Progression

Progression in education means increasing knowledge, improving skills and deepening understanding of ideas and concepts. It is a non-linear, divergent process which occurs at different stages of the continuum for each learner.

Progression in learning should always be at the heart of curriculum design rather than starting with a theme and fitting the learning to it. In selecting curriculum content, schools and practitioners must use the principles of progression to inform their approach to progression.

The principles of progression below articulate the national expectations for learners’ progress throughout the continuum of learning.

• Increasing breadth and depth of knowledge ​

• Deepening understanding of the ideas and disciplines within Areas ​

• Refinement and growing sophistication in the use and application of skills ​

• Making connections and transferring learning into new contexts ​

• Increasing effectiveness as a learner

Key Principles

• Planning for progression should take account of the pace and depth of learning.

• Progression involves moving from literal, simple information to more abstract and complex concepts.

• Progress happens when skills, knowledge and understanding can be transferred to and applied in new and increasingly unfamiliar contexts.

• Progress is enabled when discussion, reflection and evaluation form an integral part of the learning.