National Council for Curriculum and Assessment
WHAT'S NEW
Launch of ESRI report on The Primary Classroom
Drawing on the Growing Up in Ireland Study, this report provides fresh insights into the classroom experiences of 9-year year old children and their teachers (in 2nd to 4th class). Findings are presented on teachers' allocation of time across curriculum subjects, teaching methods most frequently used and children's engagement in school. The report which was launched on January 18th is a joint publication of the ESRI and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). The report is available here
Visit the new Junior Cycle website here.
Launch of two ESRI reports on senior cycle education
Launched on 21st September, these two comprehensive studies address some of the key questions facing the Irish educational system. Follow the links to Choices and Challenges:Movingfrom Junior Cycle to Senior Cycle Education, by Emer Smyth and Emma Calvert, ESRI, and FromLeavingCertificate to Leaving School: A Longitudinal Studyof Sixth YearStudents by Emer Smyth, Joanne Banks and Emma Calvert, ESRI. These are joint publications of the ESRI, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), and the Department of Education and Skills (DES).
What is a primary education for?
What do you think the purpose(s) of primary education should be for today's children and tomorrow's world? Hear what others have said on our website, www.childrentheirlivestheirlearning.ie and have your say! Knowing what we value in our primary education is important as we begin to develop an integrated language curriculum for primary schools starting with infant classes.
Junior Cycle Developments
In November 2010 NCCA was involved in a consultation process with Dáil na nÓg during which representatives from Comhairlí na nÓg around the country debated the reform of the Junior Cycle. The report of the event was launched in July 2011. Read the Report of a consultation withyoungpeople on reform of the Junior Cycle. You can also read the submissions received from the various agencies, groups and individuals.
Primary Curriculum Developments
Work has begun on the development of a new, integrated language curriculum (Gaeilge and English) beginning with a focus on infant classes. See work already done by the Primary School Network on primary language and assessment on the ACTION website...