Curriculum for Excellence (CfE)

Scotland’s curriculum – Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) – helps our children and young people gain the knowledge, skills and attributes needed for life in the 21st century.

Curriculum for Excellence is divided into two 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). Its purpose is to develop the knowledge, skills, attributes and capabilities of the four capacities of Curriculum for Excellence:

• Successful learners

• Confident individuals

• Responsible citizens

• Effective contributors

It is designed to provide the breadth and depth of education to develop flexible and adaptable young people with the knowledge and skills they will need to thrive now and in the future. It aims to support young people in achieving and attaining the best they possibly can.

The senior phase follows a young person's broad general education, building firmly on the experiences and outcomes they will have experienced and achieved by the end of S3.  The senior phase takes place from S4 to S6 in schools.  It is the phase when a young person will build up a portfolio of qualifications and continue to develop the knowledge, skills, attributes and capabilities of the four capacities of Curriculum for Excellence.  

Senior phase programmes lead to qualifications alongside a continuing emphasis on health and wellbeing, opportunities for personal achievement, and developing skills for learning life and work.  

The SISS Curriculum Rationale .