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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

  • Languages for Life and Work

    Languages for Life and Work

    Discover CCEA’s French, German, Irish and Spanish qualifications and modern language resources available from primary school to A level and beyond

    Explore this resource
    KS1&2
    KS3
    KS4
    P16
    IM
    Communication
    Modern Languages
    Learning for Life and Work
    Language and Literacy
  • True Folours Virtual Tour 2024

    True Colours

    Our virtual Art and Design exhibition showcases amazing artwork by GCSE, AS and A level students in Northern Ireland's schools and colleges

    Explore this resource
    KS3
    KS4
    P16
    The Arts
    The Arts: Art and Design
  • Paper Builder Resource Banner

    Paper Builder

    Paper Builder is a new and free tool designed for teachers to create practice question papers from past papers.

    Explore this resource
    KS4
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Latest News

NI’s promising young film and animation students celebrated at CCEA’s Moving Image Arts Showcase 2024

Published: 03/12/2024, 9:00am

Northern Ireland’s most talented young filmmakers were recognised at CCEA’s annual Moving Image Arts Showcase.

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New app launched to help students develop lifesaving skills in CPR and AED

Published: 13/11/2024, 10:15am

CCEA has created an engaging and interactive lifesaving application (app) in partnership with the Department of Education and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

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It’s time to Talk Money

Published: 28/10/2024, 4:45pm

Talk Money Week, 4-8 November , is the national campaign that aims to get everyone talking money.

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Access all news

Past CCEA Events

There are currently no events scheduled. 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