Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency

Last updated: 20 November 2007

Fundamental to the curriculum

Every Child Matters is a fundamental part of the curriculum. The new aims for the curriculum - agreed by school leaders, teachers and other education professionals - and the new emphasis on personal development are closely linked to Every Child Matters, promoting learners' wellbeing and enabling them to develop their potential as healthy, enterprising and responsible citizens. The new personal, learning and thinking skills framework seeks to develop the qualities and skills that learners need for success in learning and in life. Two new programmes of study at key stages 3 and 4 focus on personal wellbeing and financial capability. The social and emotional aspects of learning (SEAL) programme can also make a significant contribution to Every Child Matters outcomes.

Designing a curriculum to meet the outcomes

When designing a curriculum with Every Child Matters at its heart, schools need to consider how every aspect of the curriculum can support the outcomes. See Designing a curriculum to meet the outcomes on the left-hand side of this page.