Aistear

Learning Through Play, Exploration and Discovery

While Aistear is not delivered as a standalone programme in our school, its principles and approaches continue to inform our practice, particularly in the early years. Our approach is closely aligned with the vision of the Primary School Curriculum Framework, which places children at the centre of their learning and recognises the importance of active, engaging and meaningful learning experiences.

Through carefully planned experiences, children are encouraged to:

• explore and investigate their surroundings
• learn through play and practical experiences
• develop language and communication skills
• ask questions and share ideas
• work collaboratively with others
• develop creativity and imagination
• solve problems and make decisions
• become increasingly independent and confident learners
• make connections between their learning and the world around them

Learning Through Play

Play provides children with valuable opportunities to develop socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively. Through structured and open-ended play experiences, children can practise skills, explore ideas, communicate with others and develop their understanding of the world.

Our teachers create stimulating learning environments and provide opportunities for children to follow their interests while also introducing new experiences, vocabulary, concepts and challenges.

Learning Through Inquiry

Children are naturally curious. We encourage them to ask questions, investigate, predict, experiment and reflect on what they discover.

Learning experiences may begin with a question, an observation, a story, a real-life event or something that captures the children's interest. Teachers build on these interests to create meaningful opportunities for learning across different areas of the curriculum.

Developing the Whole Child

Our approach recognises that learning is about more than academic knowledge. We support children in developing as confident, creative, caring and capable individuals.

We provide opportunities for children to develop:

Communication – expressing ideas, listening and building vocabulary
Creativity – imagining, designing, making and expressing themselves
Wellbeing – developing confidence, relationships and emotional awareness
Identity and belonging – developing a sense of themselves and their place in the school and wider community
Being an active learner – developing curiosity, independence and a positive attitude towards learning