Ireland · NCCA Curriculum Specifications
2nd Year Active Citizenship and the Democratic State
This course explores the mechanics of Irish democracy and the ethical foundations of human rights. Students examine how power is exercised, how laws are formed, and the role of the individual in shaping a just society through informed action.
01The Architecture of Democracy
An exploration of the Irish parliamentary system and the separation of powers between the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
Explore why rules are important in our classroom and school, and how they help everyone feel safe and fair.
Identify different people who help lead and make decisions in our school community, like the principal, teachers, and student council.
Learn about the President of Ireland as a national figure, what they do for our country, and why they are important.
Understand the simple idea of voting to make choices in the classroom, like choosing a class book or activity, and why everyone's vote counts.
Explore the structure and responsibilities of county and city councils in Ireland.
Investigate avenues for citizens to influence local government decisions and participate in community development.
Discuss what happens when rules are broken and how we can solve problems fairly, focusing on consequences and making things right.
Understand that voting is a way for people to choose their leaders and make decisions, and why it's important for everyone to have a voice.
Define and discuss the concept of active citizenship and its importance in a democratic society.
02Human Rights and Global Responsibility
A study of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the challenges of protecting dignity in a globalized world.
Introduce the idea that all people have basic needs and rights, like the right to feel safe, to learn, and to be heard.
Examine the key articles of the UDHR and their significance as a global standard.
Focus on the specific rights of children as outlined in the UNCRC and their implementation.
Investigate the role of state agencies and NGOs in protecting children's rights and advocating for their well-being.
Define key terms related to forced migration and explore the reasons people seek asylum.
Discuss the importance of being kind and welcoming to people who are new to our community or country, including those who have moved from far away.
Explore the concept of global citizenship and our responsibilities to the wider world.
Investigate the causes and consequences of global inequalities and efforts to promote fairness.
Examine the work of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in advocating for and protecting human rights.
Explore the new challenges and opportunities for human rights in the digital age, including privacy and censorship.
Investigate the causes of conflict and strategies for peaceful resolution and reconciliation.
Examine the importance of respecting cultural diversity and promoting inclusive societies.
03The Rule of Law and Justice
Understanding the Irish legal system, the role of the courts, and the concept of restorative justice.
Explore the idea that rules should be fair and apply to everyone, and how this helps our community work well.
Explore restorative justice as an alternative to traditional punitive measures, focusing on repair and reconciliation.
Understand the duties and responsibilities of the Irish police force in maintaining law and order.
Investigate mechanisms for police accountability and the importance of public trust in law enforcement.
Explore the rights and responsibilities of citizens when interacting with An Garda Síochána.
Analyze how news is gathered, reported, and consumed, and its impact on public understanding.
Develop critical thinking skills to identify bias, misinformation, and disinformation in various media forms.
Explore the responsibilities and ethical considerations of being a citizen in the digital world.