1 Introduction 

You can create and import a complete learning objective repository structure using an XLSX file. This method is useful when preparing large curriculum structures externally before uploading them to itslearning.

File Requirements

• File format: XLSX only
• Maximum file size: 10 MB
• Required columns: ID, ParentID, Title, Description, Type (exact spelling required)

2 XLSX File Structure

The file uses a hierarchical structure where each row represents one element, and the ParentID column links elements to their parent level.

Required Columns

Element Types

3 Creating the XLSX File

1. Set Up the Spreadsheet

1. Open Excel or another spreadsheet application
2. Create a new sheet
3. Add the following column headers in row 1:

Note! The column headers must be typed exactly as shown (case-sensitive)

2. Add a Root Folder

1. In row 2, create your top-level folder:
   • ID: MAT
   • ParentID: (leave blank)
   • Title: Mathematics
   • Description: Mathematics curriculum structure
   • Type: Folder

This creates the main container for your curriculum structure.

3. Add Subjects

1. Add one row for each subject you want to include
2. Set ParentID to match the folder ID (e.g., MAT)
3. Set Type to Subject
4. Use short, unique IDs (e.g., MAT_NUM)
5. Provide clear titles (e.g., Numbers and operations)

Example:

• ID: MAT_NUM
• ParentID: MAT
• Title: Numbers and operations
• Description: Working with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals
• Type: Subject

4. Add Categories (Optional)

Categories help organise learning objectives within subjects. You can nest categories within other categories to create deeper structures.

1. Add a row for each category
2. Set ParentID to the subject ID or another category ID
3. Set Type to Category
4. Provide a descriptive title (e.g., Year 3, Calculation)

Example:

• ID: MAT_NUM.3
• ParentID: MAT_NUM
• Title: Working with whole numbers
• Description: Year 3 number objectives
• Type: Category

5. Add Learning Objectives

1. Add a row for each learning objective
2. Set ParentID to the subject ID or category ID where it belongs
3. Set Type to LO
4. Provide a clear, specific title describing the skill or knowledge

Example:

• ID: MAT_NUM.3_CALC_1
• ParentID: MAT_NUM.3
• Title: Add and subtract within 1000
• Description: (optional)
• Type: LO

6. Add Criteria (Optional)

Criteria define assessment standards for learning objectives. Add these only if you use rubrics in your assessments.

1. Add a row under the relevant learning objective
2. Set ParentID to the learning objective ID
3. Set Type to Criterion
4. Provide a short title describing what is being assessed

Example:

• ID: MAT_NUM.3_CALC_1_CRIT
• ParentID: MAT_NUM.3_CALC_1
• Title: Strategy use
• Description: (optional)
• Type: Criterion

7. Add Descriptors (Optional)

Descriptors define performance levels for each criterion. You need one descriptor for each performance level in your rubric.

1. Add a row for each performance level
2. Set ParentID to the criterion ID
3. Set Type to Descriptor
4. Provide the performance description

Example:

• ID: MAT_NUM.3_CALC_1_DESC1
• ParentID: MAT_NUM.3_CALC_1_CRIT
• Title: Strategy not evident
• Description: (optional)
• Type: Descriptor

Your file should now look like this: 

6.3 Import the File

1. Save your spreadsheet as an XLSX file
2. Navigate to Admin → Learning objective repository in itslearning
3. Select the appropriate school or site repository
4. Click the Import curriculum button 

        5. Click Browse and select your XLSX file

        6. Click Upload file

        7. Review the repository tree structure to verify all elements imported correctly

4 Download Example File

An example XLSX file is available in the import interface. Click the here link under "Download an example file" to see a correctly formatted template.

After Import

Once imported:

• All folders, subjects, categories, and learning objectives appear in the repository tree
• Subjects display as unpublished (red icon) until you publish them
• You can edit or add to the structure using the standard interface
• The repository is ready for teachers to use once subjects are published

5. Technical Information

• Update behaviour:
  Local repository learning objectives do not sync across sites and cannot be shared with the global community.
• Course updates:
  When structures change, they synchronise overnight for learning objectives already added to courses.
• Metadata:
  Learning objectives can be used in My Library searches.

6. Troubleshooting

Subject does not appear when adding objectives to a course

1. Open the repository.
2. Verify the subject displays the green published icon.
3. Confirm the user is connected to the correct school/site.

Prevention: Publish subjects immediately after creating objectives.

Cannot access the repository from the Admin section    

1. Edit the user profile or policy.
2. Enable Learning objectives repository management at School or Site level.

Prevention: Assign permissions during onboarding for curriculum‑responsible profiles.