Clare’s INTO representative insists it’s vital that adequate support is delivered to teachers in their schools, who’ll be required to upskill in the coming years.
Foreign languages will be taught in primary schools as part of a revised curriculum framework, which if given Government approval will come into force in 2026.
The first major overhaul of the primary school curriculum in quarter of a century has this week been brought to cabinet by the Minister for Education, Norma Foley.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has drafted the new framework, which will come into effect in 2026, if given Government approval.
It will see a move towards more fact-based subjects such as science and maths and an increased focus on pupil well-being, while more time will be given to arts, and social and environmental education.
Under the proposals, children will also learn a foreign language for an hour a week after third class.
Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, who began his teacher training 6 years after the curriculum was last overhauled, admits there’ll have to be a major upskilling of teachers.
But he insists that unions will be involved in a consultation process at it evolves.
Clare’s INTO representative has described the old curriculum as progressive in its time, but says it’s now time to move on and embrace a curriculum that reflects the realities in our world.
Brendan Horan says he looks forward to progress over coming three years, but he insists the provision of support for teachers who will be required to upskill will be a key element.
Listen back to the full interview here:
