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Section 3 Developing the Principles of 5-14 Breadth The principle of breadth provides appropriate experiences to ensure the coverage of a sufficiently comprehensive range of areas of learning. 3.1 Areas of the 5-14 curriculum As a means of ensuring sufficient breadth, five main curriculum areas have been identified as the framework for planning the 5-14 curriculum in primary, secondary and special schools. These areas are: language (including a modern language) mathematics environmental studies: society, science and technology expressive arts and physical education religious and moral education with personal and social development and health education. It is in and through each of these curriculum areas that pupils can gain the essential experiences that help them acquire different types of knowledge, skills, attitudes and dispositions. While it is recognised that within some areas, such as environmental studies and expressive arts, a number of more discrete subjects are grouped under one heading, it is nevertheless important that the 5-14 curriculum retains the broad basis of the five main areas. 3.2 Cross-curricular aspects Cross-curricular aspects address important and developing contemporary issues and prepare pupils for life in a society that is rapidly changing. They include: personal and social development education for work education for citizenship the culture of Scotland information and communications technology. Cross-curricular aspects can often be effectively addressed in contexts and topics already identified in programmes for the five curriculum areas. At other times short, well-focused topics and activities may be the most appropriate way for pupils to acquire important skills and ideas, for example certain ICT skills or aspects of health relating to drugs. In order to ensure good progression in pupils' learning, each aspect should be described in a programme that identifies appropriate learning contexts for the development of key ideas and skills. Each cross-curricular aspect will require careful planning and teaching so that its distinctive contribution can be made both within and across the curriculum areas. It is important that these aspects are taught in ways that allow pupils to make connections to other parts of the curriculum. This strengthens coherence in pupils' learning and avoids unhelpful fragmentation of the curriculum. It also provides an important basis for the personal and social development of all pupils. 3.3 Personal and social development Personal and social development (PSD) is fundamental to the education of the whole child. Schools make an important contribution to children's all-round development through: a specific PSD programme with special focus topics cross-curricular approaches a positive ethos of achievement, fairness and equality in all aspects of school life. PSD requires a well-planned and well-managed programme. This will help pupils to develop their self-awareness and self-esteem, build positive relationships and acquire the confidence to deal with issues they will encounter in the course of their lives. Support for pupils at times of personal challenge and at times of transition is an essential element of an effective PSD programme. Where PSD is effective, pupils will enjoy their learning and succeed in school. It is recognised that there are close links between progress in personal and social development, an ethos of achievement and high standards of attainment. All staff in partnership with parents, community groups and professional agencies make important contributions to the school's effectiveness in supporting the personal and social development of all pupils. 3.4 The 5-14 curriculum More detailed statements of the content of each curriculum area are contained in Appendix 1(a). Details of cross-curricular aspects are included in Appendix 1(b). [RETURN TO 5-14 ONLINE] [BACK] [INDEX] [NEXT] © The 5-14 Curriculum (Scotland) Guidelines were produced by the Scottish Executive and Learning and Teaching Scotland and are reproduced with permission from the Queen's Printer for Scotland.