Wellbeing Curriculum
Primary Wellbeing Specification 2025 - NCCA
The Wellbeing specification incorporates Physical Education (PE) and Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE), emphasising the interconnected physical, social, relational, emotional and spiritual dimensions of wellbeing.
Understanding Wellbeing
“Wellbeing is present when a person realises their potential, is resilient in dealing with the normal stresses of their life, takes care of their physical wellbeing and has a sense of purpose, connection and belonging to a wider community. It is a fluid way of being and needs nurturing throughout life.”
— NCCA Primary Wellbeing Specification 2025
Physical Education (PE)
PE plays a vital role in children's overall development by focusing on movement and the body. It provides valuable social, emotional and cognitive learning opportunities. Through movement-focused activities, children develop their movement competence and understanding while cultivating positive behaviours and attitudes that encourage an active and healthy lifestyle.
Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE)
SPHE creates a positive and supportive learning environment where every child is valued as a unique individual. Through SPHE, children develop essential social, emotional and relational knowledge, skills and values. This empowers them to build confidence, resilience and healthy relationships while equipping them to navigate challenges safely.
The Four Strands
Strands outline the main categories of children's learning in the Wellbeing specification. Each strand has a set of strand units that break down the learning further.
Children develop and apply a range of movement skills, concepts and strategies across various learning contexts. Through PE, children learn 'in', 'through' and 'about' movement.
Children develop self-awareness, emotional intelligence and healthy relationships. They learn to understand, regulate and express emotions while building resilience and empathy.
Children develop the knowledge and skills to make informed, responsible choices about their health and wellbeing, including understanding human development and safety.
Children develop a strong sense of connection and purpose within schools, families, communities and society. They explore active citizenship, rights and responsibilities.
The Four Elements
Elements describe the processes children engage in as they learn in the Wellbeing specification. These elements support our understanding of how children learn.
Communicating
Children express their thoughts, emotions and feelings through various forms of communication, including body movement, verbal expression, and digital means.
Exploring and Applying
Children's exploration forms the foundation for applying knowledge, skills and values. Exploration nurtures curiosity, creativity and adaptability.
Moving
Children learn 'in' movement (developing skills), 'through' movement (acquiring understanding) and 'about' movement (gaining knowledge).
Reflecting and Understanding
Through reflection, children derive meaning from experiences and gain insight into their personal relevance, fostering continuous growth.
PE Activity Areas
The Wellbeing specification includes seven PE activity areas which are the vehicle through which children can achieve the Learning Outcomes relevant to PE.
Games
Invasion, net/wall, striking/fielding and target games
Athletics
Running, jumping and throwing activities
Gymnastics
Movement, balance and body management
Dance
Creative and cultural movement expression
Aquatics
Water-based activities and swimming
Outdoor and Adventure Education
Orienteering, team challenges and nature activities
Active Living
Promoting lifelong physical activity habits
How PALM Resources Support the Curriculum
PALM resources are designed to support teachers in delivering the Wellbeing curriculum. Our games and activities are tagged with curriculum strands to help you find the right resources.
Movement & Games
Our game library supports Movement Competence through invasion, net/wall, striking/fielding and target games.
Browse GamesPlans & Schemes
Ready-made lesson plans and schemes of work aligned to curriculum strands for easy planning.
View PlansExpert Articles
Research-backed articles on physical literacy, assessment and pedagogy from leading experts.
Read ArticlesOfficial NCCA Resources
Access the full Wellbeing specification and online toolkit from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.