Curriculum discontinuity
It was believed that the 3-5 curriculum could dovetail naturally into the 5-14 curriculum. On paper, potential for smooth linkage may seem obvious. In practice, however, there are some key factors that can make continuity in pedagogy more difficult to achieve.
The staff-pupil ratio can change from 1:10 in pre-school setting to 1:29 in Primary 1. It is widely perceived that there is pressure bearing on early years staff to accelerate the pace of learning and to raise attainment so that targets set can be achieved.
Early intervention has contributed much to the raising of attainment, but many of the teaching and learning methods used in Primary 1 do not resemble those experienced in pre-school settings, for example whole class lessons, delivery of teaching programmes, substantial reduction or even omission of learning through play.