Bringing learning to life and life to learning.
Curriculum for Excellence has been introduced across Scotland for all 3 – 18 year olds, wherever they learn. It aims to raise standards and prepare our children for the future by equipping them for the jobs of tomorrow in a fast changing world.
Curriculum for Excellence enables professionals to teach subjects creatively, to work together across the school and with other schools, to share best practice and explore learning together. Glow, Scotland’s unique, world-leading, online network supports learners and teachers in this and plans are already in place for parents across the country to have access to Glow.
Teachers and practitioners will share information to plan a child’s ‘learning journey’ from
3 – 18, helping their progression from nursery to primary, primary to secondary and beyond, ensuring smooth transitions. They will ensure children continue to work at a pace they can cope with and with challenge they can thrive on.
Curriculum for Excellence balances the importance of knowledge and skills.
Every child is entitled to a broad and deep general education, whatever their level and ability. Every single teacher and practitioner will be responsible for literacy and numeracy – the language and number skills that unlock other subjects and are vital to everyday life.
It develops skills for learning, life and work to help young people go on to further study, secure work and navigate life. It brings real life into the classroom, making learning relevant and helps young people apply lessons to their life beyond the classroom. It links knowledge in one subject area to another, helping children understand the world and make connections. It develops skills so that children can think for themselves, make sound judgements, challenge, enquire and find solutions.
There will be new ways of assessing progress and ensuring children achieve their potential. From 2013/14, there will be new National 4 and 5 qualifications. Other National Courses will be updated to take account of and support the new approaches to learning and teaching.
There will be personal support to help young people fulfil their potential and make the most of their opportunities with additional support when needed. There will be a new emphasis by all staff on looking after our children’s health and wellbeing – to ensure that the school is a place where children feel safe and secure.
Ultimately, Curriculum for Excellence aims to improve the life chances of our children, to nurture successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens, building Scotland’s reputation for educational excellence.