Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) is transforming learning experiences for children and young
people across Scotland. The range of learning opportunities and the breadth of children’s and
young people’s achievements is greater than ever before. In recent years there has been a great
deal of very positive improvement work in early learning and childcare, schools and colleges on
which we can continue to build. Moving forward, the two key priorities for CfE are:
• ensuring the best possible progression in literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing for every
child and young person; and
• closing the attainment gap

What is Curriculum for Excellence?
Curriculum for Excellence will improve education for children
and young people by putting learning experiences at the heart
of education. Some important changes of emphasis will refresh
learning and teaching. Key factors are:
• The new Curriculum 3–18 will ensure continuity in each
child’s learning
• Children are at the centre of teaching and learning
• Literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing will be delivered
across learning and will be the responsibility of all
• Six Curricular Levels or Stages set out the learning
progression clearly for each child from 3 to 18 years
• There are eight Curricular Areas: sciences, languages (English,
Gaelic, classical and modern languages), mathematics,
expressive arts, social studies, technologies, health and
wellbeing, religious and moral education.
• Each Curricular Area contains a series of ‘Experiences
and Outcomes’ which describe children’s learning and
achievements from a pupil’s perspective. These take the form
of: ‘I can…’ or ‘I am able to…