Education Scotland has recently begun work on the review of the Scottish curriculum also known as the Curriculum Improvement Cycle (CIC). The CIC is a systematic review of the Scottish curriculum to ensure it remains up to date and relevant for children and young people.

Education Scotland has published a discussion paper which conveys and discusses the findings, key messages and learning from a number of pilot curriculum reviews which have been undertaken in 2023/24.

This work has both informed and laid strong foundations in the development of the Curriculum Improvement Cycle to support the evolution of Curriculum for Excellence.

The discussion paper aims to set out the background for undertaking pilot curriculum reviews in 2023/24, outlines how the pilot curriculum reviews were carried out and how the approaches used in the pilots will inform the CIC as it moves forward and gathers pace.

It also shares the key findings and learning identified through the pilot reviews, makes a case for evolution of the current technical framework* and aims to stimulate thinking by exploring how the position of knowledge can be strengthened with Curriculum for Excellence.

Ollie Bray, Strategic Director at Education Scotland, said:

“Work has now begun on the Curriculum Improvement Cycle. We are still at an early stage of the planning process and recognise that reviewing the curriculum takes time.

“The pilot curriculum reviews have identified some significant learning about the processes which can support the national Curriculum Improvement Cycle and we have published this discussion paper as part of our commitment to keeping you updated on the process and the progress being made. We plan to publish a second discussion paper in December 2024 and a third in early 2025.”

*The Technical Framework within a curriculum is used by teachers and practitioners to plan what children and young people will learn. In Scotland this would include guidance such as the E's and O's, Benchmark and approaches to moderation.