In the UK, the government outlines the minimum teaching criteria for schools and the standards which children of different ages are expected to meet. This is known as the national curriculum and is compulsory for all schools to follow with the exception of a few. This includes independent schools, those in Scotland (who follow the Curriculum for Excellence), Northern Ireland and the Foundation Phase in Wales. While it may sound intimidating, understanding it is fairly straightforward. Here’s some guidance that was shared by a senior school in Devon.
Key Stages
The national curriculum is divided into what are known as key stages and then further into school years. They are age groupings and begin with EYFS (the Early Years Foundation Stage). Guidance on GOV.UK outlines what these are and how children are assessed at the end of each. This is to make sure that they are meeting their developmental milestones and to ensure that the right level of support is available.
Understanding their Studies
It also stipulates the subjects which are compulsory. Below is a list of these by key stage. It’s also worth noting that as this can vary from school to school, their school website may be a better place to look as it will specify the exact curriculum followed.
Key stage 1
- English
- Maths
- Science
- Technology
- History
- Geography
- Art
- music
- PE (and swimming)
- Computing
- Relationships and health education
Key stage 2
This is almost the same as KS1, except MFL (Modern Foreign Languages) is added.
Key stage 3
- English
- Maths
- Science
- History
- Geography
- MFL (Modern Foreign Languages)
- Technology
- Art
- Music
- PE
- Citizenship
- Computing
Key stage 4
This largely stays the same at KS4. Where it differs is that students have foundation and core subjects that they must study and the option of which to do from 4 areas – arts, design and technology, humanities, and modern foreign languages.