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.

Entry Level

CCEA’s Entry Level qualifications offer a total of over 150 units at Entry 1 to Entry 3. Familiar subject areas such as Mathematics, History and Science are available, as well as vocationally related and skills for life options.

Entry Level Subjects

Vocational

CCEA offers vocational qualifications at Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework. These qualifications are practical in nature and relate to a specific job or career area.

Vocational Subjects

GCSE

CCEA GCSE qualifications are at Level 1/2 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework.

GCSE Subjects GCSE Timetables GCSE Past Papers & Mark Schemes

Curriculum at Key Stage 4

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 4 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 is not compulsory for pupils at Key Stage 4, but schools must offer access to at least one course that leads to a qualification in

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  • Modern Languages

    Modern Languages is an Area of Learning in the post-primary curriculum. It is not compulsory for pupils at Key Stage 4, but schools must offer access to at least one course in an official language of

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  • Mathematics and Numeracy

    Mathematics and Numeracy is an Area of Learning in the curriculum. It is not compulsory for pupils at Key Stage 4, but schools must offer access to at least one course that leads to a qualification in

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  • Artboard 1

    Learning for Life and Work

    Learning for Life and Work is a compulsory Area of Learning at Key Stage 4. Schools must offer access to at least one course that leads to a qualification in this Area of Learning.

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  • Environment and Society

    Environment and Society is an Area of Learning in the post-primary curriculum. It is not compulsory for pupils at Key Stage 4, but schools must offer access to at least one course that leads to a

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  • Physical Education

    Physical Education is a compulsory Area of Learning at Key Stage 4. Schools must offer access to at least one course that leads to a qualification in this Area of Learning.

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  • Religious Education

    Religious Education is a compulsory part of the Northern Ireland Curriculum. Schools must offer access to at least one course that leads to a qualification in Religious Education.

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  • Science and Technology

    Science and Technology is an Area of Learning in the post-primary curriculum. It is not compulsory for pupils at Key Stage 4, but schools must offer access to at least one course that leads to a

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  • The Arts

    The Arts is an Area of Learning in the curriculum. It is not compulsory for pupils at Key Stage 4, but schools must offer access to at least one course that leads to a qualification in this Area of

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  • Communication

    Cross-Curricular Skills

    Communication 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

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  • Using Mathematics

    Cross-Curricular Skills

    Using 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

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  • Using ICT

    Cross-Curricular Skills

    Using ICT is one of the three Cross-Curricular Skills at the heart of the curriculum. Developing pupils’ digital skills encourages them to handle and communicate information, solve problems, pose

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  • Other Skills

    Skills and Capabilities

    The Other Skills at Key Stage 4 are Problem-Solving, Self-Management and Working with Others. These skills incorporate Being Creative and Managing Information. However, they are grouped differently to

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The Development Pathway

Featured Learning Resources

  • Dairy Council and Sustainability Banner

    Sustainable Farming

    This resource has been jointly produced by CCEA and The Dairy Council for Northern Ireland. Using videos as stimulus, the activities aim to help

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    KS4
    Artboard 1
  • Relationships and Sexuality Education

    Period Dignity

    The accessibility and availability of essential care needed to support a period, in conjunction with the breaking of stigma and taboo around periods.

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    KS1&2
    KS3
    KS4
    P16
    SEN
    IM
  • CCEA

    Supporting Teacher Education and Professional Learning

    If you support teacher education or you’re a student teacher, early career teacher or established teacher, this section offers relevant support for

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    KS1&2
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Latest News

Communications Survey for CCEA Qualifications 2021/22

Published: 24/02/2022, 4:25pm

The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) has developed a short survey to gauge audiences’ understanding and knowledge of the assessment arrangements and adaptations for CCEA qualifications delivered during 2021/22.

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Summer 2022 Assessment Arrangements for CCEA Qualifications

Published: 10/02/2022, 5:45pm

We continue to be mindful of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption this has caused to teaching and learning. This year a number of measures designed to support students impacted by the pandemic have been introduced:

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November 2021 Examination Series - Issue of Results for GCSE

Published: 08/02/2022, 5:15pm

Electronic results files for GCSE will be available for centres to download from the A2C Migration Application on Wednesday 9 February 2022. The results are for release to candidates on Thursday 10 February 2022 from 8.00am.

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Past CCEA Events

There are currently no events scheduled due to Corona Virus (COVID-19). Here are some that CCEA recently held:

  • 26 Mar

    CCEA GCSE Mathematics Support Event

    Corr's Corner Hotel315 Ballyclare RoadNewtownabbeyBT36 4TQ

  • 27 Mar

    Primary - Key Stage 3: 'Whet your Appetite with a Webinar' - Group Work – What is it and how to do it better (CCEA - Curriculum)

    Online Webinar

  • 02 Apr

    CCEA GCE Mathematics/Further Mathematics Support Event

    Corr's Corner Hotel315 Ballyclare RoadNewtownabbeyBT36 4TQ

  • 02 Apr

    CCEA A2 EEP Webinar A2 Geography

    WEBINAR

  • 04 Apr

    CCEA GCE Mathematics/Further Mathematics Support Event

    Glenavon Hotel52 Drum RoadCookstownBT80 8JQ
View events page
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