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Throughout their time at school your child will follow a set National Curriculum covering the main subject areas. The way in which schools teach the curriculum and the learning resources they use will vary. Your child’s school should supply you with information on how they teach the curriculum and what materials they use to support children’s learning. Here a private school in North London outlines the school National Curriculum.
Key Stage 1 and 2 curriculum
In primary school, Key Stage 1 includes Reception up to Year 2, and Key Stage 2 covers Years 3 to 6. The compulsory subjects at primary school include English, maths, science, design and technology, history, geography, art and design, music, physical education, computing, and ancient and modern foreign languages. Schools must also provide religious education, although parents can choose for their children to opt out of this. In addition, schools teach citizenship and personal, social and health education (PSHE).
Key Stage 1 and 2 assessments
In reception children will undergo teacher assessments to determine their current level of knowledge, as well as a phonics screening check at the end of Year 1. In addition, they will take national tests at the end of Year 6 in English, maths and science – also known as SATs.
Key Stage 3 and 4 curriculum
In secondary school, Key Stage 3 includes Year 7 up to Year 9, whilst Key Stage 3 covers Years 10 and 11. At Key Stage 3 compulsory National Curriculum subjects are English, maths, science, history, geography, modern foreign languages, design and technology, art and design, music, physical education, citizenship and computing. Schools must also provide religious education and sex education, although once again parents can ask for their child to be excluded from these subjects. In Key Stage 4 students working towards national qualifications, usually GCSEs. At this stage the curriculum includes core and foundation subjects. Core subjects are English, maths and science, whilst foundation subjects are computing, citizenship and physical education. In addition, schools must offer at least one subject out of arts, design and technology, humanities and modern foreign languages, as well as religious and sex education.
Key Stage 3 and 4 Assessment
Most children take their GCSEs or other national qualifications at the end of Year 11, although some children do take their GCSEs in Year 10.
Understanding your child’s curriculum will help you understand what they are studying at different points in their education and enable you to support them leading up to assessments.
