Experiences and outcomes

Every child and young person in Scotland is entitled to experience a broad general education. This broad general education takes place from the early years to the end of S3, and is represented by learning across all of the experiences and outcomes, as far as is consistent with each child or young person's needs.

What are experiences and outcomes?

The title 'experiences and outcomes' recognises the importance of the quality and nature of the learning experience in developing attributes and capabilities and in achieving active engagement, motivation and depth of learning. An outcome represents what is to be achieved.

The experiences and outcomes are set out in lines of development which describe progress in learning. They are organised into the eight curriculum areas:

• Expressive arts
• Health and wellbeing
• Languages
• Mathematics
• Religious and moral education
• Sciences
• Social studies
• Technologies

How are they used?

By exploring the entire set of experiences and outcomes, you will be able to see the curriculum from the early years to the end of S3 as a whole.

Those who teach a particular stage will be able to see where their contributions to a child's learning and development sit in the span of progression. Secondary teachers will also see where they can make contributions to experiences and outcomes from more than one curriculum area.

Staff can then plan, with colleagues, their contributions to each learner's education and also support learners in making connections in their learning. By doing this successfully, they will ensure that each learner experiences a coherent curriculum, achieves the highest possible standards, and is prepared to move successfully into the senior phase and a positive and sustained destination.

The framework is less detailed and prescriptive than previous curriculum advice. It provides professional space for teachers and other staff to use in order to meet the varied needs of all children and young people.

View the experiences and outcomes

You can download the experiences and outcomes and supporting guidance for all levels and curriculum areas in one document: