Why does the curriculum vary in different schools?

Although the National Curriculum lays down what must be taught, it is up to individual schools to decide how and when each subject is covered. Schools may also include extra subjects or experiences. These will reflect their own ethos and this is what makes every school unique.

Government guidelines suggest that about 60% of the total teaching week (a minimum of 21 hours at Key Stage 1 and 23.5 hours in Key Stage 2) is spent on the core subjects. Although your child will probably be taught English and maths every day, science might only be taught once a week.

Schools may choose to deliver foundation subjects weekly. Alternatively, they may cover history during one term and geography in another. Some schools prefer to link subjects through a topic, so when teaching a unit such as the Vikings, aspects of history, geography, DT, art, music and ICT may all be covered.

Will one teacher cover all the different subjects?

The organisation of subject teaching may also vary between schools. Children in one school may be taught by their class teacher all day for every subject. In another, teachers with a specific area of expertise may teach one subject to several different classes in turn.

Although every child will be studying the same subject areas, children with special needs or those who are very able may be taught separately for some of the time. This may be done by another teacher or may be supported by a teaching assistant.

Sometimes, particularly in larger schools, children may be organised into different ability sets for some or all of the core subjects.

What about activities outside the classroom?

Assemblies, playtimes, registration and lunchtimes are often used by schools to enhance the curriculum. Chess clubs, football coaching, choirs and orchestras are run by many schools. Just like theatre visits, school trips, visitors to the school and links with the local community, they create a richer curriculum for your child.

Schools may also choose to offer pupils experiences beyond the requirements in the National Curriculum. Subjects traditionally introduced in secondary schools such as French or German may be included on the timetable.

Many schools also take part in initiatives such as the Award for Healthy Schools. As part of this the school may organise a 'walking bus', where an adult takes responsibility for collecting a group of children and walking with them to school. This can cut down traffic pollution as well as giving children daily exercise, which increases their ability to learn.

Based on an article by Judith Puddick

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