Study the Curriculum

 The **Irish curriculum** refers to the set of educational guidelines, subjects, and learning objectives that shape teaching and learning in schools across the Republic of Ireland. It is overseen by the Department of Education and implemented through various frameworks for different educational levels.

### Main Levels of the Irish Curriculum

1. **Primary Education (ages 4–12)**

   - Governed by the **Primary School Curriculum (1999)**.

   - Focuses on holistic development: academic, social, emotional, and physical.

   - Subjects include: English, Irish (Gaeilge), Mathematics, Social, Environmental and Scientific Education (SESE), Arts Education, Physical Education, and Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE).

   - Emphasis on active learning, literacy, numeracy, creativity, and respect for diversity.

2. **Post-Primary/Secondary Education (ages 12–18)**

   - Divided into:

     - **Junior Cycle (3 years, ages 12–15):**

       - Recently reformed (2014 onwards) for broader skills focus.

       - Core subjects: English, Irish, Mathematics, plus a range of optional subjects (science, languages, arts, etc.).

       - Assessment includes classroom-based assessments as well as final exams.

     - **Senior Cycle (2–3 years, ages 15–18):**

       - Typically includes Transition Year (optional, non-exam year) and the Leaving Certificate (final two years).

       - The **Leaving Certificate** is the main national examination and is required for university entry.

       - Students choose subjects (compulsory English, Irish, Math, plus electives like sciences, languages, business, arts).

### Key Features

- **Irish Language** is a compulsory subject at both primary and secondary levels (with some exemptions).

- Emphasis on **student well-being, critical thinking, and skills** for lifelong learning.

- Inclusion of **Religious Education** as part of the curriculum, though this can vary based on school ethos.

- Ongoing reforms to modernize curriculum content and teaching methods.

### Oversight and Resources

- Curriculum development and review is led by the **National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA)**.

- Schools have some flexibility to adapt content to local needs while following national guidelines.

### Further Reading

- [Department of Education: Curriculum](https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/9117b7-education/)

- [NCCA: Curriculum](https://www.ncca.ie/en/curriculum)

If you need more details about a specific level (e.g., primary, junior cycle, Leaving Cert), or about a particular subject, let me know!