Intellectual Property Education Framework (Primary - Northern Ireland)

The Intellectual Property (IP) Education Framework has been developed to equip the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and creatives with the knowledge to identify, protect, use and respect IP. It sets out that knowledge through age-appropriate competency statements spanning primary through to higher education, helping to prepare young people for employment and responsible digital citizenship.

Developed in consultation with teachers from across the four UK nations, as well as industry and professional bodies, the framework is a cross-cutting resource that supports each of the UK’s national curricula. It is organised by subject, covering Art and Design, Music, Science, Design and Technology, Computing and Digital Literacy, and PSHE/Citizenship, and has been designed so that teachers can easily access the parts most relevant to their teaching.

The framework signposts free educational resources from the IPO of the UK and partners, supporting teachers and educators to introduce IP concepts into everyday lessons and building learners’ understanding and practical application of creativity, innovation and ownership of ideas.

There are separate adaptations for each of the four UK nations at primary and secondary education levels, and a UK-wide version for further and higher education.