The National Curriculum

What is the National Curriculum? The national curriculum is a set of subjects and standards used by primary and secondary schools so children learn the same things. It covers what subjects are taught and the standards children should reach in each subject. Other types of school like academies and private schools don’t have to follow the national curriculum. Academies must teach a broad and balanced curriculum including English, maths and science. They must also teach religious education.

How is it Organised? The national curriculum is organised into blocks of years called ‘key stages’ (KS). At the end of each key stage, the teacher will formally assess the student’s performance to measure their progress. For each subject there is a ‘programme of study’. It describes what children should learn. There are also ‘attainment targets’ - usually split into 8 levels for each subject.

AgeYearKey stageAssessment Average level of attainment 3-4 Early years 4-5ReceptionEarly years 5-6Year 1KS1Phonics screening check 6-7Year 2KS1 Teacher assessments in English, maths and science 2 7-8Year 3KS2 8-9Year 4KS2 9-10Year 5KS Year 6KS2 National tests and teacher assessments in English, maths and science Year 7KS3Teacher assessments 12-13Year 8KS3Teacher assessments 13-14Year 9KS3Teacher assessments5/ Year 10KS4Some children take GCSEs 15-16Year 11KS4 Most children take GCSEs or other national qualifications

Key Stages 1 & 2 Compulsory Subjects English maths science design and technology history geography art and design music physical education (PE) information and communication technology (ICT) Schools often also teach: personal, social and health education (PSHE) citizenship modern foreign languages

Key Stage 3 Compulsory Subjects English maths science history geography modern foreign languages design and technology art and design music physical education citizenship religious education information and communication technology (ICT)

Key Stage 4 During Key Stage 4 most pupils work towards national qualifications - usually GCSEs (soon to be replaced by EBCs!) Subjects children have to study: English maths science information and communication technology (ICT) physical education citizenship Schools must also offer at least 1 subject from each of these areas: arts design and technology humanities modern foreign languages

Other Compulsory Subjects… There are other subjects children must study - these may not lead to exams: careers education (year 9 onwards) citizenship information and communication technology (ICT) physical education sex and relationships education (year 7 onwards) religious education

Is it Flexible? The National Curriculum provides a structure for teaching in schools – but does this mean you are tied down by it? Year 7Year 8Year 9Year 10Year 11 Enhanced Transition Year TFEL for EAL. Reaching L3 for SEN 2 Year KS3 Aiming for L5 diploma/ core GCSE/GNVQ/WRL/college Part 1 KS3 EAL/Support focus year – mid phase entries Part 2 KS3 diploma/ core GCSE/GNVQ/ WRL/college 3 year KS3 Aiming for L6 GNVQ/GCSEs/ diplomas 2 Year KS3 (Level 7 accelerated)Early start KS4AS subjects 2 Year KS3 (Level 6 accelerated) Enrichment year – GCSEs/L2 qualifications GNVQ/GCSEs/ diplomas

Under Review… In January 2011, the Government launched a review into the National Curriculum. Ending/reducing central government involvement in the curriculum New, shorter, programmes of study; giving teachers ‘extreme’ and ‘almost total’ freedom over what is taught The EBacc (EBCs) – how will it impact KS3?