All Scottish schools are currently guided by ‘A Curriculum for Excellence’.

What is Curriculum for Excellence?

The Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) is the Scottish curriculum programme which replaces the previous national 5-14 curricular guidelines.

Teachers will now work on delivering the curriculum using Experiences and Outcomes – a rigorous framework for progression – within each of

the levels of CfE.  Curriculum for Excellence is bringing learning to life for all 3-18 year olds – in nursery, primary, secondary, at college,

workplace or community learning. It takes a fresh approach to what, how and where young people learn. It aims to raise standards, improve

knowledge and develop skills, closing the gap between the lowest and highest performers. Ultimately it aims to nurture young people as successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.

Why Curriculum for Excellence?

The world is changing fast.  We need to prepare learners for jobs that don’t exist, using technology that hasn’t yet been invented, to

solve problems we can’t yet imagine. We aim to equip young people with knowledge, confidence and skills, giving them a competitive edge

in a global job market. Teachers will make connections between subjects, helping children make sense of the world. Children will learn how

to learn and how to use their learning, not just memorise information to pass tests. This will help them adapt in an uncertain future with the

ability to think for themselves, make sound judgements, challenge, enquire and find solutions.

Curriculum Levels

Some children and young people will start learning at these levels earlier and others later, depending upon individual needs and abilities.

The framework is however designed to be flexible in order to permit careful planning for those with additional support needs or those

who are particularly able or talented.

Level                        Stage

Early                                   The pre-school years and P1, or later for some.

First                                   To the end of P4, but earlier or later for some.

Second                                To the end of P7, but earlier or later for some.

Third and Fourth                S1 to S3, but earlier for some

Curricular Areas

There are 8 curricular areas within Curriculum for Excellence. Click on the links in the table below for further information on the curricular areas: