This exploratory study aimed to assess the strength of primary school students' (aged 11-12 years old) Science Self-Efficacy (SSE) beliefs, identify emanating sources, and investigate any gender-related differences. School SSE is defined here as perceived capacity to complete learning outcomes from the upper Irish primary science curriculum. The…

National policy initiatives in Ireland, such as Project Maths and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Policy Statement have sought to increase the engagement and performance of students in mathematics and science. The current study investigated the performance of students in Ireland in these areas and in reading…

In March 2023, the Department of Education published the "Primary Curriculum Framework" for primary and special schools in Ireland. Reflecting trends in international curriculum reform centred on the needs and priorities of twenty-first century learning and life, the Framework proposes a set of seven key competencies which are presented…

The International Survey of Children's Wellbeing (ISCWeB) is the most wide-ranging and diverse study ever conducted internationally on children from their own perspective. The aim of this study was to pilot the ISCWeB among primary schoolchildren in Ireland to examine their subjective wellbeing and examine the relationship between subjective…

With the inclusion of play as a right, schools are urged to consider whether "all" children can access play opportunities in schoolyards. Refocusing on play as occupation is identified as an important way in which occupational therapists can contribute within schools. Greater knowledges of children's play and teachers' practices, in…

There is limited research pertaining to primary teachers' practices in geography education in the Republic of Ireland (RoI). Geography is one of only primary curriculum subjects which has never been reviewed since its enactment in 1999. This study addresses this research gap, establishing clarity on current teaching practices by presenting a…

This study investigates 152 Irish primary pupils' attitudes towards geography and their most preferred and least preferred methods of learning and experiencing geography at primary level. The findings indicate that Irish pupils have a neutral attitude towards geography with no significant difference between male and female pupils nor between class…

Knowledge of symbols, which can be influenced by school ethos, informs identity construction in primary school children. This study aimed to explore Gaelscoil (Irish-medium) and English-medium primary school children's familiarity with Irish and European symbols. Thirty 9-12-year-old children in Ireland participated in this study; 15 from two…

This research explored the experiences of children (age 9-10) when five Irish generalist primary teachers positioned meaningfulness as the priority filter for their pedagogical decision-making in physical education (n = 37). Pedagogies that support meaningfulness include those that are democratic and reflective, and give attention to individual…

Now more than ever, school gardens can contribute to primary education, as a foundation for integrated learning and a resource for children's wellbeing and health. The primary aim of this study was to build a picture of the many ways school gardens are used and valued in Irish primary schools. A qualitative approach, incorporating site visits and…

Anxiety and depression are among the most common mental health concerns in youth, with rates of these internalizing problems continuing to rise. Universal school-based interventions have shown promising results in improving poor mental health outcomes; however, more research is needed across different cultural contexts. This study is part of an…

The value and importance of play for children's well-being, learning and development is evidenced by its inclusion within the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and its increased policy and research presence on a national and international stage. However, with a need for educators and pupils to navigate a range of implicit tensions in…

The concept of 'pedagogic voice' emphasises the capacity of children to express their views on matters related to teaching, learning and curriculum. 'Pedagogic voice' aligns with children's rights to be listened to and the extent to which their views are fully considered and acted upon. Combined, these rights based approaches positively shape…

All schools possess a duty of care towards their students. However, this duty of care falls unevenly across schools, with those serving low-income communities often responding to the material and psychological effects of poverty as a priority. This duty of care for such schools was placed into stark relief during the period of COVID-19 school…

The current study investigated the effects of an integrative exercise intervention on the behaviours in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and if they were influenced by ASD symptom severity. Sixty-six children (7.56 ± 2.03 yrs.) with ASD were enrolled and categorised as having mild (n = 22), moderate (n = 18) or severe (n = 26)…