Timeline

Subject Timeline

Completed
Current
Future
Legend
November 2021 - June 2024

Background Paper & Development Group

Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
10 Oct 2025 - 30 Nov 2025
Stage 5

Draft Curriculum Specification

Stage 6
Stage 7
1 Sep 2026 - 20 Oct 2025
Stage 8
Stage 9
Stage 10

AAC Guidelines

Stage 11

Subject Timeline

This timeline shows all the steps involved in the development of this subject specification. It indicates which stages have already been completed, which stages are yet to be undertaken and which stage is currently the active stage.

Subject Timeline

Stage 1

School visits completed

NCCA has visited a number of schools as part of the work in gathering feedback on the current curriculum and potential future developments.

Subject Timeline

Stage 2

Development Group convened

The Development Group was convened on 30 September, 2025 and is due to complete its work by September, 2027.

Subject Timeline

Stage 3

Background Paper and Brief published

The Background Paper and Brief is published online following discussion at Board and approval by Council. It informs the work of the Development Group and also contains national and international research including interviews with school management, subject teachers and students in a selection of schools.

Subject Timeline

Stage 4

Consultation on BGP and Brief

The public consultation on the Background Paper and Brief opens between 10 October and 30 November, 2025.

10 Oct 2025 - 30 Nov 2025

Subject Timeline

Stage 5

Report on Consultation on BGP and Brief

The report on the Background Paper and Brief is published following discussion at the Board and approval by Council and is published online.

Subject Timeline

Stage 6

Draft Curriculum Specification developed and published

Guided by the Brief for their work and feedback from the consultation on the Background Paper, the Development Group prepare a draft curriculum specification. The Draft Curriculum Specification is published following discussion at Board and approval by Council.

Subject Timeline

Stage 7

Consultation on the Draft Curriculum Specification

The public consultation on the draft Curriculum Specification opens between 1 September and 20 October, 2026.

1 Sep 2026 - 20 Oct 2025

Subject Timeline

Stage 8

Report on Consultation on Draft Curriculum Specification

The Report on the Consultation on the Draft Curriculum Specification has been approved by both the Board and Council and is published online. The Development Group use the findings from the Report on the Draft Specification to finalise the Specification.

Subject Timeline

Stage 9

Final Curriculum Specification approved by Council

The final Curriculum Specification is discussed by the Board and approved by Council before it can be sent to the Minister of Education and Youth for final approval.

Subject Timeline

Stage 10

Ministerial approval and publication

The specification has been approved by the Minister and is available on curriculumonline.ie

Subject Timeline

Stage 11

Guidelines to support the Additional Assessment Component published

The AAC Guidelines are developed by NCCA in conjunction with the State Examinations Commission and supported by the Department of Education and Youth, Oide and teacher focus groups.