Curriculum Areas
Primary education is an eight year cycle, organised across four stages.
At Glenasmole N.S., we provide a broad and balanced curriculum that supports children’s academic, social, emotional, physical and creative development. We aim to give children meaningful learning experiences that help them to grow in confidence, curiosity, independence and a love of learning.
The Primary School Curriculum is organised into key curriculum areas. These include Language, STEM Education, Arts Education, Social and Environmental Education and Wellbeing. Religious Education also forms an important part of school life as a Catholic primary school.
Language Learning
Literacy
Language learning includes English and Gaeilge. At Glenasmole N.S., we place a strong emphasis on developing confident readers, writers, speakers and listeners.
Children are supported to develop their literacy skills through phonics, reading, oral language, comprehension, handwriting, creative writing and engagement with a wide variety of texts.
From Junior Infants, children are taught to write using a precursive script. Introducing this from the beginning supports correct letter formation, helps reduce letter reversals, encourages flow in writing and supports spelling, reading and written expression.
Children are given regular opportunities to write for different purposes, share their ideas, discuss stories, respond to texts and develop a love of language and reading.
Gaeilge
Gaeilge is an important part of school life at Glenasmole N.S. We follow the Abair Liom programme and place a strong emphasis on oral language, conversation, songs, rhymes, games and active learning.
Children are encouraged to use Gaeilge in a meaningful and enjoyable way throughout the school day. We also make links with other areas of the curriculum where appropriate, including using Gaeilge during activities such as PE, classroom routines and games.
Our aim is to help children develop confidence, enjoyment and positive attitudes towards Gaeilge.
Modern Foreign Language
Children in the senior classes also have opportunities to learn French as part of our wider language learning. Through songs, games, simple conversations and cultural activities, pupils are introduced to another language in an enjoyable and meaningful way.
STEM Education
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.
STEM learning provides children with enriching and exciting opportunities to investigate, design, create, test and solve problems. Lessons often bring real life challenges into the classroom and invite children to explore possible solutions.
Through STEM activities, children develop important skills such as questioning, predicting, planning, experimenting, measuring, problem solving, reviewing and working collaboratively.
- Science encourages children to investigate and understand the world around them.
- Technology helps children explore how digital tools and simple technologies can support learning and creativity.
- Engineering gives children opportunities to design, build, test and improve their ideas using a variety of materials.
- Maths is central to STEM learning, supporting children to count, estimate, measure, compare, reason and solve problems.
Through STEM, children are encouraged to think creatively, work together and develop curiosity about how things work.
Arts Education
Arts Education includes Visual Arts, Music and Drama. At Glenasmole N.S., children are given opportunities to express themselves creatively, use their imagination and develop confidence through a wide range of artistic experiences.
Children take part in activities such as painting, drawing, construction, clay, music, song, movement, drama and creative response. These experiences support communication, confidence, collaboration and creative thinking.
Our Parents’ Association supports us in funding Music Generation, Ireland’s National Music Education Programme. This gives our children access to high quality music education and regular opportunities to learn through music.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing is central to life at Glenasmole N.S. We want every child to feel safe, secure, seen, heard and valued.
We aim to create a positive and supportive school environment where children can develop confidence, resilience, friendships, self awareness and a strong sense of belonging.
Through SPHE, PE, wellbeing activities, friendship work, restorative conversations, outdoor learning and whole school initiatives, children are supported to understand themselves, care for others and make positive choices.
SPHE gives children opportunities to learn about feelings, relationships, safety, health, friendship, decision making and their role as active and responsible members of the school community.
We also place a strong emphasis on friendship and belonging throughout the year. Children are encouraged to show kindness, include others, resolve conflict respectfully and recognise the importance of positive relationships.
Our approach to wellbeing supports children socially, emotionally and physically, helping them to flourish both in school and beyond.
Social and Environmental Education
Social and Environmental Education helps children learn about people, places, time, change and the natural world.
Children explore History, Geography and Science through stories, local studies, maps, nature, seasonal change, environmental awareness and investigation of the world around them.
At Glenasmole N.S., we make strong use of our beautiful local environment. Outdoor learning, local walks, nature based activities, Green Schools work and our school garden all help children to connect their learning with the world around them..
Religious Education
As a Catholic primary school, Religious Education is an important part of our curriculum and school community. Children are supported in their spiritual, moral and personal development through prayer, reflection, sacramental preparation, values education and learning about faith.
Our Approach
Across all curriculum areas, we aim to provide learning that is active, meaningful and engaging. Children are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, work with others, think creatively and develop the knowledge, skills and values they need for life.