Ireland · NCCA Curriculum Specifications
1st Year Active Citizenship and the Democratic World
An introductory course exploring the foundations of democracy, human rights, and social justice within the Irish context. Students develop the skills to analyze power structures and engage as informed participants in their local and global communities.
01The Individual and the Community
Explores the concept of belonging and the diverse nature of communities in modern Ireland. Students examine how individual identity intersects with collective responsibility.
Students explore the various facets that make up their personal identity and how these are shaped by their experiences and background.
Investigating the various groups we belong to and how these shape our perspectives on society.
An introduction to the concept of human rights and their universal nature.
An introduction to the concept of children's rights, focusing on how they apply to students' daily lives at home and school.
Examining the link between having rights and the duties we owe to others in a democratic society.
Exploring practical ways individuals can contribute to their community and fulfill civic duties.
Analyzing why societies create rules and laws, and the difference between them.
02Foundations of Irish Democracy
An overview of how Ireland is governed, focusing on the roles of the President, the Oireachtas, and the voting system.
Understanding that Ireland has important rules (laws) that help everyone live together fairly and safely, and who makes them (the Oireachtas).
Understanding how the Dáil functions to create laws and represent the people.
Learning about the role of the President of Ireland as a symbol of our country and how they represent us.
Understanding the importance of voting as a way for people to choose their leaders and make decisions for the community, and the idea of a secret ballot.
Examining what makes an election fair and democratic, including voter registration and campaigning.
03Law and the Justice System
Investigating how laws are made, enforced, and interpreted within the Irish legal framework.
Analyzing the difference between legal and moral rules and their impact on society.
An introduction to the idea of courts as places where problems are solved fairly and laws are upheld, focusing on the role of a judge.
Learning about the key people who work in the justice system, such as judges and An Garda Síochána, and their roles in keeping us safe and fair.
Understanding the role of the police force in maintaining order and protecting rights.
Discussing the importance of feeling safe while also respecting everyone's personal space and privacy in daily interactions.
An introduction to restorative justice practices as an alternative to traditional punitive measures.
Exploring the structure and functions of local government in Ireland and how citizens can engage.
04Human Rights and Social Justice
Focusing on global and local efforts to combat discrimination and promote equality for all citizens.
Identifying forms of prejudice and stereotypes and their impact on individuals and society.
Understanding what discrimination means and why it's important to treat everyone equally, regardless of their differences.
A deep dive into the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and its impact on Irish law.
Examining the right of children to have a say in decisions that affect them, and avenues for their participation.
Examining Ireland's role in international development and humanitarian aid.
Exploring the concept of fair trade and how ethical consumption choices can promote global justice.
05Environmental Stewardship
Analyzing the intersection of civic responsibility and environmental sustainability at local and national levels.
An introduction to the science of climate change and its global impacts.
Discussing how environmental problems can affect different people and places unfairly, and why it's important to share the responsibility of caring for our planet.
Exploring how local actions can contribute to national and global sustainability goals.
Investigating practical sustainable living practices for individuals and families.
Examining the importance of biodiversity and the threats it faces in Ireland.
Learning about simple rules and actions we can take to protect Ireland's animals, plants, and natural places.
06Media and Information Literacy
Developing the skills to critically evaluate information and understand the role of the media in a democracy.
Understanding that news helps us learn about what's happening in our community and the world, and that different sources provide information.
Developing skills to identify media bias and evaluate the objectivity of news sources.
Learning about how to use the internet and social media safely and kindly, understanding that our actions online affect others.
Developing critical thinking skills to distinguish between fact and opinion, and identify misinformation online.
Planning a small-scale civic action project based on researched information.
Executing a small-scale civic action project and reflecting on its impact and lessons learned.
Exploring the concept of global citizenship and the interconnectedness of global issues.