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.

Subsection

Curriculum at Key Stage 3

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 at Key Stage 3 is set out under the following Areas of Learning and Whole Curriculum Skills and Capabilities.

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.

Latest News

The Department of Education (DE) invites applications to become a member of CCEA’s Council

Published: 18/09/2023, 12:30pm

The Department of Education (DE) has launched a public appointments competition to appoint at least six members to CCEA’s Council. Applications are welcomed and encouraged from a wide range of people who have an interest in public service.

Teachers invited to take part in CCEA’s support survey

Published: 25/05/2023, 12:10pm

CCEA has developed a short survey to gauge the understanding and knowledge of CCEA’s support programme within primary, post-primary and SEN schools.

CCEA launches RSE Hub and Progression Framework for NI schools

Published: 04/05/2023, 2:50pm

CCEA has launched a Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) Hub , containing a range of resources and topics to support the learning and teaching of RSE. These resources include guidance for teachers within a new Progression Framework .