Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
489. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the evaluation framework that will be used to measure the effectiveness of the revised primary curriculum once introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51777/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) provides me with advice on matters relating to the curriculum for early childhood education, primary and post-primary schools. The Council also advises on assessment procedures used in schools, including examinations as part of the curriculum.
The last two decades have seen considerable evolution of NCCA’s curriculum review and development processes. An example includes the introduction, at post-primary, of early enactment reviews of individual subjects and modules. The purpose of these reviews is to monitor early enactment of the curriculum specification in schools. This involves consultations with teachers, children/students, school leaders and wider stakeholders, primarily through school visits, online surveys, and written submissions. Findings are published on the NCCA website, with necessary minor adjustments identified in the findings subsequently made to the specifications. These reviews have also informed the development of further supports, such as more tailored professional learning to assist schools’ work with the curriculum.
It is anticipated that early enactment reviews will be carried out in the coming years to monitor schools’ experience with the redeveloped Primary School Curriculum. Such reviews will incorporate close work with schools and public consultation.
