Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence
An introduction
So, you've heard of the - or maybe not. You might have heard about it but have no idea what it means. Here's a gentle introduction to cover the basics.
- The name given to the new curriculum in Scotland
- Introduced in August 2010
- Sometimes referred to as CfE
Levels and structure
We're used to following children's progress through school based on what year they're in. This can be mapped out as shown below.
How the levels look in nurseries, primary and secondary schools
The first new thing to note is the introduction of .
- Early level: Nursery and Primary 1 (P1)
- 1st level: Primary 2-4 (P2, P3, P4)
- 2nd level: Primary 5-7 (P5, P6, P7)
- 3rd/4th level: First year – Third year (S1, S2, S3)
- Senior phase: Fourth year – Sixth year (S4, S5, S6)
This is a simplified guide as children will move through the levels (and different subjects) at their own pace. For example, a child can be in Primary 4 but progressing quickly, so would perhaps move on to a higher level ahead of other classmates.
Assessment and moving up the levels
In P7 and S3 the school will produce a .
Progress is communicated to parents in the familiar way of .
Teachers will look at a mix of written tests, artworks, projects, performances and presentations and check these against what are called the .
You may come across the phrase "". This just means they have met the experiences and outcomes at one level and are ready to move on to the next.
More phrases you're likely to hear are the which, taken together, is the general 'mission statement' of the new curriculum, aiming to tailor young people into:
- Confident individuals
- Responsible citizens
- Effective contributors
- Successful learners
Exams and qualifications
Exams will now come in at S4, instead of the course starting in S3.
The plan is that pupils will no longer choose subjects at the end of S2. In S3 they will continue to study a full range of subjects, only specialising when they reach S4. Have a look at some example for what that could mean.
No more Standard Grades or Intermediates: Standard Grades will stop and Intermediates will be phased out – to be replaced from the academic year 2013/2014 by new qualifications.
will be revised but remain.
The levels of qualifications on offer will be:
- Access 1
- Access 2
- Access 3 (equivalent to Standard Grade Foundation)
- National 4 (equivalent to Standard Grade General or Intermediate 1)
- National 5 (equivalent to Standard Grade Credit or Intermediate 2)
- Higher
- Advanced Higher
Check this to see how they line up against other SQA qualifications.
Subjects and the approach to teaching
There are three core subjects, , and , which are to be taught across the school. All teachers, regardless of subject, should ensure these are reflected in their lessons.
There is also the aim to join up more subjects on topic-based learning - using skills and knowledge from more than one subject within a project. A project on weather could combine elements of geography, maths, art and the sciences. Choose the right poem or piece of music, and English and music could join in the mix too.
It's up to teachers (and hopefully pupils too) to decide what to study. Schools are being encouraged to do their own thing, using people and places in their local area, or the individual interests of classes and pupils to choose topics to focus on. The idea is that this will make lessons more relevant and therefore more rewarding for children.
The best way to understand what's actually happening in the classroom is by being in one. Talking to teachers and pupils and taking a look at will help you get involved with your own child's learning journeys, in and out of school.
