Curriculum for Excellence

Bringing learning to life and life to learning

Curriculum for Excellence is being introduced across Scotland for all 3-18 year olds – wherever they learn.  It aims to raise standards, prepare our children for a future they do not yet know and equip them for jobs of tomorrow in a fast changing world.

Curriculum for Excellence enables professionals to teach subjects creatively, to work together across the school and with other schools, to share best practice and explore learning together. Glow, Scotland’s unique, world-leading, online network will support learners and teachers in this and plans are already in place for parents across the country to have access to Glow.

Teachers and practitioners will share information to plan a child’s ‘learning journey’ from 3-18, helping their progression from nursery to primary, primary to secondary and beyond.   They’ll ensure children continue to work at a pace they can cope with and with challenges they can thrive on.

Curriculum for Excellence balances the importance of knowledge and skills.

Every child is entitled to a broad and deep general education, whatever their level and ability. Every single teacher and practitioner will be responsible for literacy and numeracy – the language and numbers skills that unlock other subjects and are vital to everyday life.

Curriculum for Excellence develops skills for learning, life and work to help young people go on to further study, secure work and navigate life.  It brings real life into the classroom, making learning relevant and helps young people apply lessons to their life beyond the classroom.  It links knowledge in one subject area to another helping children understand the world and make connections. It develops skills so that children can think for themselves, make sound judgements, challenge, enquire and find solutions.

There will be new ways of assessing progress and ensuring children achieve their potential. There will be new qualifications for literacy and numeracy from 2012/13 and new National 4 and 5 qualifications from 2013/14.  Our well regarded Access, Highers and Advanced Highers will be updated to take account of, and support, the new approaches to learning and teaching.

There will be personal support to help young people fulfil their potential and make the most of their opportunities with additional support if that’s needed.  There will be a new emphasis by all staff on looking after our children’s health and wellbeing – to ensure that the school is a place where children feel safe and secure.

Ultimately, Curriculum for Excellence aims to improve our children’s life chances, to nurture successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors, and responsible citizens.

For more information, visit the Education Scotland website