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class="govuk-grid-row"> <div class="govuk-grid-column-two-thirds"> <div class="gem-c-title govuk-!-margin-top-8 govuk-!-margin-bottom-8"> <h1 class="gem-c-title__text govuk-heading-xl"> The national curriculum </h1> </div> <a class="gem-c-skip-link govuk-skip-link govuk-!-display-none-print" data-module="govuk-skip-link" href="#guide-contents">Skip to contents of guide</a> <aside class="part-navigation-container" role="complementary"> <nav class="gem-c-contents-list" aria-label="Pages in this guide" role="navigation" data-module="gem-track-click"> <h2 class="gem-c-contents-list__title"> Contents </h2> <ol class="gem-c-contents-list__list"> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed gem-c-contents-list__list-item--active" aria-current="true"> Overview </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link" data-track-category="contentsClicked" data-track-action="content_item 2" data-track-label="/national-curriculum/key-stage-1-and-2" data-track-options="{"dimension29":"Key stage 1 and 2"}" href="/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum/key-stage-1-and-2">Key stage 1 and 2</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link" data-track-category="contentsClicked" data-track-action="content_item 3" data-track-label="/national-curriculum/key-stage-3-and-4" data-track-options="{"dimension29":"Key stage 3 and 4"}" href="/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum/key-stage-3-and-4">Key stage 3 and 4</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link" data-track-category="contentsClicked" data-track-action="content_item 4" data-track-label="/national-curriculum/other-compulsory-subjects" data-track-options="{"dimension29":"Other compulsory subjects"}" href="/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum/other-compulsory-subjects">Other compulsory subjects</a> </li> </ol> </nav> </aside> </div> <div class="govuk-grid-column-two-thirds" id="guide-contents"> <h1 class="part-title"> Overview </h1> <div class="gem-c-govspeak govuk-govspeak direction-ltr disable-youtube" data-module="govspeak"> <p>The ‘basic’ school curriculum includes the <a href="/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-curriculum">‘national curriculum’</a>, as well as <a href="/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum/other-compulsory-subjects">relationships, sex and health education, and religious education</a>.</p> <p>The national curriculum is a set of subjects and standards used by <a href="/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/types-of-school">primary and secondary schools</a> so children learn the same things. It covers what subjects are taught and the standards children should reach in each subject.</p> <p>Other <a href="/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/types-of-school">types of school</a> like <a href="/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/types-of-school/academies">academies</a> and <a href="/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/types-of-school/private-schools">private schools</a> 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.</p> <h2 id="key-stages">Key stages</h2> <p>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.</p> <table> <thead> <tr> <th scope="col">Child’s age</th> <th scope="col">Year</th> <th scope="col">Key stage</th> <th scope="col">Assessment</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <th scope="row">3 to 4</th> <td> </td> <td><a href="/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/early-years-foundation-stage">Early years</a></td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <th scope="row">4 to 5</th> <td>Reception</td> <td><a href="/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/early-years-foundation-stage">Early years</a></td> <td>Assessment of pupils’ starting points in language, communication, literacy and maths and teacher assessments</td> </tr> <tr> <th scope="row">5 to 6</th> <td>Year 1</td> <td>KS1</td> <td>Phonics screening check</td> </tr> <tr> <th scope="row">6 to 7</th> <td>Year 2</td> <td>KS1</td> <td>National tests in English reading and maths. Teacher assessments in maths, science, and English reading and writing</td> </tr> <tr> <th scope="row">7 to 8</th> <td>Year 3</td> <td>KS2</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <th scope="row">8 to 9</th> <td>Year 4</td> <td>KS2</td> <td>Multiplication tables check</td> </tr> <tr> <th scope="row">9 to 10</th> <td>Year 5</td> <td>KS2</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <th scope="row">10 to 11</th> <td>Year 6</td> <td>KS2</td> <td>National tests in English reading, maths, and grammar, punctuation and spelling. Teacher assessments in English writing and science</td> </tr> <tr> <th scope="row">11 to 12</th> <td>Year 7</td> <td>KS3</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <th scope="row">12 to 13</th> <td>Year 8</td> <td>KS3</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <th scope="row">13 to 14</th> <td>Year 9</td> <td>KS3</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <th scope="row">14 to 15</th> <td>Year 10</td> <td>KS4</td> <td>Some children take GCSEs</td> </tr> <tr> <th scope="row">15 to 16</th> <td>Year 11</td> <td>KS4</td> <td>Most children take GCSEs or other national</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h3 id="assessments">Assessments</h3> <p>By the end of each summer term the school must write a report on your child’s progress and talk it through with you.</p> </div> <nav class="govuk-pagination govuk-pagination--block" role="navigation" aria-label="Pagination"> <div class="govuk-pagination__next"> <a class="govuk-link govuk-pagination__link" href="/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum/key-stage-1-and-2" rel="next" 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src="http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248js_/https://www.gov.uk/assets/static/application-087272cd04e26ba8d2c7c0ccef5db8dcc67495fdae7ef356f838d916abeda4c6.js"></script> <script src="/web/20221006132248js_/https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/application-cc1b87cb7f7a7266f46b044ca2fdbe06fe48f196c15b5dbc53f62ca09af57aba.js"></script><script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/http://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum" }, "name": "The national curriculum", "datePublished": "2011-12-21T16:55:16.000+00:00", "dateModified": "2014-12-02T10:28:58.000+00:00", "text": "The English national curriculum means children in different schools (at primary and secondary level) study the same subjects to similar standards - it's split into key stages with tests", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "GOV.UK", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-logo-73b5a4056ffe9988d02c728b56fe9fe7f90bb822322a5f6183ccbb92a99b019a.png" } }, "image": [ "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-schema-placeholder-1x1-bf9e64d759af6dfd93bede8168f3087a329f405b382aff36747db0db4b7b23e9.png", "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-schema-placeholder-4x3-13093f053c15f613acd827aff27cac83d3fab452947cbcae4c7b706dadf2f7f2.png", "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-schema-placeholder-16x9-4233cd42671827e266e284c4d5ae68fb600bd9f9e35dda663ccabbc2b6ab7ec3.png" ], "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Government Digital Service", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/government-digital-service" }, "about": [ { "@context": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/http://schema.org", "@type": "Thing", "sameAs": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/education/school-curriculum" }, { "@context": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/http://schema.org", "@type": "Thing", "sameAs": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/education/starting-and-attending-school" } ], "headLine": "The national curriculum", "description": "The English national curriculum means children in different schools (at primary and secondary level) study the same subjects to similar standards - it's split into key stages with tests", "articleBody": "\u003cp\u003eThe ‘basic’ school curriculum includes the \u003ca href=\"/government/collections/national-curriculum\"\u003e‘national curriculum’\u003c/a\u003e, as well as \u003ca href=\"/national-curriculum/other-compulsory-subjects\"\u003erelationships, sex and health education, and religious education\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe national curriculum is a set of subjects and standards used by \u003ca href=\"/types-of-school\"\u003eprimary and secondary schools\u003c/a\u003e so children learn the same things. It covers what subjects are taught and the standards children should reach in each subject.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOther \u003ca href=\"/types-of-school\"\u003etypes of school\u003c/a\u003e like \u003ca href=\"/types-of-school/academies\"\u003eacademies\u003c/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"/types-of-school/private-schools\"\u003eprivate schools\u003c/a\u003e 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.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"key-stages\"\u003eKey stages\u003c/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eChild’s age\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eYear\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eKey stage\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eAssessment\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e3 to 4\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"/early-years-foundation-stage\"\u003eEarly years\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e4 to 5\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eReception\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"/early-years-foundation-stage\"\u003eEarly years\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eAssessment of pupils’ starting points in language, communication, literacy and maths and teacher assessments\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e5 to 6\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eYear 1\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eKS1\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003ePhonics screening check\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e6 to 7\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eYear 2\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eKS1\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eNational tests in English reading and maths. Teacher assessments in maths, science, and English reading and writing\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e7 to 8\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eYear 3\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eKS2\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e8 to 9\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eYear 4\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eKS2\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eMultiplication tables check\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e9 to 10\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eYear 5\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eKS2\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e10 to 11\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eYear 6\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eKS2\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eNational tests in English reading, maths, and grammar, punctuation and spelling. Teacher assessments in English writing and science\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e11 to 12\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eYear 7\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eKS3\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e12 to 13\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eYear 8\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eKS3\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e13 to 14\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eYear 9\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eKS3\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e14 to 15\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eYear 10\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eKS4\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eSome children take GCSEs\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e15 to 16\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eYear 11\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eKS4\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eMost children take GCSEs or other national\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 id=\"assessments\"\u003eAssessments\u003c/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBy the end of each summer term the school must write a report on your child’s progress and talk it through with you.\u003c/p\u003e\n" } </script><script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/http://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "item": { "name": "Home", "@id": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "item": { "name": "Childcare and parenting", "@id": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/browse/childcare-parenting" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "item": { "name": "Schools and education", "@id": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/browse/childcare-parenting/schools-education" } } ] } </script><script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/http://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "headline": "The national curriculum", "description": "The English national curriculum means children in different schools (at primary and secondary level) study the same subjects to similar standards - it's split into key stages with tests", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "GOV.UK", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-logo-73b5a4056ffe9988d02c728b56fe9fe7f90bb822322a5f6183ccbb92a99b019a.png" } }, "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Overview", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum", "text": "<p>The ‘basic’ school curriculum includes the <a href=\"/government/collections/national-curriculum\">‘national curriculum’</a>, as well as <a href=\"/national-curriculum/other-compulsory-subjects\">relationships, sex and health education, and religious education</a>.</p>\n\n<p>The national curriculum is a set of subjects and standards used by <a href=\"/types-of-school\">primary and secondary schools</a> so children learn the same things. It covers what subjects are taught and the standards children should reach in each subject.</p>\n\n<p>Other <a href=\"/types-of-school\">types of school</a> like <a href=\"/types-of-school/academies\">academies</a> and <a href=\"/types-of-school/private-schools\">private schools</a> 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.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"key-stages\">Key stages</h2>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<table>\n <thead>\n <tr>\n <th scope=\"col\">Child’s age</th>\n <th scope=\"col\">Year</th>\n <th scope=\"col\">Key stage</th>\n <th scope=\"col\">Assessment</th>\n </tr>\n </thead>\n <tbody>\n <tr>\n <th scope=\"row\">3 to 4</th>\n <td> </td>\n <td><a href=\"/early-years-foundation-stage\">Early years</a></td>\n <td> </td>\n </tr>\n <tr>\n <th scope=\"row\">4 to 5</th>\n <td>Reception</td>\n <td><a href=\"/early-years-foundation-stage\">Early years</a></td>\n <td>Assessment of pupils’ starting points in language, communication, literacy and maths and teacher assessments</td>\n </tr>\n <tr>\n <th scope=\"row\">5 to 6</th>\n <td>Year 1</td>\n <td>KS1</td>\n <td>Phonics screening check</td>\n </tr>\n <tr>\n <th scope=\"row\">6 to 7</th>\n <td>Year 2</td>\n <td>KS1</td>\n <td>National tests in English reading and maths. Teacher assessments in maths, science, and English reading and writing</td>\n </tr>\n <tr>\n <th scope=\"row\">7 to 8</th>\n <td>Year 3</td>\n <td>KS2</td>\n <td> </td>\n </tr>\n <tr>\n <th scope=\"row\">8 to 9</th>\n <td>Year 4</td>\n <td>KS2</td>\n <td>Multiplication tables check</td>\n </tr>\n <tr>\n <th scope=\"row\">9 to 10</th>\n <td>Year 5</td>\n <td>KS2</td>\n <td> </td>\n </tr>\n <tr>\n <th scope=\"row\">10 to 11</th>\n <td>Year 6</td>\n <td>KS2</td>\n <td>National tests in English reading, maths, and grammar, punctuation and spelling. Teacher assessments in English writing and science</td>\n </tr>\n <tr>\n <th scope=\"row\">11 to 12</th>\n <td>Year 7</td>\n <td>KS3</td>\n <td> </td>\n </tr>\n <tr>\n <th scope=\"row\">12 to 13</th>\n <td>Year 8</td>\n <td>KS3</td>\n <td> </td>\n </tr>\n <tr>\n <th scope=\"row\">13 to 14</th>\n <td>Year 9</td>\n <td>KS3</td>\n <td> </td>\n </tr>\n <tr>\n <th scope=\"row\">14 to 15</th>\n <td>Year 10</td>\n <td>KS4</td>\n <td>Some children take GCSEs</td>\n </tr>\n <tr>\n <th scope=\"row\">15 to 16</th>\n <td>Year 11</td>\n <td>KS4</td>\n <td>Most children take GCSEs or other national</td>\n </tr>\n </tbody>\n</table>\n\n<h3 id=\"assessments\">Assessments</h3>\n\n<p>By the end of each summer term the school must write a report on your child’s progress and talk it through with you.</p>\n" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Key stage 1 and 2", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum/key-stage-1-and-2", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum/key-stage-1-and-2", "text": "<p>Compulsory <a href=\"/government/collections/national-curriculum\">national curriculum</a> subjects at primary school are:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>English</li>\n <li>maths</li>\n <li>science</li>\n <li>design and technology</li>\n <li>history</li>\n <li>geography</li>\n <li>art and design</li>\n <li>music</li>\n <li>physical education (PE), including swimming</li>\n <li>computing</li>\n <li>ancient and modern foreign languages (at key stage 2)</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Primary schools must also provide:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li><a href=\"/national-curriculum/other-compulsory-subjects\">relationships and health education</a></li>\n <li>\n<a href=\"/national-curriculum/other-compulsory-subjects\">religious education (RE)</a> - but parents can ask for their children to be taken out of the whole lesson or part of it</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Schools often also teach:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>personal, social and health education (PSHE)</li>\n <li>citizenship</li>\n <li>modern foreign languages (at key stage 1)</li>\n <li>\n<a href=\"/national-curriculum/other-compulsory-subjects\">sex education</a> - parents can ask for their children to be taken out of the lesson</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"tests-and-assessments\">Tests and assessments</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"year-1-phonics-screening-check\">Year 1 phonics screening check</h3>\n\n<p>The check will take place in June when your child will read 40 words out loud to a teacher. You’ll find out how your child did, and their teacher will assess whether he or she needs extra help with reading. If your child does not do well enough in the check they’ll have to do it again in Year 2.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"key-stage-1\">Key stage 1</h3>\n\n<p>Key stage 1 tests cover:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>English reading</li>\n <li>English grammar, punctuation and spelling</li>\n <li>maths</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Your child will take the tests in May. You can ask the school for the test results.</p>\n\n<p>You’ll be sent the results of your child’s teacher assessments automatically.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"key-stage-2\">Key stage 2</h3>\n\n<p>Your child will take national tests in May when they reach the end of key stage 2. These test your child’s skills in:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>English reading</li>\n <li>English grammar, punctuation and spelling</li>\n <li>maths</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>The tests last less than 4 hours. You’ll get the results in July.</p>\n\n<p>The school will send you the results of your child’s tests and teacher assessments.</p>\n" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Key stage 3 and 4", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum/key-stage-3-and-4", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum/key-stage-3-and-4", "text": "<h2 id=\"key-stage-3\">Key stage 3</h2>\n\n<p>Compulsory <a href=\"/government/collections/national-curriculum\">national curriculum</a> subjects are:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>English</li>\n <li>maths</li>\n <li>science</li>\n <li>history</li>\n <li>geography</li>\n <li>modern foreign languages</li>\n <li>design and technology</li>\n <li>art and design</li>\n <li>music</li>\n <li>physical education</li>\n <li>citizenship</li>\n <li>computing</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Schools must also provide:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>\n<a href=\"/national-curriculum/other-compulsory-subjects\">relationships, sex and health education</a> - parents can ask for their children to be taken out of sex education</li>\n <li>\n<a href=\"/national-curriculum/other-compulsory-subjects\">religious education (<abbr title=\"religious education\">RE</abbr>)</a> - parents can ask for their children to be taken out of the whole lesson or part of it</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"key-stage-4\">Key stage 4</h2>\n\n<p>During key stage 4 most pupils work towards national qualifications - usually GCSEs.</p>\n\n<p>The compulsory national curriculum subjects are the ‘core’ and ‘foundation’ subjects.</p>\n\n<p>Core subjects are:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>English</li>\n <li>maths</li>\n <li>science</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Foundation subjects are:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>computing</li>\n <li>physical education</li>\n <li>citizenship</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Schools must also offer at least one subject from each of these areas:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>arts</li>\n <li>design and technology</li>\n <li>humanities</li>\n <li>modern foreign languages</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>They must also provide <a href=\"/national-curriculum/other-compulsory-subjects\">relationships, sex and health education, and religious education (<abbr title=\"religious education\">RE</abbr>)</a> at key stage 4.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"english-baccalaureate-ebacc\">English Baccalaureate (<abbr title=\"English Baccalaureate\">EBacc</abbr>)</h3>\n\n<p>The <abbr title=\"English Baccalaureate\">EBacc</abbr> is a way to measure how many pupils in a school choose to take a GCSE in these core subjects:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>English language and literature</li>\n <li>maths</li>\n <li>the sciences</li>\n <li>history or geography</li>\n <li>a language</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Find out more about the <a href=\"/government/publications/english-baccalaureate-ebacc\"><abbr title=\"English Baccalaureate\">EBacc</abbr></a>.</p>\n\n" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Other compulsory subjects", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum/other-compulsory-subjects", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20221006132248/https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum/other-compulsory-subjects", "text": "<p>Children might also need to study relationships, sex and health education, and religious education (<abbr title=\"religious education\">RE</abbr>).</p>\n\n<p>What your child must study depends on the subject, and whether your child is in primary or secondary school.</p>\n\n<p>They may not have to take exams in these subjects.</p>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\">\n<p>Schools must have a written policy on relationships education (primary schools) and relationships and sex education (secondary schools), which they must make available to parents for free.</p>\n</div>\n\n<h2 id=\"relationships-education\">Relationships education</h2>\n\n<p>Relationships education is compulsory for all primary and secondary school pupils.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"sex-education\">Sex education</h2>\n\n<p>Sex education is compulsory in secondary schools. Parents can ask to withdraw their child from parts or all of sex education taught as part of relationships and sex education. Parents cannot withdraw their child from sex education taught in science.</p>\n\n<p>Primary schools can choose to teach sex education but it’s not compulsory. Parents can withdraw their child from sex education in primary school.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"health-education\">Health education</h2>\n\n<p>Health education is compulsory for all pupils in state-funded primary and secondary schools.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"religious-education\">Religious education</h2>\n\n<p>Schools have to teach <abbr title=\"religious education\">RE</abbr> but parents can withdraw their children for all or part of the lessons. Pupils can choose to withdraw themselves once they’re 18.</p>\n\n<p>Local councils are responsible for deciding the <abbr title=\"religious education\">RE</abbr> syllabus, but <a href=\"/types-of-school/faith-schools\">faith schools</a> and <a href=\"/types-of-school/academies\">academies</a> can set their own.</p>\n\n" } } ] } </script> </body> </html>

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