Aistear is used to implement the Junior and Senior Infant curriculum in Parteen National School. Through this play-based learning approach, many subject areas are taught simultaneously.

Meaningful learning occurs through many different types of play, such as creative play, games, language play, pretend play, role play, constructive play etc. It is important for children to experience a variety of play types to support their learning and development. This helps prepare the children for a life-long learning experience.

Every year pupils in senior classes participate in ‘The Primary Concern Debates’ competition. The students learn to speak in public and in front of their peers, develop language abilities, as well as skills in research and debating.

We were very proud of the 6th class pupils who advanced to the 2021 final of the debating initiative.

In Parteen National we offer a range of after school sporting activities to children. We believe that sport is for everyone. As well as providing a varied PE program, children take part in many coaching sessions, competitions and blitzes.

We are currently partaking in Active School Initiative which promotes physical activity every day in school. Pupils in our school enjoy participating in European School Sports Day and our annual summer sports day.

Music is an important part of the curriculum in Parteen National School. The development of musical literacy is closely linked with the school choir and song singing in the classroom, it is further expanded through playing various musical instruments.

The tin whistle is taught from 1st to 6th class. Children are also exposed to a variety of music genres and enjoy listening to music while they are working independently.

“Literacy Lift-Off”, also known as “Power-Hour” or “Guided Reading”, is an intensive programme of reading and writing, which gives the pupils lots of opportunities to read books at their own level of competency.

Pupils on the programme would typically be expected to progress at the rate of one level per week. Literacy Lift-Off empowers pupils to become constructive learners and teaches them ‘how’ to problem-solve independently. It is implemented in blocks of 6/8weeks for each class level in the school and children enjoy a range of literacy stations under the guidance of their teachers and Special Needs Assistants.

Mata sa Rang is an initiative that has been introduced in Parteen National School to improve teaching and learning in Maths. Mata sa Rang offers a unique approach to extending children’s number knowledge, understanding and strategies. This program provides a framework for individual, group or class-based instruction which is suitable for all children.

Mata sa Rang has been rolled out as part of the Department of Education’s initiatives to improve numeracy outcomes.