THE AIMS OF THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM

The new curriculum becomes statutory in 2011.

The National Curriculum has three broad aims. It should enable all young people to become:

• successful learners who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve
• confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives
• responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society.

These aims should inform all aspects of teaching and learning and be the starting point for curriculum design.

The curriculum should reflect values in our society that promote personal development, equality of opportunity, economic wellbeing, a healthy and just democracy, and a sustainable future.
These values should relate to:

• ourselves, as individuals capable of spiritual, moral, social, intellectual and physical growth and development
• our relationships, as fundamental to the development and fulfilment of happy and healthy lives, and to the good of the community
• our society, which is shaped by the contributions of a diverse range of people, cultures and heritages
• our environment, as the basis of life and a source of wonder and inspiration that needs to be protected.