A new primary school curriculum has been unveiled, marking the first major reform in 26 years. The updated programme, which will be rolled out from next year, will introduce children to a broader and more modern range of subjects, including lessons on sexual orientation, earlier teaching of puberty, and the addition of modern foreign languages.

For the first time, pupils in 5th and 6th class will learn about different sexual orientations, under the new Wellbeing programme. The current curriculum makes no reference to the subject. Puberty will also be taught earlier.

Teachers will now be able to introduce the topic from 3rd class, whereas it is currently covered in 6th class. This change reflects the fact that children are older than in the past due to the introduction of two free years of preschool. In many cases, pupils have already begun puberty by the time the subject is formally taught.

Launching the curriculum, Minister for Education Helen McEntee said: “This new curriculum is designed for the children of today and tomorrow. It reflects the world they are growing up in – one that is fast-changing, interconnected, and full of opportunity. Our goal is to ensure every child in Ireland receives an education that is inclusive, empowering, and deeply relevant to their lives.”

While the syllabus will address sexual orientation, it contains no reference to gender identity. Responding to concerns about age appropriateness, McEntee added: “I think any suggestion that what teachers are going to be teaching in the curriculum is not age appropriate is incorrect.”

She stressed that sex education has long been part of primary teaching, and that the emphasis on consent “was not about sex but a young person understanding how to say yes, or no and being able to change their opinion”.

The curriculum also broadens education in other areas. All children will learn about world religions from historical and geographical perspectives, regardless of their school’s ethos. In addition, pupils will be introduced to a modern foreign language for the first time, beginning with cultural awareness in early years and simple communication skills such as greetings and ordering food in 5th class.

Other key areas  in the new primary curriculum include STEM, social and environmental education, and arts, with new forms such as dance and digital art being added. The reforms are the result of eight years of research, drawing on the views of teachers, parents, and more than 4,000 children and young people.