The National Curriculum in Wales is a Government framework that sets out what must be taught to children in school, and at what age. It is designed to provide a good grounding in language, mathematics and science and is divided into separate Key Stages for secondary school pupils:
- Key Stage 3: ages 11 - 14
- Key Stage 4: ages 14 - 16.
What is the Curriculum Cymreig?
The Curriculum Cymreig is a part of the curriculum that is special to Wales. It is designed to reflect the history, geography and culture of Wales and your locality.
The Curriculum Cymreig is designed to develop:
- a sense of belonging
- a sense of place and heritage
- an awareness of the importance of language and literature in the history and life of Wales
- an understanding of the creative and expressive arts in Wales.
What does the National Curriculum cover?
Key Stage 3:
Pupils will be tested in:- English
- Welsh (first and second language)
- Mathematics
- Science
The other subjects studied are design and technology, information technology, history, geography, a modern foreign language, music, art and physical education.
Key Stage 4:
The National Curriculum covers English, Welsh, mathematics, science and physical education. This allows pupils to choose additional subjects and courses for GCSE or vocational qualifications.
Children must also study religious education, and all schools are required to provide some education in personal and social skills, sex education, work-related learning and careers advice.
Standards
Each subject in the National Curriculum is divided into a series of levels on a national scale from 1 to 8. The level shows what standard a child has achieved. Levels are like the rungs of a ladder and children move up them from year to year.
At the end of each Key Stage, you'll be told at what level (standard) your child is working in the subjects they are studying. When your child is 14 years old, this level is assessed by teachers and by using national tasks and tests known as SATs. At the end of Key Stage 3, most pupils will be working within levels 3 to 7. Most will reach level 5 or 6.
At Key Stage 4, when children are 16, the National Curriculum levels are not used for assessment - instead, children take examinations like GCSEs.
