The Overlap between the Magical Leaders Programme and The New Primary School Curriculum

In 2023, the Department of Education in Ireland launched the New Primary School Curriculum (NPSC). There are two parts to this framework. This blog will focus on the second part of the curriculum, which deals with how and what students will learn. You can read our full blog here, covering both parts of the New Irish Primary School Curriculum. 

Part two of the curriculum is made up of seven competencies. These seven competencies seek to equip children with the essential knowledge, skills, concepts, dispositions, attitudes, and values that enable them to adapt to and deal with various situations, challenges, and contexts extending beyond skills and knowledge. The seven competencies in the NPSC include a set of attributes for each critical competency that describes characteristics of learning and development opportunities for children. Four of the seven competencies overlap with our Magical Leaders Programme.

The Magical Leaders Programme

The primary objective of both the NPSC and the Magical Leaders Programme is to revolutionise our teaching methods, enrich the learning experience, and equip students with the essential skills needed for success in the contemporary world.

The Magical Leaders Programme concentrates on the 4 C's of 21st-century skills, viewed through the lens of entrepreneurship. These include critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and other indispensable skills crucial for later stages in life. The programme aims to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset in students, encouraging them to approach challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than obstacles. It goes beyond instructing how to start a business, instead focusing on instilling an entrepreneurial spirit and mindset.

Utilising an interactive digital portal and a downloadable resource pack, students collaboratively navigate through each lesson. They solve problems, collect tokens to advance through levels, and, in the process, actively engage and develop 21st-century skills within a stimulating and interactive learning environment.

Being a communicator and using a language

Cultivating effective communication skills is indispensable for navigating a prosperous professional career. Expanding on the structure of the Magical Leaders programme within the classroom, students are organised into small groups of 5 or 6 individuals, where one student assumes the role of the 'computer driver' at the forefront. Each student is assigned distinct responsibilities, such as being the group presenter tasked with delivering their findings to the entire class, thereby naturally enhancing their presentation skills.

However, communication extends beyond the ability to present information or project one's voice. Often overlooked is the skill of being a good listener. Teamwork serves as a prime opportunity to stress the importance of active listening and considering the opinions of others to collaborate effectively as a group.

Being an active learner

The Magical Leaders Programme imparts the skills for students to become active learners through various methods. This comprehensive initiative enriches the classroom experience by establishing a dynamic and engaging environment, complete with clear expectations for lesson completion. Through collaborative teamwork, students are provided with a platform to deliberate and organize their responsibilities to successfully navigate through each lesson of the programme.

Assigning individual roles within each team cultivates a sense of independence, emphasising that each participant must fulfill their designated tasks with the utmost proficiency for the collective success of the entire team. This approach encourages a cooperative and participatory learning atmosphere.

Being an active citizen

The Magical Leaders Programme develops critical thinking skills. The programme emphasises the importance of analysing and questioning information, including the opinions and findings of others. Students learn to inquire inquisitively yet respectfully, fostering a mindset that encourages thoughtful questioning. The classroom setup almost mirrors a role-playing scenario, enabling students to take on various roles within groups, thereby gaining insights into their individual strengths and weaknesses.