The curriculum is expected to be phased into schools over the coming years and will expand children’s education in STEM and the arts.

Launching the new framework today, Minister for Education Norma Foley said it was “a landmark day in the education system”.

“This is the first framework for primary education and therefore a watershed moment for primary school communities who will benefit from the rich experiences it will provide for children, teachers, parents and the wider community,” she said.

The Minister said the new framework was designed in collaboration with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, informed by research, and carried out in consultation with schools.

“The voices from the consultation, in particular, indicate the need for a curriculum that supports all children, celebrates children’s current childhood experiences, and prepares them for their future experiences.”

The new curriculum follows the launch the second STEM Education Implementation Plan last week. The Department of Education is also developing a new Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy.

A statement from the Department said: “The Primary Curriculum Framework emphasises the importance of curriculum integration, inclusive practice, inquiry-based learning, and playful pedagogy. The framework will guide the development of the specifications for each of the curriculum areas that will be introduced in the coming years.”