Senior phase
The senior phase of the curriculum relates to the period S4 to S6 in schools or the equivalent in terms of college or other means of study.
It is the stage of learning at which the relationship between the curriculum and qualifications becomes of key significance. At this stage of the curriculum we expect that most young people will engage with the qualifications framework and that more formal assessment and certification will take place.
The role of college at this stage becomes of particular significance for young people for whom learning at college is the best means of meeting their needs and also for those for whom a combination of school and college (or other means of study) meets their needs best. In addition to college, there will be a variety of other options open to young people to pursue their learning such as Glow, self-supported study, video-conferencing and studying at neighbourhood schools.
Young people with additional support needs should enter the senior phase in order to undertake learning at a level of qualification suitable to their needs.
However, it will not be possible - or even desirable - to deliver all aspects of the senior phase curriculum through qualifications alone. Whilst the opportunity to study for qualifications will be a central feature of the senior phase, there will be other planned opportunities for developing the four capacities.
These will include an ongoing entitlement to learning and experiences which continue to develop a young person's literacy and numeracy skills, skills for life and skills for work. The promotion of an active and healthy lifestyle and an appreciation of the world and Scotland's place in it should be part of this.
The purposes of the senior phase are to provide all learners, whatever their individual needs, with:
- an experience which builds on their learning in S1 to S3 with scope to develop their individual potential.
- a broad preparation for adult life, whether their own next stage is further/higher education or employment or volunteering and for participation in wider society.
- opportunities to extend their own abilities and interests.
- opportunities to study at as advanced levels as possible, to a high degree of rigour.
- opportunities for a range of personal achievements, in or out of school.
- recognition of achievement, both attainment of qualifications and wider achievements.
- continued emphasis on literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing and the development of a wide range of skills for life and skills for work.
A key principle for the senior phase must be that qualifications and assessment should support the new approach to learning and teaching and meet the desired outcomes of Curriculum for Excellence.
In this stage of learning, assessment continues to be an integral part of learning and teaching and should be used to support the learning process, inform next steps and provide a good basis for reporting on progress.
| Level | Stage |
|---|---|
| Senior phase | S4 to S6 and college or other means of study |