Foundation Stage
Age 4–6
Primary school Years 1 and 2 make up the Foundation Stage. Children build on the learning experiences that they bring to school from home and/or pre-school. They learn through well-planned, challenging play that develops their interests, curiosity and creativity.
Curriculum at Foundation Stage
The Northern Ireland Curriculum aims to empower young people to achieve their potential and to make informed and responsible decisions throughout their lives. The learning opportunities provided should help young people to develop as individuals, contributors to society and contributors to the economy and environment.
The statutory curriculum in Foundation Stage is set out under the following Areas of Learning and Whole Curriculum Skills and Capabilities.
Language and Literacy
Language and Literacy is an Area of Learning in the curriculum. It focuses on developing children’s language and literacy skills. These enable children to interact effectively in the world around them
Personal Development and Mutual Understanding
Personal Development and Mutual Understanding (PDMU) is an Area of Learning in the primary curriculum. It focuses on encouraging children’s emotional and social development, confidence, independence
Mathematics and Numeracy
Mathematics and Numeracy is an Area of Learning in the curriculum. In the Foundation Stage, children acquire early mathematical concepts through play-based learning and planned activities that involve
Physical Development and Movement
Physical Development and Movement is an Area of Learning in the Foundation Stage. It gives children the opportunity to experience and develop a range of fundamental movement skills. These improve co
Religious Education
Religious Education is a compulsory part of the Northern Ireland Curriculum. It focuses on encouraging children to become informed and inquisitive about their own and others’ religious beliefs and
The World Around Us
The World Around Us is an Area of Learning in the primary curriculum. In the Foundation Stage, it plays a key role in encouraging children’s natural curiosity through play-based learning and planned
Communication
Cross-Curricular SkillsCommunication is one of the three Cross-Curricular Skills at the heart of the curriculum. Developing children’s communication skills enables them to express themselves socially, emotionally and
Using Mathematics
Cross-Curricular SkillsUsing Mathematics is one of the three Cross-Curricular Skills at the heart of the curriculum. It is the skill of applying mathematical concepts, processes and understanding appropriately in different
Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities
Skills and CapabilitiesAll parts of the curriculum emphasise the development of Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities. These skills help children to think critically and creatively. They also help them to develop
The Development Pathway
Pre-School
Age 3–4 / Before Year 1
Pre-school education offers children one year of non-compulsory education. Children learn at their own pace through a breadth of learning experiences and challenging play activities in a stimulating environment.
Foundation Stage
Age 4–6
Primary school Years 1 and 2 make up the Foundation Stage. Children build on the learning experiences that they bring to school from home and/or pre-school. They learn through well-planned, challenging play that develops their interests, curiosity and creativity.
Key Stages 1 & 2
Age 6–11
Key Stage 1 (primary school Years 3 and 4) builds on Foundation Stage experiences, and Key Stage 2 (primary school Years 5, 6 and 7) builds on Key Stage 1 experiences. As children progress through these stages, they move from informal to more formal learning.
Key Stage 3
Age 11–14
At Key Stage 3 (post-primary Years 8, 9 and 10), the curriculum builds on the learning experiences that pupils bring from primary school. Pupils now attend classes in different subjects, and teachers typically teach specific subjects to pupils across the different Years.
Key Stage 4
Age 14–16 / Qualifications
At Key Stage 4 (post-primary Years 11 and 12), pupils build on their learning from Key Stage 3. Pupils meet the statutory curriculum requirements through compulsory Areas of Learning and optional courses that lead to general and/or applied qualifications.
Post-16
Qualifications
At post-16, young people can choose from a number of qualifications that we offer at Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework, including GCE A levels.
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Latest News
Education Minister Launches New Resources to CCEAs ‘Northern Ireland @ 100’ Learning Hub
On Thursday 25 November 2021 Education Minister Michelle McIveen launched a series of learning resources as part of the Department of Education’s (DE) NI100 Education Programme.
CCEA visits Local Schools to celebrate Outdoor Classroom Day
CCEA Interim Chief Executive Margaret Farragher and Corinne Latham, Interim Director of Curriculum and Assessment, visited a number of schools to celebrate Outdoor Classroom Day held on 4 November.
CCEA Chief Executive announces decision to pursue new career opportunity
After 6 years in post, CEO Justin Edwards, announces he will be leaving CCEA to pursue a new opportunity. Mr Edwards will remain in post until 30 April 2021. Alongside his established senior management team, he is fully committed to the implementation of the Minister’s decisions in relation to awarding examinations and CCEA’s wider programme of work.
Past CCEA Events
There are currently no events scheduled due to Corona Virus (COVID-19). Here are some that CCEA recently held:
