What it is
Curriculum for Excellence is the school curriculum for ages 3 to 18 in Scotland. It aims to help children and young people develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes they need in life, learning, and work.
The curriculum is the learning that is planned for children and young people from early learning and childcare, through school and beyond. They can experience this across:
- curriculum areas and subjects
- interdisciplinary learning
- ethos and life of the school
- opportunities for personal achievement.
The curriculum focuses on developing 4 capacities, helping children to become:
- successful learners
- confident individuals
- responsible citizens
- effective contributors.
Curriculum phases
Curriculum for Excellence is divided into 2 phases: the broad general education and the senior phase.
The broad general education begins in early learning and childcare and continues to the end of S3 (the third year of secondary school).
The senior phase takes place from S4 to S6 in secondary schools and includes ages 16 to 18 out of school. It builds on the experiences and outcomes young people will have achieved by S3.
It enables young people to continue developing their skills for learning, life, and work through qualifications and a range of opportunities for personal development (such as work placements).
More information
Find out more about the Curriculum for Excellence (Education Scotland website).
You can find more information and guidance about the curriculum and framework at Scotland’s Curriculum website.