As you may know the Curriculum for Excellence began across Scotland for all young people in S1 in August 2010. consequently our young people joining us in August 2011 will also follow the new curriculum. The aim of Curriculum for Excellence is to provide young people with learning and teaching that is more relevant to the changing world. In order to achieve this, the programme itself consists of a number of separate but related elements. 

1. A new approach to teaching which is more interactive between the pupils and teacher, and less about teachers simply providing information.
2. A slimming down and updating of what is taught to focus on what is relevant to the world today and what youngsters need to know.
3. More cross-subject teaching ie. using a project to combine different elements from different subjects. So, for example, in science the topic Planet Earth draws on all the conventional sciences - physics, chemistry and biology.
4. A new focus on literacy ,and numeracy by all teachers in all areas of the curriculum to help ensure that youngsters become competent in these skills.
5. A modernised qualification (examination) system in the upper secondary (S4 onwards) which takes account of both the new style of teaching and learning and the new content; (Youngsters will also be assessed on a portfolio of their work in literacy and numeracy and given an award that reflects level of attainment).
6. A recognition that not all learning happens in the classroom and youngsters will be credited for other activities that they do whether these are playing sport/music or taking part in activities like the Scouts.

It is also anticipated that the new, interactive approach to teaching and the more relevant curriculum content will motivate pupils to learn and so help them raise their levels of attainment.