Curriculum for Excellence aims to achieve a transformation in education in Scotland by providing an improved, more flexible and enriched curriculum for all children and young people from 3 – 18.

Curriculum for Excellence is underpinned by the values inscribed on the mace of the Scottish Parliament – wisdom, justice, compassion and integrity.  The purpose of Curriculum for Excellence is encapsulated in the four capacities – to enable each child or young person to be a successful learner, a confident individual, a responsible citizen and an effective contributor.

At St. Stephen’s Primary, we are working hard to raise standards so that children and young people will develop all of the skills necessary to continue to be successful when leaving school and entering the world of higher education, training or work.

Staff at St. Stephen’s pride themselves on their commitment to raising attainment in all areas of the curriculum and are constantly reflecting on their practise to ensure pupils achieve the very best education possible.

The curriculum includes all of the experiences which are planned for children and young people through their education. These experiences are grouped into the following 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.

Interdisciplinary learning: How the curriculum should include 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 school community,

Opportunities for personal achievement: Pupils need opportunities for achievement both in the classroom and beyond, giving them a sense of satisfaction and building motivation, resilience and confidence.

The curriculum areas in A Curriculum for Excellence are:

Languages (Literacy); Mathematics (Numeracy); Expressive Arts; Religious and Moral Education; Health and Wellbeing; Sciences; Social Studies; Technologies

Importantly, literacy and numeracy are given added importance because these skills are so vital in everyday life. All teachers will have responsibility to teach literacy and numeracy.