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.
Curriculum at Key Stages 1 and 2
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 Stages 1 and 2 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 focuses on developing children’s language and literacy skills. These enable children to interact effectively in the world around them
Personal Development and Mutual Understanding
Personal Development and Mutual Understanding (PDMU) is an Area of Learning in the primary curriculum. It focuses on encouraging children’s emotional and social development, confidence, independence
Mathematics and Numeracy
Mathematics and Numeracy is an Area of Learning in the curriculum. It gives children a wider understanding of how the world around them works and prepares them for making decisions, solving problems
Physical Education
Physical Education is an Area of Learning in the curriculum. It focuses on children’s physical development, health and wellbeing. The Department of Education recommends that schools should provide
Religious Education
Religious Education is a compulsory part of the Northern Ireland Curriculum. It focuses on encouraging children to become informed and inquisitive about their own and others’ religious beliefs and
The World Around Us
The World Around Us is an Area of Learning in the primary curriculum. It encourages children’s natural curiosity and answers some of their questions about the world from the perspectives of Geography
Communication
Cross-Curricular SkillsCommunication is one of the three Cross-Curricular Skills at the heart of the curriculum. Developing children’s 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
The Development Pathway
Featured Learning Resources
Online Safety
Curriculum resources, video and links for teachers and parents/carers on issues such as digital security, cyberbullying and sextortion
FSKS1&2KS3KS4P16SENEngParents' Guide to Assessment
Primary and post-primary guides to ways in which teachers assess children’s learning at school and share information about their progress with parents
KS1&2KS3GENEngInterim End of Key Stage Assessment Arrangements 2024/25
Links to the key resources provided by CCEA that support the arrangements for Years 4, 7 and 10 set out by the Department of Education in October 2024
KS1&2KS3GENEng
Latest News
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced the appointment of Mrs Deborah O’Hare to the post of Chairperson of the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA).
New app launched to help students develop lifesaving skills in CPR and AED
CCEA has created an engaging and interactive lifesaving application (app) in partnership with the Department of Education and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
Talk Money Week, 4-8 November , is the national campaign that aims to get everyone talking money.
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