Why is there a National Curriculum?

The word 'curriculum' refers to the subjects your child will study at school. The curriculum is laid down by law, so all state schools must follow it.

Until 1988 schools were free to decide what they taught their pupils. Religious Education (RE) was the only compulsory subject. However, this led to a great deal of variety between schools.

To make sure all pupils had a balanced education, the National Curriculum was developed. It listed the subjects to be covered and detailed what topics should be taught. It also stated the standards or levels expected by pupils at age 7, 11 and 14.

The Foundation Stage

The Foundation Stage is the term used for education in the early years. This stage lasts from a child's third birthday to the end of the Reception Year.

The Foundation Stage became part of the National Curriculum in 2002. Children's learning is now organised into six areas:

personal, social and emotional development

language and literacy

mathematical development

knowledge and understanding of the world

physical development

creative development

There are Early Learning Goals, which set out what most children are expected to achieve by the end of the foundation stage.

Of course, at this stage most learning happens through play and through fun group activities, not through sitting at desks with pencils and paper! Assessment is done informally through teachers' observations of children.

What subjects are studied?

All pupils aged 5-16, except those at private schools, must follow the National Curriculum. At present it consists of the following:

Three core subjects: English, maths and science.

Nine foundation subjects - design and technology (DT), information and communication technology (ICT), history, geography, art and design, music, physical education (PE), modern foreign languages (Key Stage 3 only) and citizenship (Key Stages 3 and 4 only).

Religious education (RE), taught according to a locally-agreed syllabus. Parents may choose to withdraw their children from these sessions.

What skills will my child learn?

Children learn a wide range of specific skills in each subject. They will also learn broader skills which can help them in any area of school, work or life. These key skills are

communication

application of number

information technology

working with others

improving own learning and performance

problem solving

The key skills are taught across the National Curriculum subjects. For example, in a science project, children might work together as a group, using communication and problem-solving skills as well as learning to work with each other. Children will also be taught thinking skills across all subjects.

Schools must also promote children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. This will be done across all the subject areas. For example, in a geography project where children compare two contrasting cities, they will learn about the cultures of the different people who live in those cities.

Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development may also be covered more specifically in your child's school during religious education, collective worship, personal, social and health education (PSHE) and lessons in citizenship.

How can I find out more?

Most schools publish a prospectus which gives details of the school curriculum and the way it is taught. All schools will also be happy to show you a copy of the National Curriculum and discuss any further queries you may have.

Based on an article by Judith Puddick

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