Kenneth Fox
Major new changes are being proposed for the primary school curriculum.
It includes teaching about sex and consent at an earlier stage and less time on religion.
Foreign languages would also be taught in primary school along with a greater focus on other people's cultures.
Dr Patrick Sullivan from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, says the curriculum has not had major reform for 25 years.
The draft documents on the changes are centred around various topics such as wellbeing, which itself includes sexual education.
The document on wellbeing said: "This curriculum adopts a holistic approach to PE and SPHE, acknowledging the interconnected dimensions of wellbeing.
"It not only imparts a thorough understanding of personal and collective wellbeing, but also fosters qualities such as empathy, inclusivity, a sense of community, teamwork, fairness, and social justice."
They said there will be a focus on life skills such as: self-awareness, personal safety, emotional regulation, resilience, empathy and healthy relationship-building.
The curriculum will support children to acquire accurate and developmentally appropriate information about human development and sexuality that is evidence informed.
"It supports children in appreciating positive and healthy relationships, encompassing a balanced and inclusive understanding of human sexuality within the context of emotions and connections.
In addition, children develop an understanding of the significance of effective communication, mutual respect, conflict resolution, boundaries, bodily autonomy, and the concept of consent within relationships," the document said.
As part of the planned changes, primary school pupils will spend more time learning foreign languages, science, technology and engineering.
Existing classroom teachers will be expected to teach foreign languages from third to sixth class, beginning initially with a simple awareness of different languages, before moving to basic and oral communication.
The Department of Education will provide more specific advice on the professional development support for teachers in due course.
The draft document said "When exploring language and language systems, children are supported to explore the diverse and linguistically rich environment which they are exposed to in their everyday interactions and experiences of the world.
"Children learn to investigate the origins of words, how languages evolve and how they influence and relate to each other, as well as the uniqueness of individuals.
"As languages are inextricably linked to cultures, this element provides children with opportunities to develop intercultural awareness by exploring and celebrating the cultures associated with languages in and beyond the classroom."
