Mathematics in the Irish Primary Curriculum — A Teacher's Guide
A guide to the new Irish Primary Mathematics Curriculum (2024/2025 onwards) — the five strands, the emphasis on mathematical language, Gaeilge integration, and how it differs from the previous curriculum.
Preview
Page count: 2. Print-ready PDF — letter / A4 friendly. Click image to see all pages.
The new Primary Mathematics Curriculum (2024)
- 1 Implementation The new Primary Mathematics Curriculum began implementation from 2024/2025. Schools had the 2023/2024 year to familiarise themselves. Replaces the 1999 curriculum.
- 2 Five strands 1. Number; 2. Algebra; 3. Shape and Space; 4. Measures; 5. Data. The five strands are the same as the previous curriculum but with more emphasis on connections between them.
- 3 Mathematical talk The new curriculum places strong emphasis on children talking about mathematics — explaining reasoning, using precise mathematical language, and discussing strategies.
- 4 Problem-solving emphasis More emphasis on open-ended problems and investigation than on procedural calculation alone. Children are expected to explain their thinking, not just provide answers.
- 5 Gaeilge integration Mathematical vocabulary in Irish is explicitly encouraged — using Irish in maths lessons supports both the language curriculum and the maths curriculum. See our Gaeilge Mata vocabulary mat.
- 6 Concrete-pictorial-abstract The new curriculum embeds the CPA approach — concrete manipulation before pictorial representation before abstract notation. This is aligned with international best practice.
- 7 Aistear connections In Infant Classes, mathematics is connected to Aistear — mathematical concepts are explored through play, story, and investigation rather than formal lessons.
Learning objective
Describe the structure of the new Irish Primary Mathematics Curriculum; explain the emphasis on mathematical talk and problem-solving; and know how Gaeilge integrates with mathematics teaching.
About this resource
Irish maths curriculum resources
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For teachers
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N New Primary Mathematics Curriculum — free at curriculumonline.ie
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P Primary Maths for Ireland textbook series — Various
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N Number talks primary Ireland resource
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