The curriculum emphasises the development of Cross-Curricular Skills and Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities for lifelong learning and contributing effectively to society. These Whole Curriculum Skills and Capabilities are embedded in each Key Stage. Pupils should have opportunities to acquire, develop and demonstrate these skills in all areas of the curriculum.

The Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities are:

• Managing Information;
• Thinking, Problem-Solving and Decision-Making;
• Being Creative;
• Working with Others; and
• Self-Management.

All parts of the curriculum emphasise the development of Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities. These skills help pupils to think critically and creatively. They also help them to develop personal and interpersonal skills and dispositions that are essential for functioning effectively in a changing world.

The Cross-Curricular Skills are:

• Communication
• Using Mathematics
• Using ICT

These core skills allow young people to access knowledge. The curriculum emphasises transferring, applying and using these skills effectively.