In Sutton Park we believe that the curriculum should initially foster in each child a passion for learning, a love of school and positive attitudes towards all aspects of schooling. We strive to develop and nurture their individual capabilities, skills, and interests in such a way that they achieve success and happiness now and will develop into independent, mature, self-sustaining and active citizens.
Our current curriculum and the revised curriculum, as detailed in the recent Primary Curriculum Framework (2023), aims to provide a strong foundation for all our pupils to thrive and flourish, supporting them in realising their full potential as individuals and as members of communities and society during childhood, as they progress through primary education and into post-primary education.
Building on their previous experiences, our curriculum views children as unique, competent, and caring individuals. It supports high-quality learning, teaching, and assessment that is inclusive and evidence-based, recognising the right of all children to make progress in all areas of their learning and development.
A differentiated programme of tuition considers individual differences including provision for those who need support and extension opportunities for those who are exceptionally able.
Because early childhood marks the beginning of children’s lifelong learning journeys, the framework for Early Years Education is called AISTEAR, the Irish word for journey.
The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework celebrates early childhood as a time of being, and of enjoying and learning from experiences as they unfold. This early learning also lays important foundations for later learning.
In the early years in Sutton Park, a primary goal is to foster in the children a love of reading and writing. The reading and writing programme is adapted to individual needs ranging from reading readiness activities for some to advanced comprehension and vocabulary building for others. Mastery of these literacy skills opens up a world of opportunity to all students and empowers them in their pursuit of excellence and independence.
At the heart of the Junior School programme is language as defined in the Primary Language Curriculum. Languages have a vital role to play in children’s development and much learning takes place through the interaction of language and experience.
Language helps children to clarify and interpret experiences and to acquire new concepts. There is a crucial relationship between language and learning and thus our programmes incorporate the use of discussion as a central learning strategy.
The Murray Library in the school provides our children with a wonderful selection of literature which meets the needs of all interests and abilities.
The primary language of the school is English while Irish is taught to all age groups daily.
The use of practical apparatus and the integration of oral language are central to the teaching of Mathematics, Sciences and Technology. Through the use of practical materials, the children are actively learning through guided discovery.
The Science curriculum is further enriched to include the use of the local environment with a particular emphasis on sustainability and global citizenship.
As well as learning to manipulate numbers, symbols and shapes in mathematics, it is important that all children become familiar with the language of this subject. We encourage them to acquire new mathematical language in order that they can analyse, describe and explain a wide range of experiences and make predictions and solve problems.
Use of iPads, desktop computers and laptops is promoted as children pursue competence in digital technology through our school specific Information Technology curriculum.
All classrooms are equipped with an Interactive Whiteboard and a computer. All classes have access to the computer room where there are 26 monitors available.
Music, Drama and Art form an important part of the education programme for all age groups.
The teaching of Music, an integral part of the curriculum, is enhanced with the introduction of the Kodaly method of music teaching. This method developed by the Hungarian, Kodaly, teaches notation through song and percussion.
Drama, which helps all children to grow in self-confidence, is an integral part of the programme, with all children performing at Christmas concerts, and various performances throughout the year.
Art allows the children to express their feelings and their view of the world and our classrooms, display boards and corridors are always festooned with their work.
All classes engage in a P.E. programme twice a week with specialist teachers. From developing games skills to educational gymnastics and creative dance, we offer a broad, stimulating physical education curriculum.
As our children progress into the upper end of Junior School the have the opportunity to engage in inter-school competitions in hockey, football and volleyball, among others.
