Areas of Learning Experience (AoLE)

Curriculum design and the four purposes

The four purposes should be the starting point and aspiration for schools’ curriculum design. Ultimately, the aim of a school’s curriculum is to support its learners to become:


  • ambitious, capable learners, ready to learn throughout their lives

  • enterprising, creative contributors, ready to play a full part in life and work

  • ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world

  • healthy, confident individuals, ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society.

All our children and young people will be supported to develop as:

ambitious, capable learners who:

  • set themselves high standards and seek and enjoy challenge

  • are building up a body of knowledge and have the skills to connect and apply that knowledge in different contexts

  • are questioning and enjoy solving problems

  • can communicate effectively in different forms and settings, using both Welsh and English

  • can explain the ideas and concepts they are learning about

  • can use number effectively in different contexts

  • understand how to interpret data and apply mathematical concepts

  • use digital technologies creatively to communicate, find and analyse information

  • undertake research and evaluate critically what they find

and are ready to learn throughout their lives


enterprising, creative contributors who:

  • connect and apply their knowledge and skills to create ideas and products

  • think creatively to re-frame and solve problems

  • identify and grasp opportunities

  • take measured risks

  • lead and play different roles in teams effectively and responsibly

  • express ideas and emotions through different media

  • give of their energy and skills so that other people will benefit

and are ready to play a full part in life and work


ethical, informed citizens who:

  • find, evaluate and use evidence in forming views

  • engage with contemporary issues based upon their knowledge and values

  • understand and exercise their human and democratic responsibilities and rights

  • understand and consider the impact of their actions when making choices and acting

  • are knowledgeable about their culture, community, society and the world, now and in the past

  • respect the needs and rights of others, as a member of a diverse society

  • show their commitment to the sustainability of the planet

and are ready to be citizens of Wales and the world

healthy, confident individuals who:

  • have secure values and are establishing their spiritual and ethical beliefs

  • are building their mental and emotional well-being by developing confidence, resilience and empathy

  • apply knowledge about the impact of diet and exercise on physical and mental health in their daily lives

  • know how to find the information and support to keep safe and well

  • take part in physical activity

  • take measured decisions about lifestyle and manage risk

  • have the confidence to participate in performance

  • form positive relationships based upon trust and mutual respect

  • face and overcome challenge

  • have the skills and knowledge to manage everyday life as independently as they can

and are ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society.