Six areas of learning and experience

There are six areas of learning and experience. These are:

• Language, literacy and communication
• Mathematics and numeracy
• Expressive arts
• Science and technology
• Humanities
• Health and well-being

Within each area of learning and experience, there are a number of 'what matters' statements which frame the learning for pupils. See below for more detail.

 

Language, literacy and communication

Languages connect us.

Understanding languages is key to understanding the world around us. 

Expressing ourselves through languages is key to communication.

Literature fires imagination and inspires creativity.

Mathematics and numeracy

The number system is used to represent and compare relationships between numbers and quantities.

Algebra uses symbol systems to express the structure of mathematical relationships.

Geometry focuses on relationships involving shape, space and position, and measurement focuses on quantifying phenomena in the physical world. 

Statistics represent data, probability models chance, and both support informed inferences and decisions.

Expressive arts

Exploring the expressive arts is essential to developing artistic skills and knowledge and it enables learners to become curious and creative individuals.

Responding and reflecting, both as artist and audience, is a fundamental part of learning in the expressive arts.

Creating combines skills and knowledge, drawing on the senses, inspiration and imagination.

Science and technology

Being curious and searching for answers is essential to understanding and predicting phenomena.

Design thinking and engineering offer technical and creative ways to meet society's needs and wants.

The world around us is full of living things which depend on each other for survival.

Matter and the way it behaves defines our universe and shapes our lives.

Forces and energy provide a foundation for understanding our universe.

Computation is the foundation for our digital world.

Humanities

Enquiry, exploration and investigation inspire curiosity about the world, its past, present and future.

Events and human experiences are complex, and are perceived, interpreted and represented in different ways.

Our natural world is diverse and dynamic, influenced by processes and human actions.

Human societies are complex and diverse, and shaped by human actions and beliefs.

Informed, self-aware citizens engage with the challenges and opportunities that face humanity, and are able to take considered and ethical action.

Health and well-being

Developing physical health and well-being has life long benefits.

How we process and respond to our experiences affects our mental health and emotional well-being.

Our decision-making impacts on the quality of our lives and the lives of others.

How we engage with social influences shapes who we are and affects our health and well-being.

Healthy relationships are fundamental to our well-being.