National Curriculum for parents
The ‘basic’ school curriculum includes the ‘national curriculum’, as well as religious education and sex education.
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.
Key stages
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 your child’s performance.
| Child’s age | Year | Key stage | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 to 4 | Early years | ||
| 4 to 5 | Reception | Early years | Teacher assessments (there’s also an optional assessment at the start of the year) |
| 5 to 6 | Year 1 | KS1 | Phonics screening check |
| 6 to 7 | Year 2 | KS1 | National tests and teacher assessments in English, maths and science |
| 7 to 8 | Year 3 | KS2 | |
| 8 to 9 | Year 4 | KS2 | |
| 9 to 10 | Year 5 | KS2 | |
| 10 to 11 | Year 6 | KS2 | National tests and teacher assessments in English and maths, and teacher assessments in science |