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.

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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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    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

  • Smashed Online

    Smashed Online

    Smashed Online is an externally produced resource to educate and young people about the risks and dangers associated with underage drinking. The

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    KS3
    KS4
    Artboard 1
  • Exploring Contemporary Issues

    Exploring Contemporary Issues

    These resources provide a variety of relevant content to stimulate pupils’ thinking and create positive learning experiences.

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    KS3
    KS4
    Artboard 1
  • Life & Work through English

    The Study of Spoken Language

    The Study of Spoken Language gives students the opportunity to learn about effective talk.

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    KS4
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Latest News

CCEA publishes GCSE, AS and A level Awarding Summer 2021: Alternative Arrangements – Process for Heads of Centre

Published: 05/03/2021, 3:30pm

CCEA has today published the guidance and process for schools and colleges on how the alternative awarding arrangements for Summer 2021 CCEA qualifications will operate following the cancellation of this year’s exams by the Minister of Education, Peter Weir MLA.

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Young Enterprise Launch Free Financial Capability textbook for NI Students

Published: 05/02/2021, 3:30pm

Young Enterprise recently launched a free Financial Capability textbook for Key Stage 4 (post-primary Years 11 and 12) students, which is now available for download.

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CCEA Chief Executive announces decision to pursue new career opportunity

Published: 04/02/2021, 6:20pm

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.

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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