The National Curriculum

A ‘curriculum’ is a list of content to be taught and learnt – a course of study for schools, colleges and universities. From September 2014, schools in England follow a new National Curriculum - a course of study decided by the Department for Education.

Structure of the National Curriculum

At Newchurch St Nicholas Primary school, there are three phases in total:

• Early Years: ages 4-5 (Reception); the National Curriculum does not cover this phase. For details of the Early Years Foundation Stage’s seven areas of learning and the 17 early learning goals, (see document below)
• Key Stage 1: ages 5-7 (Years 1-2)
• Key Stage 2: ages 7-11 (Years 3-6)

For Key Stages 1 and 2, there are three core subjects:

• English (spoken language, reading, writing, including grammar and punctuation)
• Mathematics (including number and place value, calculations, fractions, measurements, geometry)
• Science (including ‘working scientifically’)

In addition, there are foundation subjects; for Key Stages 1 and 2, these are:

• art and design
• computing
• design and technology (DT)
• geography
• history
• music
• physical education (PE)
• religious education (RE)

A language is also a foundation subject in Key Stage 2 – we have been teaching French to children from year 3 to year 6.

To view the National Curriculum Programmes of Study for each subject ( and your child’s year group) click here www.gov.uk/national-curriculum