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Plan for the primary curriculum, Junior Infants to 6th Class

Pick a class and subject, describe what you want to teach, and Heapso suggests the matching learning outcomes for that stage. You edit the plan, print it or share it with your school.

Where the curriculum is now

  • The Primary Curriculum Framework (2023) sets five curriculum areas: Language; STEM; Wellbeing; Arts Education; Social and Environmental Education. Your school's patron sets the sixth, the patron's programme.
  • The Primary Language Curriculum and the Primary Mathematics Curriculum are already in use.
  • From September 2026 schools enact the other new specifications one area at a time, with all areas due by 2031/32. Until your school starts an area, the 1999 curriculum still applies for those subjects (Science, History, Geography, Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Physical Education, Social, Personal and Health Education). Heapso lets you plan to either: choose which one your school uses for each area in Settings.

Choose a class

  • Stage 1: Junior and Senior Infants
  • Stage 2: 1st and 2nd Class
  • Stage 3: 3rd and 4th Class
  • Stage 4: 5th and 6th Class

Choose a curriculum area

  • Language

    English, Gaeilge, and a modern foreign language from 3rd Class.

  • STEM Education

    Mathematics; Science, Technology and Engineering.

  • Wellbeing

    PE and SPHE.

  • Arts Education

    Art, Drama and Music.

    • ArtNew specification, being introduced from September 2026
    • DramaNew specification, being introduced from September 2026
    • MusicNew specification, being introduced from September 2026

  • Social and Environmental Education

    History and Geography.

  • The patron's programme

    Religious, ethical, multi-belief and values education, set by your school's patron.

Key competencies

The Framework's seven key competencies run through every curriculum area.

  • Being an active citizen
  • Being an active learner
  • Being a communicator and using language
  • Being creative
  • Being a digital learner
  • Being mathematical
  • Being well

Questions teachers ask

Which primary curriculum should I plan to this year?
English, Gaeilge and maths: the new Primary Language Curriculum and Primary Mathematics Curriculum. Other subjects: the new specification if your school has started that curriculum area, otherwise the 1999 curriculum. Schools start at least one area from September 2026 and all areas are due by 2031/32.
What are the stages?
Stage 1 is Junior and Senior Infants, Stage 2 is 1st and 2nd Class, Stage 3 is 3rd and 4th Class, Stage 4 is 5th and 6th Class. Learning outcomes are written for the end of each stage.
Can Heapso plan to the 1999 curriculum as well?
Yes. In Settings, choose Ireland, then tell Heapso whether your school is using the new specification, still on the 1999 curriculum, or not sure, for each area that is changing. Pip plans to what you choose.
Is Heapso connected to the NCCA, SEC or Department of Education?
No. Heapso is independent. We use the published curriculum specifications and link to the official sources.

Plan your next primary lesson

Heapso writes lessons, units and worksheets for Irish primary classes, from Junior Infants to 6th Class. Free to start.

Plan a lesson free

Heapso is an independent planning tool. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), the State Examinations Commission (SEC) or the Department of Education and Youth. Curriculum names and structures are from NCCA specifications on curriculumonline.ie. Always check the official specification.

Specifications on curriculumonline.ie