These discussion papers were published during the early stages of Scotland’s Curriculum Improvement Cycle (CIC). They were developed to share emerging thinking, evidence and ideas, and to support discussion and engagement across the education system. They should be viewed as records of the programme’s development at a particular point in time rather than statements of final policy or guidance. As the work has progressed, some of the ideas and proposals set out in these papers have been refined, developed or superseded.
| Discussion Paper | Date | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Discussion Paper 1: Background and a Case for Change: Findings from the Pilot Curriculum Reviews 2023/24 | November 2024 | Sets out the case for curriculum evolution drawing on findings from pilot curriculum reviews during 2023/24. Explores themes including curriculum clarity, progression, knowledge, interdisciplinary learning, and the need for a systematic approach to curriculum review. |
| Discussion Paper 2: Towards an Evolved Technical Framework | December 2024 | Explores how Scotland’s curriculum framework might evolve based on pilot review findings. Introduces emerging concepts like the Know-Do-Understand model and Big Ideas to support coherence, clarity, and progression across the curriculum. |
| Discussion Paper 3: Working Together to Make Change Happen | March 2025 | Focuses on how curriculum change could be developed and implemented in practice. Outlines the approach to the Curriculum Improvement Cycle, including collaboration, co-design, professional learning, capacity building, and system-wide engagement. |
