The national curriculum
Overview
The ‘basic’ school curriculum includes the ‘national curriculum’, as well as relationships, sex and health education, and religious 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.
Other types of school like academies and private schools do not have to follow the national curriculum. Academies must teach a broad and balanced curriculum including English, maths and science. They must also teach relationships and sex education, and religious education.
Key stages
The national curriculum is organised into blocks of years called ‘key stages’ (KS).
Your child will be tested at the end of some key stages. The teacher will also assess your child’s performance during lessons throughout the year.
Early years foundation stage (EYFS)
Child’s age | Year | Assessment |
3 to 4 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
4 to 5 | Reception | Assessment of pupils’ starting points in language, communication, literacy and maths, known as the reception baseline assessment (first 6 weeks). Learning and development assessment, known as the EYFS profile (between April and June). |
Find out more about the early years foundation stage (EYFS)
Key stage 1 (KS1)
Child’s age | Year | Assessment |
5 to 6 | Year 1 | |
6 to 7 | Year 2 | Optional tests in maths, English reading and grammar, punctuation and spelling. Optional teacher assessments in maths, science, and English reading and writing. |
Key stage 2 (KS2)
Child’s age | Year | Assessment |
7 to 8 | Year 3 | Not applicable |
8 to 9 | Year 4 | Times tables check |
9 to 10 | Year 5 | Not applicable |
10 to 11 | Year 6 | National tests in English reading, maths, and grammar, punctuation and spelling. Teacher assessments in English writing and science. |
Key stage 3 (KS3)
Child’s age | Year | Assessment |
11 to 12 | Year 7 | Not applicable |
12 to 13 | Year 8 | Not applicable |
13 to 14 | Year 9 | Not applicable |
Key stage 4 (KS4)
Child’s age | Year | Assessment |
14 to 15 | Year 10 | Some children take GCSEs |
15 to 16 | Year 11 | Most children take GCSEs or other national tests |
Assessments
By the end of each summer term the school must write a report on your child’s progress and talk it through with you.