A Curriculum for Excellence

Scottish Executive Education DepartmentCurriculum for Excellence Programme

Teachers are key… to successful implementation of A

Curriculum for Excellence.

The quality of learning and teaching in every classroom – and the inspiration, challenge and enjoyment which can come from teachers’ enthusiasm and commitment – will be critical to achieving our aspirations for all young people.

Building The Curriculum 1

Cross-cutting themes

• Aspects of Health & Wellbeing

• Literacy and numeracy

• Citizenship

• Enterprise

• Creativity

• Sustainable development

Proposals: Progression and Levels of Achievement

Level Experiences and outcomes for most

children or young people

Early In pre-school and in Primary 1First By end of P4, but earlier for someSecond By end of P7, but earlier for someThird In S1- S3 but earlier for some Fourth level broadly equates to SCQF level 4

FourthSenior In S4 – S6, but earlier for some

Learning and Teaching

Within an outcome!

Purposes of science education

methodology

Teach for understandingIncrease cognitive demand

Big areas of contemporary science

skills

Allow cross curricular work

DeclutterShow progression

active

Process of Science Enquiry

Topical Science

Planet Earth

Energy in the Environment

Communications

Materials

Force and Motion

Life and Cells

Progression

• Skills and Knowledge and Understanding are developed progressively through all areas.

• Some of the lines of progression do not have specific entries at each of the levels

- to focus on a reduced number of outcomes at that level to allow learning in depth.

- to meet the cognitive stage of development of the pupils and should be accessible but challenging for all

New Outcomes

Based on my understanding of colour mixing, I have compared the main types of visual displays used in communication and entertainment devices. I can present information on the relative advantages and disadvantages.

SCN 322T

New Outcomes

By investigation and research, I have explored properties of novel materials and can convey my understanding of the innovative commercial and industrial applications of these materials and their potential benefits to society.

SCN 325X

New Outcomes

In my group, I can contribute to the design of investigations on the growth of microbes and debate the risks and benefits of their different roles. I can give a simple explanation on how some cells can be used therapeutically.

SCN 317P

EngagementPublication of learning outcomes and experiences: • phased approach• engagement with teachers - how do the outcomes build upon your current

practice? - are there any specific outcomes that you feel

would benefit from further elaboration? - Is the ‘gradient of progression’ from outcome to

outcome appropriate?

Support and resources?

• SSERC,IOP, RSC,IOB,LAs• SEP equipment

and teaching materials

• Science centres?

• GLOW/ website

Links and implementation?

Cross cutting

Inter disciplinary

Technology project

Enterprise event

Issues• Have we got it right?

Progression, clarity, decluttering• Support for ‘new’ science?• Support for non-specialists?• Learning and teaching strategies?• Planning?• Assessment?• CPD needs

Next Steps: 2007-2008• pilot projects in some education

authorities• developing our thinking on curricular

architecture• consultation with the profession: SCQF 4 and 5 recognising wider achievement• glow: networking opportunities

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go”

T S Eliot