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.
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.
Language and Literacy
Language and Literacy is a compulsory Area of Learning at Key Stage 3. It includes English with Media Education (and Irish with Media Education in Irish-medium settings) and encourages pupils to
Modern Languages
Modern Languages is a compulsory Area of Learning at Key Stage 3. It gives pupils opportunities to develop effective communication skills through listening, speaking, reading and writing in a target
Mathematics and Numeracy
Mathematics and Numeracy is a compulsory Area of Learning at Key Stage 3. It gives pupils a wider understanding of how the world around them works and prepares them for making decisions, solving
Environment and Society
Environment and Society is a compulsory Area of Learning at Key Stage 3. It has two subject strands: Geography and History. This Area of Learning gives pupils opportunities to investigate the past and
Learning for Life and Work
Learning for Life and Work is a compulsory Area of Learning at Key Stage 3. It has four subject strands: Employability, Local and Global Citizenship, Personal Development, and Home Economics.
Science and Technology
Science and Technology is a compulsory Area of Learning at Key Stage 3. It has two subject strands: Science, and Technology and Design. This Area of Learning aims to stimulate pupils’ curiosity
Physical Education
Physical Education is a compulsory Area of Learning at Key Stage 3. It enables pupils to learn through movement so that they develop, extend and refine their skills in a range of movement contexts.
Religious Education
Religious Education is a compulsory part of the Northern Ireland Curriculum at Key Stage 3. It gives pupils opportunities to develop their personal understanding and enhance their spiritual and
Communication
Cross-Curricular SkillsCommunication is one of the three Cross-Curricular Skills at the heart of the curriculum. Developing pupils’ 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 pupils to think critically and creatively. They also help them to develop personal
Planning for Skills Development
Skills and CapabilitiesTeachers should plan opportunities for pupils to acquire, develop and demonstrate skills in all areas of the curriculum.
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
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
GCE/Vocational
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.
Featured Learning Resources
Parents' Guide to Assessment
Understand how teachers assess your child's learning in all aspects of the Northern Ireland Curriculum.
Quick Guide to the Curriculum for Parents
What to expect when your child starts primary and/or post-primary school. Download our resource(s).
Guidance on Subject Assessment at Key Stage 3
The guidance on subject assessment at Key Stage 3 supports principals, senior leaders/managers and teachers to plan and develop subject assessment at
Latest News
New look e-newsletters launched
September 2019 saw the re-launch of CCEA’s Primary and Post-Primary e-newsletters to accompany the existing Foundation-Stage and SEN e-newsletters.
These new look e-newsletters are designed to keep teachers up to date with qualification and curriculum developments, new resources, upcoming events/webinars and lots of other information to provide support across all stages.
Key Stage 3 Active Citizenship Resources (S/IF/38/19)
Woven in Ulster: Ulster-Scots and the Story of Linen
CCEA Essential Skills Examinations & Agreement Trials/Support
New Resource... Understanding 1917 and Beyond
All CCEA Events
24 Feb
-CCEA29 Clarendon RoadClarendon DockBelfastBT1 3BG24 Feb
-CCEA29 Clarendon RoadClarendon DockBelfastBT1 3BG