The NCCA Primary Podcast

Episode 24 explores the transition from preschool to primary school.  The conversation considers how early years educators and primary school teachers can support children and families through continuity of experience, strong relationships and meaningful collaboration.  Our guests for this episode are Patrick O' Donovan (Newtown National School) and Marion Kearney (Barnardos Brighter Futures)....

Episode 23 explores Diversity and Inclusion in primary education. Our guests, Dr. Anne Marie Kavanagh (DCU) and Michael Byrne (Principal of CityWest & Saggart CNS), explore what this principle of the primary curriculum framework can look like in practice.  The discussion considers how we can help create learning environments where all children feel a sense of belonging, where their identities...

Bíonn an focal ‘Oideolaíocht’ le feiceáil go láidir i gCreatchuraclam na Bunscoile (2023). Sna blianta atá romhainn, de réir mar a chuirfear an curaclam athfhorbartha i bhfeidhm, beidh an oideolaíocht ina príomhábhar i bhfoghlaim ghairmiúil an mhúinteora. Sa chlár seo, ba mhaith linn tosú le míniú a thabhairt ar an oideolaíocht - cad is brí léi agus conas is féidir léi a bheith bríoch agus éifeach...

In this episode we discuss Outdoor Learning in the Redeveloped Primary Curriculum, examples of current practice in outdoor learning, adapting outdoor learning to bespoke settings, the affordances that outdoor learning offers in terms of possibilities for active learning. Our guests on this podcast are Dr Orla Kelly (Dublin City University) and Ruth Collins (Slane National School, Co, Meath).  Orla...

Tá aistrithe mar ghnáthchuid den bhunoideachas, lena n-áirítear, den chuid is mó, an t-aistriú ón mbunscoil nó ón scoil speisialta go dtí an iarbhunscoil. Tógtar ar réamhfhoghlaim, ar fhéinluach agus ar fhéiniúlacht na bpáistí agus iad ag bogadh ón mbaile go dtí an réamhscoil agus ar aghaidh tríd an mbunscoil. Leagann sé sin bunchloch thábhachtach do bhogadh go dtí an iarbhunscoil. Chun an t-aiste...

‘Child agency’ and ‘child voice’ are terms that are often used in conversations about curriculum change. Sometimes, however, this can feel abstract or difficult to translate into practice. Over these two episodes, we want to unpack what child agency really is, why it matters, and how teachers can support it in their classrooms. In the first episode, we focus on understanding child agency, what it...

Child agency’ and ‘child voice’ are terms that are often used in conversations about curriculum change. Sometimes, however, this can feel abstract or difficult to translate into practice. Over these two episodes, we want to unpack what child agency really is, why it matters, and how teachers can support it in their classrooms. In the first episode, we focus on understanding child agency, what it i...

In this episode we discuss Inclusion and the  Primary Curriculum Framework  (PCF), what it means for a child to experience an inclusive education and flexibility as the cornerstone of inclusive practice. Our guests on this podcast are Dr Barry Morrissey (Dublin City University) and Dr Catherine Merrigan (National Council for Special Education).  Barry and Catherine also discuss inclusive relations...

This episode explores how parents can work with teachers and schools in shaping their children’s learning experiences and consider how to build stronger connections between school and home. Our guests for this episode are Carmel O' Shea and Elaine Foley. Carmel is the advocacy services manager with the National Parents Council, while Elaine is principal of St Joseph’s Primary School Templemore...

Tá ról ríthábhachtach ag tuismitheoirí i bhfoghlaim a bpáiste. Sa chlár seo, labhraíonn Éilis Mhic Caisín (Tuismitheoir) agus Antóin Ó Cléirigh (Príomhoide) faoin gcaoi a spreagann an curaclam comhpháirtíocht idir tuismitheoirí agus scoileanna chun forbairt iomlánaíoch páistí a chothú. Leagann siad béim ar thábhacht an phobail, caidrimh dhearfacha agus cumarsáide oscailte chun tacú leis an teagasc...

The redeveloped primary curriculum has officially launched—a milestone moment for Irish primary and special schools. But how did we get here, and what does this change mean for the future of teaching and learning? In this special episode of the NCCA Primary Podcast, we sit down with members of the Primary Advisory Panel—Professor Louise Hayward, Professor Jim Spillane, Dr Thomas Walsh, and Profess...

Listen to this special episode of the NCCA Primary Podcast with Arlene Forster, CEO of NCCA. In this special episode, Arlene sets the scene for understanding the redeveloped primary curriculum. She talks about the journey to this point, the values and priorities that shape the redeveloped curriculum, and how it is designed to support teachers and children – discussing why this redevelopment matter...

Éist leis an eipeasóid speisialta seo den Phodchraoladh Bunscoile le Príomhoifigeach Feidhmiúcháin CNCM Arlene Forster. San eipeasóid speisialta seo, tugann Arlene an comhthéacs chun an curaclam bunscoile athfhorbartha a thuiscint. Labhraíonn sí faoin turas go dtí an pointe seo, na luachanna agus na tosaíochtaí a mhúnlaíonn an curaclam athfhorbartha, agus faoin gcaoi a ndearnadh é a dhearadh chun...

Ar an gclár seo, pléann Gráinne Ní Ghriallais (Múinteoir Ranga) agus Tríona Nic Fhinn (Oifigeach ETIM) Curaclam Matamaitice na Bunscoile (2023). Labhraíonn siad faoi na chéad chéimeanna atá tógtha acu le dul i ngleic leis an gcuraclam athfhorbartha seo agus faoina dtaithí leis go dtí seo. Éist leo agus iad ag plé faoi na nithe a d’éirigh go maith dóibh, i dteannta leis na dúshláin bhreise a bhíonn...

In this episode we discuss the  Primary Mathematics Curriculum  (PMC), the key messages associated with the PMC, some background to the redevelopments in Primary Mathematics and practical approaches to embedding the PMC. Our guests on this Mathematics Podcast are Dr Liz Dunphy (Dublin City University and chairperson of the  Primary Mathematics Curriculum  Development Group) and Paul Timmons (SET T...

In this episode we will explore how the language learning potential of all children can be unlocked through learning and teaching with the primary language curriculum.  Our guests for this episode are Dr Jane O’Toole an experienced teacher and school leader with significant language education expertise from Scoil Chrónáin SNS, as well as Dr Deirdre Kirwan a former principal and accomplished author...

Ar an gclár seo, pléann Dr. Claire Dunne (Léactóir) agus Clódagh Ní Mhaolchiaráin (Príomhoide) Prionsabail an Teagaisc, na Foghlama agus na Measúnachta mar a ndéantar cur síos orthu i gCreatchuraclam na Bunscoile. Pléann siad an chuma atá ar na prionsabail sin (aistrithe agus leanúnachas, caidrimh, comhpháirtíochtaí, gníomhú agus rannpháirtíocht, measúnú agus dul chun cinn timpeallachtaí foghlama,...

In this episode we discuss assessment in primary education, the importance of assessment in children’s learning journeys and having a clear sense of purpose when deciding on assessments for children.  Our guests on this assessment podcast are Professor Louise Hayward (Professor Emerita, University of Glasgow) and Dr Paula Lehane (Dublin City University).  Paula and Louise discuss assessment as a w...

In this episode the concept of child agency is explored.   We take a closer look at what agency is and why it might be important for children.  We also consider how it might be realised within the redeveloped primary school curriculum.  To give their perspectives on this topic we are joined by Professor Dominic Wyse from University College London and Kathryn Keenan a teaching principal from Emper...

Ar an eipeasóid seo labhraímid le Pól Hansard (Príomhoide) agus Dr. Michael Finnearan (Léachtóir) faoi na difríochtaí idir tionchair a gcúlra oideachais féin, an tábhacht a bhaineann le huathúlacht gach scoile a aithint, an gá atá le solúbthacht sa churaclam, ról na gcomhpháirtíochtaí san oideachas agus an luach a bhaineann le cruthaitheacht a chothú i bpáistí. Tá an eipeasóid seo ar fáil anois ar...

In this episode, we discuss teacher confidence through times of curriculum change. We inquire into how change can be instigated and supported by teachers and how teachers can be supported throughout the process. Our guests in this episode are Mary Burke (Retired primary teacher, teacher educator and formerly of NIPT) and Kathryn Hyland (Primary Teacher, St. Brigid’s Primary school, Co. Kildare). M...

In this episode we delve into the rich history of curriculum reform in Ireland. We reflect on lessons which can be learned from past curriculum reforms, as well as looking forward to opportunities and challenges for the enactment of the redeveloped primary curriculum.  To give their perspectives on these changes we are joined by Dr. Thomas Walsh from Maynooth University and Caoimhe McLaughlin a te...

Ar an eipeasóid seo, pléimid ról mhuinín an mhúinteora. Labhraímid le Dr. Ciara Uí Chonduibh (Príomhoide) agus Órlaith Ní Fhoghlú (Múinteoir) faoin gcaoi ar fhás agus ar athraigh a muinín le linn a ngairmeacha beatha, faoina gcumas gníomhúcháin múinteoirí agus conas athrú curaclaim a bhainistiú sna blianta amach romhainn. 

In this episode we explore the importance of leadership in realising the vision for the redeveloped curriculum and ensuring quality of learning experiences and outcomes for primary children. Our guests are Prof. Jim Spillane from the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University, Chicago and Paul O’Donnell, Principal in St Patrick's School, Slane, County Meath. Jim and Paul...

The Irish Primary school curriculum is changing, but why now? In this episode we explore some of what’s new in the redeveloped primary school curriculum, the opportunities this change may offer and the ongoing process of curriculum redevelopment.  To give their perspectives on these changes we are joined by Dr. Patrick Sullivan Deputy Chief Executive of the National Council for Curriculum and Asse...