Foundation Stage
Age 4–6
Primary school Years 1 and 2 make up the Foundation Stage. Children build on the learning experiences that they bring to school from home and/or pre-school. They learn through well-planned, challenging play that develops their interests, curiosity and creativity.
Curriculum at Foundation Stage
The Northern Ireland Curriculum aims to empower young people to achieve their potential and to make informed and responsible decisions throughout their lives. The learning opportunities provided should help young people to develop as individuals, contributors to society and contributors to the economy and environment.
The statutory curriculum in Foundation Stage is set out under the following Areas of Learning and Whole Curriculum Skills and Capabilities.
Language and Literacy
Language and Literacy is an Area of Learning in the curriculum. It focuses on developing children’s language and literacy skills. These enable children to interact effectively in the world around them
Personal Development and Mutual Understanding
Personal Development and Mutual Understanding (PDMU) is an Area of Learning in the primary curriculum. It focuses on encouraging children’s emotional and social development, confidence, independence
Mathematics and Numeracy
Mathematics and Numeracy is an Area of Learning in the curriculum. In the Foundation Stage, children acquire early mathematical concepts through play-based learning and planned activities that involve
Physical Development and Movement
Physical Development and Movement is an Area of Learning in the Foundation Stage. It gives children the opportunity to experience and develop a range of fundamental movement skills. These improve co
Religious Education
Religious Education is a compulsory part of the Northern Ireland Curriculum. It focuses on encouraging children to become informed and inquisitive about their own and others’ religious beliefs and
The World Around Us
The World Around Us is an Area of Learning in the primary curriculum. In the Foundation Stage, it plays a key role in encouraging children’s natural curiosity through play-based learning and planned
Communication
Cross-Curricular SkillsCommunication is one of the three Cross-Curricular Skills at the heart of the curriculum. Developing children’s communication skills enables them to express themselves socially, emotionally and
Using Mathematics
Cross-Curricular SkillsUsing Mathematics is one of the three Cross-Curricular Skills at the heart of the curriculum. It is the skill of applying mathematical concepts, processes and understanding appropriately in different
Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities
Skills and CapabilitiesAll parts of the curriculum emphasise the development of Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities. These skills help children to think critically and creatively. They also help them to develop
The Development Pathway
Featured Learning Resources
Online Safety
Curriculum resources, video and links for teachers and parents/carers on issues such as digital security, cyberbullying and sextortion
FSKS1&2KS3KS4P16SENEngPersonal Development and Mutual Understanding (PDMU) guidance
Support, links and teaching and learning suggestions to help ensure progression in 10 PDMU concepts at Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2
FSKS1&2GENEngFoundation Stage Curricular Guidance
Supplements The Northern Ireland Curriculum Primary document with a focus on learning, teaching, assessment and creating an effective environment
FSGENEng
Latest News
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced the appointment of Mrs Deborah O’Hare to the post of Chairperson of the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA).
New app launched to help students develop lifesaving skills in CPR and AED
CCEA has created an engaging and interactive lifesaving application (app) in partnership with the Department of Education and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
Talk Money Week, 4-8 November , is the national campaign that aims to get everyone talking money.