lived experiences.

Through our consultation with teachers to date, it is evident that many aspects of the 1999 curriculum are deeply valued, including the holistic and child-centred approach: the emphasis on collaboration and active learning, and the clarity of strands, strand units and objectives for each class level.

However, there are various challenges that must be addressed, not least the issues of curriculum overload and increased paperwork which are cited by teachers as barriers to effective implementation.

As part of this consultation process, the INTO will host a series of online focus groups next week. These sessions will provide members with an opportunity to consider the key proposals within the Draft Primary Curriculum Framework and engage in meaningful discussion with fellow teachers. Members’ feedback will help inform INTO’s final submission to the NCCA at the end of February.

The Focus Groups will take place on the following dates:

  • Focus Group 1: Tuesday 1st February @ 4pm
  • Focus Group 2: Tuesday 1st February @ 7pm
  • Focus Group 3: Thursday 3rd February @ 7pm

Register at the following links:

More information on the INTO consultation, including a brief introductory animation, a PowerPoint presentation, and an online questionnaire on our website here.

A copy of the INTO’s interim submission to the NCCA following feedback from members during previous consultation is available on the INTO website (and can be accessed here).

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