The proposed Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) curriculum represents a significant shift in how primary schools in Ireland approach Science education. The STE curriculum is expected to replace the current Science curriculum within SESE (Social, Environmental & Scientific Education) and become part of a dedicated STEM area alongside Mathematics.

This curriculum aims to modernise science education by integrating Technology and Engineering while retaining core scientific foundations already familiar to teachers. Schools will likely be required to deliver structured lessons in coding, computational thinking, and design-based problem-solving, aligning with global STEM education trends.

While the curriculum has not yet been fully launched, this guide provides an overview of the proposed changes, their potential impact on schools, and the support available for teachers and school leaders as they prepare for implementation.

Key Changes in the New STE Curriculum

1. Science, Technology & Engineering Are Now Integrated

The curriculum still includes familiar topics like Living Things, Materials, and Energy & Forces but with a new emphasis on problem-solving and design. Technology and Engineering are now core components, requiring schools to introduce coding, digital tools, and hands-on design projects.

2. New Learning Strands

The curriculum is structured into six key strands:

Nature of STEM

How Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths work together.

Living Things

Biology, ecosystems, and environmental awareness.

Materials

Chemistry, matter, and the properties of materials.

Energy & Forces

Physics concepts like motion, heat, and electricity.

Technology

Computational thinking, digital literacy, and coding.

Engineering

Design thinking, prototyping, and building solutions.

3. Hands-on, Inquiry-Based Learning

This approach enriches learning with more project-based tasks where students design, test, and improve solutions, using coding and computational thinking as fun tools to build teamwork and problem-solving skills, preparing them for real-world challenges with confidence.

How Schools Can Prepare

Training & CPD for Teachers

Teachers will need support and professional development to confidently deliver coding and engineering design activities. Workshops, webinars, and lesson resources will be available to help ease the transition.

Ensuring Digital Readiness

Schools will need to assess their access to digital devices to ensure they can deliver technology-focused lessons. Coding Ireland provides structured digital resources to help schools integrate digital learning effectively.

Implementing Structured Coding Lessons

Schools will need to introduce coding lessons across multiple year groups. Coding Ireland offers ready-made, teacher-friendly coding content that aligns with the new STE framework.

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Expert Advice & Resources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the STE curriculum replace SESE?

No, it only replaces Science within SESE. History and Geography remain unchanged.

How much time should be allocated to STE each week?

Previously, Science was part of the SESE (Social, Environmental & Scientific Education) allocation, which covered Science, History, and Geography under a combined 3 hours per week (for 3rd-6th class) and 2 hours 30 minutes per week (for Junior Infants-2nd class).

With the new curriculum, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours per week will now be dedicated to STE (Science, Technology, and Engineering), while the remaining SESE subjects (History & Geography) will have around 2 hours per week. Schools have flexibility in how they structure this within their weekly timetable.

What are the biggest changes from the previous Science curriculum?

Technology and Engineering are now essential.
Coding and computational thinking are required learning outcomes.
More project-based, hands-on learning is encouraged.

Do teachers need to be experts in coding or engineering?

No, teachers do not need to be experts in coding or engineering to successfully implement the STE curriculum. There are plenty of resources available to support schools in delivering structured and engaging lessons.

One such resource is the Digital Skills Curriculum, which provides ready-to-use, step-by-step coding and STE lessons designed specifically for primary schools. This curriculum ensures that teachers with no prior experience can confidently introduce coding, computational thinking, and engineering concepts in the classroom.

In addition to this, various online platforms, CPD training, and structured lesson plans make it easier than ever to integrate STE into your weekly teaching schedule.

How can schools prepare for the STE curriculum?

Schools can take several steps to ensure a smooth transition to the new Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) curriculum. Here’s how:

Review Your Current SESE and STEM Lesson Structure
Evaluate how Science was previously taught and determine where Technology and Engineering can be incorporated. Adjust timetables to allocate 1 to 1.5 hours per week for STE, while balancing History and Geography.
Assess Digital and Technical Readiness
Ensure your school has enough devices, such as tablets, laptops, or desktops, to support coding and digital literacy. Explore both free and paid coding platforms that suit your school’s needs, like Digital Skills Curriculum, Scratch, Micro:bit, or MakeCode Arcade.
Support Teacher Training and Confidence Building
Teachers don’t need to be experts, but training can make a difference. Encourage staff to participate in CPD courses on computational thinking and digital skills, attend webinars and workshops on STE classroom integration, and collaborate with peers to share best practices and resources.
Leverage Available Resources and Curriculums
The Digital Skills Curriculum provides structured, step-by-step lessons suitable for teachers of all levels. Tap into government-provided STEM initiatives or grants to fund training and digital tools.

Which age groups will be affected by the new STE curriculum?

The new Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) curriculum will apply to all primary school year groups, from Junior Infants to 6th Class.

However, the level of complexity increases gradually across year levels:

Junior & Senior Infants: Simple explorations of science and nature, early problem-solving, and basic technology use.
1st - 2nd Class: Introduction to computational thinking, digital tools, and hands-on engineering activities.
3rd - 6th Class: More structured STE lessons, including coding, design projects, and problem-solving challenges.

The New Primary STE Curriculum

Where Does STE Fit in the Curriculum?