Values, purposes and principles

What are the values underpinning the new curriculum?

Wisdom, justice, compassion and integrity are the words inscribed on the mace of the Scottish Parliament. These words have helped to define values for Scottish society.

The Curriculum Review Group says: 'One of the prime purposes of education is to make our young people aware of the values on which Scottish society is based and so help them to establish their own stances on matters of social justice and personal and collective responsibility. Young people therefore need to learn about and develop these values. The curriculum is an important means through which this personal development should be encouraged.'

Curriculum for Excellence aims to:

• focus classroom practice upon the child and around the four capacities of education:
  • successful learners
  • confident individuals
  • responsible citizens
  • effective contributors
    

• simplify and prioritise the current curriculum

• encourage more learning through experiences

• create a single framework for the curriculum and assessment 3-18.

The intention is to alter the balance between a process that is heavily dependent on content, and learning and teaching approaches that improve pupils’ understanding of what is being taught. This is not a one-off change but the start of a continuous process of review to ensure that the curriculum remains up to date.