Curriculum for Excellence aims to achieve a transformation in education in Scotland by providing a coherent, more flexible and enriched curriculum from 3 to 18.

The curriculum includes all of the experiences which are planned for St Bartholomew’s pupils through their education. These experiences are grouped into four categories.

• Curriculum areas and subjects The curriculum areas are the organisers for setting out the ‘experiences and outcomes’. Each area contributes to the four capacities (see below).
• Interdisciplinary learning The curriculum includes space for learning beyond subject boundaries.
• Ethos and life of the school The starting point for learning is a positive ethos and climate of respect and trust based upon shared values across the St Bartholomew’s school community.
• Opportunities for personal achievement Pupils need opportunities for achievements both in the classroom and beyond, giving them a sense of satisfaction and building motivation, resilience and confidence.

Added to this, because children learn through all of their experiences (in the family and community, nursery and school) the curriculum aims to recognise and complement the contributions that these experiences can make.

The curriculum aims to ensure that the pupils of St Bartholomew’s develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they will need if they are to flourish in life, learning and work, now and in the future. Its purpose is encapsulated in the four capacities – to enable each child to be a successful learner, a confident individual, a responsible citizen and an effective contributor. The attributes and capabilities of the four capacities are outlined below:

There are three main levels within Curriculum for Excellence at the Primary stages: Early, First and Second.