Curriculum for Excellence
Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) is the national education framework in Scotland. It covers learning from early years through school, college, and community learning, supporting young people aged 3 to 18 and beyond.
The curriculum is designed to give every child and young person the knowledge, skills, and attributes they need for learning, life and work in the 21st century. Curriculum Levels The table to the right outlines the five curriculum levels, which are generally matched to stages of learning. However, there is flexibility to meet individual needs — for example, to support children who are particularly able or those requiring additional support. Broad General Education (BGE) From pre-school to the end of S3 (ages 3–15), children and young people experience a Broad General Education (BGE). This phase is designed to enable every learner to become:
The BGE includes all of the Experiences and Outcomes across every curriculum area up to and including Third Level. Throughout all learning, prime importance is given to:
Learning and Teaching Approaches A wide range of teaching methods and contexts for learning are used to engage and challenge pupils. These include:
The Design of our Curriculum |
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At Earlston Primary School, our curriculum is at the heart of everything we do. Before focusing on learning, teaching and assessment, we make sure all staff have a clear understanding of what children are learning and why.
Our curriculum has been carefully designed for Earlston Primary School, using national guidance from Building the Curriculum 1–4. It provides a balanced range of learning across four main areas:
We follow a three-year cycle of learning, which ensures children experience a wide variety of topics and skills as they move through the school. Our curriculum is flexible so we can include current events, new ideas and special local or national projects when they arise.
We are proud to be a central part of the Earlston community. We make strong links with local businesses, clubs, churches and organisations to help bring learning to life. The community is often involved in school activities such as performances, services, pupil action groups and special projects — helping children see how their learning connects to the world around them.
Our curriculum has been carefully designed for Earlston Primary School, using national guidance from Building the Curriculum 1–4. It provides a balanced range of learning across four main areas:
- Learning in different subjects (such as literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing, science and social studies)
- Learning across subjects through exciting themes and topics
- Learning through the life and work of the school (for example, school responsibilities, events and projects)
- Personal achievements that recognise children’s individual successes both in and out of school
We follow a three-year cycle of learning, which ensures children experience a wide variety of topics and skills as they move through the school. Our curriculum is flexible so we can include current events, new ideas and special local or national projects when they arise.
We are proud to be a central part of the Earlston community. We make strong links with local businesses, clubs, churches and organisations to help bring learning to life. The community is often involved in school activities such as performances, services, pupil action groups and special projects — helping children see how their learning connects to the world around them.
Our 7 Design Principles
At Earlston Primary School, we work together to make sure our curriculum reflects the seven design principles of Curriculum for Excellence. These principles help us create a curriculum that is balanced, engaging and meets the needs of all learners.
We do this by:
What the Principles Mean for Our ChildrenChallenge and Enjoyment
Learning should be stimulating and rewarding. Children are encouraged to aim high, think creatively and enjoy learning that stretches their skills and imagination, with support to help them succeed.
Breadth
All children experience a wide range of subjects and activities, both in class and through wider school life, giving them opportunities to discover new interests and talents.
Progression
Learning builds steadily from year to year. Each stage builds on what has come before, allowing every child to move forward at a pace that’s right for them.
Depth
Children have opportunities to explore topics in detail and develop deeper understanding, strengthening their ability to think, question and apply their learning.
Coherence
Learning links together across subjects and experiences. Children are supported to make connections and see how different areas of learning fit together.
Relevance
Children understand why they are learning something and how it connects to real life, helping them see value in their learning now and for the future.
Personalisation and Choice
Children’s learning reflects their individual needs, interests and strengths. They have opportunities to make choices, take responsibility and celebrate their own successes.
We do this by:
- Including cross-cutting themes and interdisciplinary learning to ensure challenge and enjoyment
- Providing breadth, depth and progression at every stage of learning
- Ensuring learning is relevant and connected to wider life
- Offering personalisation and choice so children can take ownership of their learning
- Maintaining continuity and progression between stages and key transitions
What the Principles Mean for Our ChildrenChallenge and Enjoyment
Learning should be stimulating and rewarding. Children are encouraged to aim high, think creatively and enjoy learning that stretches their skills and imagination, with support to help them succeed.
Breadth
All children experience a wide range of subjects and activities, both in class and through wider school life, giving them opportunities to discover new interests and talents.
Progression
Learning builds steadily from year to year. Each stage builds on what has come before, allowing every child to move forward at a pace that’s right for them.
Depth
Children have opportunities to explore topics in detail and develop deeper understanding, strengthening their ability to think, question and apply their learning.
Coherence
Learning links together across subjects and experiences. Children are supported to make connections and see how different areas of learning fit together.
Relevance
Children understand why they are learning something and how it connects to real life, helping them see value in their learning now and for the future.
Personalisation and Choice
Children’s learning reflects their individual needs, interests and strengths. They have opportunities to make choices, take responsibility and celebrate their own successes.