The NCCA Primary Podcast

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 Professor Dominic Wyse. Together, they share their unique perspectives on the curriculum redevelopment journey: building trust, balancing continuity with change, strengthening system capacity, and ensuring creativity, inclusivity, and agency for children.The NCCA Primary Podcast is available on the NCCA Website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast hosting platforms. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #nccapod To find out more about primary curriculum developments visit ncca.ie/primary  Follow us on social media: Facebook: @nccaireland  Instagram: ncca_irl  LinkedIn: NCCAie  X: @nccaie  Gaeilge:Eipeasóid speisialta: Machnamh ón bPainéal Comhairleach Idirnáisiúnta ar an gCuraclam Bunscoile Athfhorbartha(An tOllamh Louise Hayward, an tOllamh Jim Spillane, an Dr Tomás Walsh agus an tOllamh Dominic Wyse)Tá curaclam bunscoile athfhorbartha seolta go hoifigiúil - clochmhíle thábhachtach do bhunscoileanna agus do scoileanna speisialta in Éirinn. Ach conas a shroicheamar an pointe seo, agus cad is brí leis an athrú seo do thodhchaí an teagaisc agus an fhoghlama?San eipeasóid speisialta seo de Phodchraoladh Bunscoile CNCM, suímid síos le le baill den Phainéal Comhairleach Bunscoile - an tOllamh Louise Hayward, an tOllamh Jim Spillane, an Dr Tomás Walsh agus an tOllamh Dominic Wyse. Roinneann siad a gcuid tuairimí uathúla faoin aistear athfhorbartha curaclaim: muinín a chothú, leanúnachas a chothromú le hathrú, acmhainn an chórais a neartú, agus cruthaitheacht, cuimsitheacht agus cumas gníomhúcháin na bpáistí a chinntiú. Tá Podchraoladh Bunscoile CNCM ar fáil ar ár suíomh gréasáin, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, agus ardáin óstála podchraolta eile.  Glac páirt sa chomhrá ar na meáin shóisialta ag úsáid an haischlib #nccapodChun tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi fhorbairtí curaclaim sa bhunscoil, tabhair cuairt ar ncca.ie/primaryLean muid ar na meáin shóisialta: Facebook: @nccaireland  Instagram: ncca_irl  LinkedIn: NCCAie  X: @nccaie 

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 tacú le múinteoirí agus le páistí – ag plé cén fáth go bhfuil an t-athfhorbairt seo tábhachtach, conas a léiríonn sé Éire an lae inniu, agus conas a thacófar le scoileanna agus le páistí agus é ag éirí mar chuid de shaol laethúil an tseomra ranga.Chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi fhorbairtí curaclaim sa bhunscoil, tabhair cuairt ar ncca.ie/primary Lean muid ar na meáin shóisialta:  Facebook: @nccaireland   Instagram: ncca_irl   LinkedIn: NCCAie   X: @nccaie  

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 matters, how it reflects the Ireland of today, and how schools and children will be supported as it becomes part of everyday classroom life.To find out more about primary curriculum developments visit ncca.ie/primary   Follow us on social media:  Facebook: @nccaireland   Instagram: ncca_irl   LinkedIn: NCCAie   X: @nccaie  

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 Teacher in Belmayne ETNS and formerly PDST STEM Advisor). Liz and Paul discuss mathematics supports, and creating experiences to show mathematics as practical, real and useful for children and pointers on where teachers might begin embedding this curriculum in their classrooms.The NCCA Primary Podcast is available on the NCCA Website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast hosting platforms. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #nccapod To find out more about primary curriculum developments visit ncca.ie/primary  Follow us on social media: Facebook: @nccaireland  Instagram: ncca_irl  LinkedIn: NCCAie  X: @nccaie 

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 ann uaireanta sa chomhthéacs Gaeilge.   Chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi fhorbairtí curaclaim na bunscoile tabhair cuairt ar ncca.ie/primary Lean orainn ar na meáin shóisialta:  Facebook: @nccaireland  Instagram: ncca_irl  LinkedIn: NCCAie  X: @nccaie 

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 in the field of languages. 

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, oideachas ionchuimsitheach agus éagsúlacht agus oideolaíocht) i dtéarmaí praiticiúla i múineadh na Gaeilge.Chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi fhorbairtí curaclaim na bunscoile tabhair cuairt ar ncca.ie/primaryLean orainn ar na meáin shóisialta:Facebook: @nccaireland Instagram: ncca_irl LinkedIn: NCCAie X: @nccaie***On this episode, Dr. Claire Dunne (Lecturer) and Clódagh Ní Mhaolchiaráin (Principal) discuss the Principles of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment as described in the Primary Curriculum Framework. They discuss how these principles (transitions and continuity, relationships, partnerships, engagement and participation, assessment and progression, learning environments, inclusive education and diversity, and pedagogy) look in practical terms in the teaching of Irish.The NCCA Primary Podcast is available on the NCCA Website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast hosting platforms. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #nccapodTo find out more about primary curriculum developments visit ncca.ie/primary Follow us on social media:Facebook: @nccaireland Instagram: ncca_irl LinkedIn: NCCAie X: @nccaie

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 way of knowing our learners better, standardised testing and the value of collecting assessment information to inform the next steps in teaching and learning. The NCCA Primary Podcast is available on the NCCA Website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast hosting platforms. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #nccapod To find out more about primary curriculum developments visit ncca.ie/primary  Follow us on social media: Facebook: @nccaireland  Instagram: ncca_irl  LinkedIn: NCCAie  X: @nccaie  Gaeilge:Sa chlár seo, pléimid measúnú san oideachas bunscoile, tábhacht an mheasúnaithe i dturas foghlama páistí, agus an gá le cuspóir soiléir agus measúnuithe á roghnú do pháistí.Ár n-aíonna ar an bpodchraoladh seo ná an tOllamh Louise Hayward (Ollamh Emerita, Ollscoil Ghlaschú) agus an Dr Paula Lehane (Ollscoil Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath) Pléann Paula agus Louise measúnú mar bhealach chun aithne níos fearr a chur ar ár bhfoghlaimeoirí, tástáil chaighdeánaithe agus luach an eolais mheasúnaithe chun na chéad chéimeanna eile sa mhúinteoireacht agus san fhoghlaim a threorú.Tá Podchraoladh Bunscoile CNCM ar fáil ar ár suíomh gréasáin, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, agus ardáin óstála podchraolta eile.  Glac páirt sa chomhrá ar na meáin shóisialta ag úsáid an haischlib #nccapodChun tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi fhorbairtí curaclaim sa bhunscoil, tabhair cuairt ar ncca.ie/primaryLean muid ar na meáin shóisialta: Facebook: @nccaireland  Instagram: ncca_irl  LinkedIn: NCCAie  X: @nccaie

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 national school.

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 shuíomh gréasáin CNCM, Spotify, Apple Podcasts agus ardáin óstála podchraoltaí eile.  

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).Mary and Kathryn look upon their own learning and teaching journeys and discuss how they gained confidence as teachers. They explore the importance of embracing change and consider strategies for approaching the curriculum changes ahead. To find out more about primary curriculum developments visit ncca.ie/primary Follow us on social media:Facebook: @nccaireland Instagram: ncca_irl LinkedIn: NCCAie X: @nccaie

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 teacher and former member of the Department of Education teacher support services.   

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 chat about how curriculum change might be initiated and managed in schools and how the whole school community can be supported. To find out more about primary curriculum developments visit ncca.ie/primary  Follow us on social media: Facebook: @nccaireland  Instagram: ncca_irl  LinkedIn: NCCAie  X: @nccaie 

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 Assessment (NCCA) and Tina Mc Laughlin (@teacherofdotes) an infant teacher from Co. Donegal.   

Sraith podchraoltaí ag teacht go luath i mí Feabhra 2025.

Podcast series coming soon in February 2025.