St. Patrick’s N.S., Cornanool, Islandeady, Co. Mayo, F23W820, 14497n

New Primary Mathematics Curriculum

The new Primary Mathematics Curriculum in Ireland introduces several key changes aimed at supporting children’s engagement with mathematics in a meaningful, relevant, and playful manner.

Emphasis on Holistic Development

The curriculum encourages mathematical learning as a tool for understanding and engaging with the world, with a focus on not only building skills but also on fostering a positive attitude towards maths. Recognizing that every child can develop mathematical skills, it values each child’s learning journey and tailors support to different abilities. The goal is to nurture “mathematical proficiency,” encompassing understanding, procedural fluency, reasoning, strategic thinking, and a productive attitude toward math.

Core Strands and Elements of Learning

The curriculum is structured around five key mathematical strands: Algebra, Data and Chance, Measures, Number, and Shape and Space. Each strand encompasses smaller units called strand units. For instance, within the Number strand, children explore counting, place value, and basic operations like addition and subtraction. The curriculum emphasizes connections between these strands, helping students see math as an interconnected subject rather than isolated topics.

To complement these strands, the curriculum introduces four core elements of learning that guide how children learn math:

  1. Understanding and Connecting: Making connections between mathematical ideas and applying them to real-world contexts.
  2. Communicating: Using mathematical language and symbols to express ideas and engage in math discussions.
  3. Reasoning: Developing logic and the ability to analyze, justify, and prove mathematical concepts.
  4. Applying and Problem-solving: Encouraging students to solve problems, investigate, and model mathematical situations.

These strands and elements work together to provide a framework for children to engage deeply with mathematics in meaningful ways.

Key Competencies

The curriculum also focuses on developing seven key competencies in children. These include Being Mathematical (critical thinking and solving real-world problems), Being Creative (exploring ideas with curiosity), Being Well (using math to make sense of their world), and Being an Active Learner (taking responsibility for their learning). These competencies extend beyond math, aiming to shape children into well-rounded learners.

Playful and Engaging Learning Experiences

Learning in the new curriculum is rooted in playful and engaging activities. The curriculum is designed to make math accessible and enjoyable for children. By integrating fun and exploration into learning, children build a natural curiosity about math and develop resilience in tackling mathematical challenges. Playful learning is woven into every stage, emphasizing that mathematics is not just a subject to be learned but a skill to be enjoyed and applied in daily life.

Flexible, Contextualized Learning Outcomes

Each strand is broken down into Learning Outcomes, which are tailored to four stages of primary education, starting with junior infants up to sixth class. Rather than prescribing specific methods, these outcomes are designed to provide teachers with flexibility to adapt learning to the needs of each class. They reflect what children are expected to achieve after engaging with mathematical concepts over two-year periods.

For example, early outcomes in junior and senior infants involve recognizing patterns, while older students might explore equations and probability. This stage-based approach respects children’s unique learning paths, giving teachers the freedom to introduce math concepts in a way that fits each class’s progress and interest level.

Practical and Contextual Problem Solving

A major focus is on real-world problem-solving, aiming to make math relevant to children’s lives. For instance, younger children may explore counting through activities involving money, while older students might investigate data collection and chance, relating it to everyday decisions. Through this contextual approach, children learn to see math as a valuable skill they can apply outside the classroom.

Support for Teachers and Parents

The curriculum introduces a Primary Mathematics Toolkit filled with resources to support teaching and learning. This includes detailed guides on mathematical concepts, progression paths, and examples of effective teaching practices. Teachers have access to resources on how to make math meaningful and engaging, while parents are encouraged to participate in fostering a positive disposition toward math at home. The toolkit also includes suggestions for fun, math-related activities that parents can do with their children.

Assessment Focused on Growth and Understanding

The assessment approach within the curriculum is intended to be collaborative and growth-oriented, aiming to inform and support children’s ongoing progress. This approach includes three main types:

  • Intuitive Assessment: Unplanned, in-the-moment observations that allow teachers to respond to children’s understanding.
  • Planned Interactions: Semi-formal activities where teachers assess understanding based on specific goals.
  • Assessment Events: More formal assessments, including standardized tests, that provide snapshots of children’s progress.

Additionally, peer and self-assessment play a role in helping children reflect on their learning, encouraging them to take an active role in setting their learning goals and understanding their progress.

Building Mathematical Confidence and Identity

The curriculum places significant emphasis on nurturing a positive “mathematical identity” in each child. This means helping children see math as approachable, useful, and enjoyable, rather than as a subject to be feared. Teachers are encouraged to cultivate a classroom environment where mistakes are seen as part of learning, and children feel confident taking risks and expressing their mathematical thinking.

Overall, the new Primary Mathematics Curriculum aims to create a dynamic, inclusive, and engaging learning environment that prepares children to understand and use mathematics confidently in both academic settings and real-life situations.

More Articles & Posts