Curriculum Framework — WISE

Overview

The WISE Curriculum Framework is the authoritative statement of the learning outcomes that a candidate is expected to demonstrate by the end of each qualification level. It is aligned with the UNESCO ISCED taxonomy, the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) , and the Bologna standards for the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

The framework is published in full by the Secretariat. It specifies, for each qualification level and each subject, the learning outcomes to be demonstrated, the topics to be covered, and the assessment instruments to be used.

Structure of the Framework

The framework is structured as follows:

• Qualification Levels (L0–L7) — Each level corresponds to a defined stage of secondary education, aligned with EQF;
• Streams — At upper levels, the framework recognises three streams: Science, Humanities, and Commerce;
• Subjects — Each stream comprises a set of compulsory and elective subjects;
• Learning Outcomes — Each subject comprises a set of demonstrable competencies, mapped to an ISCED level and an ISCED competency category;
• Assessment Instruments — Each learning outcome is associated with at least one assessment instrument within the Internal Assessment or the WISE Examination.

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes are expressed as demonstrable competencies rather than as topic coverage, so that they may be assessed reliably and consistently across jurisdictions and languages.

Each learning outcome is mapped to:

• A qualification level (L0–L7);
• A ISCED level (Level 2 or Level 3);
• An ISCED competency category — knowledge, skills, or attitudes and values;
• An assessment instrument within the Internal Assessment or WISE Examination.

There is no learning outcome that is not assessed, and no assessment that does not test a stated outcome.

Compulsory and Elective Components

The framework specifies compulsory and elective components:

• Compulsory Components — Uniform across all accredited schools. A school must deliver all compulsory components for each level at which it is accredited;
• Elective Components — Selected from a WEQSC-approved list, and may include jurisdiction-specific content approved by the Secretariat.

At upper levels, each stream comprises a defined set of compulsory subjects and one or more electives drawn from the approved list.

Curriculum Delivery Obligation

An accredited school must deliver the WISE Curriculum Framework in full for each qualification level at which it is accredited. Partial delivery, selective coverage, or substitution of an external curriculum for the WISE Curriculum Framework constitutes a breach of the WEQSC framework.

A school may adapt up to fifteen per cent of curriculum content to reflect local historical, geographic, cultural, or linguistic context. Adaptations must be documented and submitted to WEQSC for approval before implementation. The learning outcomes and assessment standards are not subject to adaptation.

Approved Textbooks and Learning Resources

Core subjects must be taught using textbooks and reference materials from the WEQSC Approved List, published by the Secretariat and revised not less than once every three years.

The school must maintain sufficient copies of the approved textbooks for classroom use, and must ensure that students who cannot afford to purchase copies have access to them through the school library or a lending scheme.

Periodic Review

WEQSC reviews the WISE Curriculum Framework not less than once every five years, and whenever UNESCO revises ISCED or the European Qualifications Framework is updated.

Where a revision requires consequential amendment of the framework, WEQSC will issue the amendment with a transition period of not less than one academic session before the amendment takes effect in examinations.

Credentials already issued are not affected by any revision of the framework. The qualification level stated on a credential at the date of issue remains the level for all purposes.

Conclusion

The WISE Curriculum Framework is the authoritative statement of what a WISE candidate is expected to know and be able to do. All curriculum procedures not expressly set out in this portal must follow the Secretariat's official bylaws.