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Section 3

Breadth and Balance - Exemplifications
Time allocations and the flexible use of time

The revised guidelines for The Structure and Balance of the Curriculum 5-14 recommend the following minimum time allocations.

Curriculum area
Minimum time allocation

  • Language - including modern language from no later than P6
  • Mathematics
  • Environmental studies
  • Expressive arts
  • Religious and moral education with personal and social development and          health education

    • 20%
    15%
    15%
    15%

    15%
    Total
    80%
     
    The flexible use of the remaining time, 20 per cent, should be based on the needs of pupils and the development priorities of the school and the local authority. Decisions about its use should inform and derive from the school development planning process and, in particular, initiatives to raise standards of attainment and strategies for strengthening learning and teaching.
    The Structure and Balance of the Curriculum:
    5-14 National Guidelines    , paragraph 3.7

    Examples of breadth and balance in primary schools

    The examples that follow are drawn from primary schools of different types and sizes and from classes at different stages. They illustrate how the principles of breadth and balance and the minimum recommended times are used as a base model and are successfully incorporated into the curriculum provision for each class. Each example consists of:

  • a diagram showing time allocations for each curriculum area along with some brief information about          specific issues
  • background notes about curriculum priorities and significant features of the class organisation
  • a teaching plan
  • a question for teachers and managers.

    The examples highlight a range of issues that are commonly found in Scottish schools. These include teaching multi-stage composite classes, strategies for raising attainment in language and mathematics, developing ICT across the curriculum and developing interactive teaching.

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