The National Curriculum

The National Curriculum is a government framework used by all maintained (State) schools. The curriculum defines the subjects that should be taught and the knowledge and understanding required in each subject. Each child is assessed and measured against the expected requirements at key stages of the National curriculum.

The national testing of children happens at four stages known as the Key Stages; these are as follows -

• Key stage 1 Age 6 to 7
• Key stage 2 Age 10 to 11
• Key Stage 3 Age 13 to 14
• Key Stage 4 Age 15 to 16

Currently the school league tables are heavily based on the results at these key stages.

Schools are able to organise the teaching as they think most appropriate within the guidelines. In addition to the activities defined within the curriculum schools are free to teach other subjects.

Key stage 1 exams assess children's performance in English and maths.
Key Stages 2 and 3 have an additional science test.
Key Stage 4 is where children either take GCSEs or other national qualifications.
Key stages 1, 2 and 3 have national curriculum levels to measure your child's progress. During a school year your child will be assessed and you will receive information about your child's level. At the end of Key Stage 1 most children attain level 2 and by the end of Key Stage 2 most children attain level 4. (There are 8 national curriculum levels).

The National Curriculum subjects studied at Key Stages 1 & 2 -

• English
• Maths
• Science
• Information and Communication Technology
• Design and Technology
• History
• Geography
• Art and Design
• Music
• Physical Education

The curriculum requires schools to teach religious education although parents are permitted to withdraw their children from this subject. The curriculum also advises the teaching of a foreign language and Personal, social and health education (PSHE).

The National Curriculum subjects studied at Key Stage3 -

• English
• Maths
• Science
• Information and Communication Technology
• Design and Technology
• History
• Geography
• Art and Design
• Music
• Physical Education
• Citizenship
• Foreign Language

The curriculum also requires schools to provide Careers education, Religious education (RE) and Sex and Relationship education (SRE). As at Key stages 1 & 2 parents can withdraw their children from RE, in addition they may withdraw their children from the non-statutory sections of SRE. Children are expected to reach National Curriculum level 5 by the end of Key Stage 3.

When your child is 14 he/she will choose the subjects they will study for Key Stage 4. Many of these subjects will be studied to GCSE level.

The National Curriculum subjects studied at Key Stage 4 -
Compulsory

• English
• Maths
• Science
• Information and Communication Technology
• Physical Education
• Citizenship

At least one subject from each of the following categories -

• Art Subjects
• Design and Technology
• Humanities
• Foreign Languages

At this stage children must also take careers education and work-related learning. The same rules for RE and SRE apply as at Stage 3.

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