Understanding the UK Curriculum

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In the United Kingdom, all state schools must follow the National Curriculum when educating their students, to ensure that all children across the country are provided with the same learning opportunities. This curriculum is split into various key stages and children are monitored and assessed throughout to ensure they are progressing as they should when compared with other students their age. At independent schools, there is more flexibility with regards to what is taught to pupils, but they mostly tend to stick to similar subjects.

What’s Involved in Key Stages 1, 2 and 3?

Primary school covers Key Stages 1 and 2, in which pupils are unable to choose the subjects they study. Compulsory subjects, according to the National Curriculum, are English, maths, science, DT, geography, history, art, PE, IT, music, RE, and modern foreign languages. Parents can choose for their children to opt out of RE lessons if preferred.

During Key Stage 1, there is a strong focus on the English language and children will learn to read and write, developing their vocabulary and spelling. In maths, they will cover basic sums, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They will also learn about different units of measurements, fractions, and properties of shapes. Science in KS1 is all about inspiring their curiosity, and they will cover topics like such as living things and their natural habitats, plans and everyday materials.

Key Stage 2 becomes more challenging for students, and they start to develop more advanced skills, such as critical thinking. At the end of Key Stage 2 (in Year 6), students must take national tests known as SATs. They then move onto secondary school, where they will study Key Stage 3 for the first three years.

Key Stage 3 covers Years 7 to 9, the first three years of secondary school. Moving to a new school can be daunting for youngsters, as there will be new students and teachers, and usually a much bigger environment. Be patient with your child during this transition and try and help them prepare as best you can. Pupils are assessed by their teachers during KS3 and they may be required to take tests. How well they perform, particularly in Year 9, will determine which subjects they choose to study in Key Stage 4.

How is Key Stage 4 Different to Previous Key Stages?

When students reach Key Stage 4 in Year 10, they start their GCSEs and are able to be more selective about some of the subjects they study. There are still some compulsory core subjects, including English, maths and science, but then they are able to choose from various other subjects. Usually, they will be required to choose one subject from each of the following categories:

• Humanities
• Modern Foreign Languages
• Technology

GCSEs are graded on a number scale, 9 being the highest (equivalent to an A*) and 1 being the lowest (equivalent of a G). If your child is planning to study A Levels, they will need to achieve a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4-9. However, entry requirements can vary between sixth forms and colleges, so be sure to check this for your local area.

What Are A Levels?

After your child has completed their GCSEs, they must stay in education until the age of 18. They might want to take an apprenticeship to experience the world of work first-hand, or they may move onto sixth form or college to study A Levels. These are qualifications that are usually studied over a two-year period, much like GCSEs, and can help students receive a place at university.

Only four subjects are studied at A Level, and one is usually dropped after the first year. As a result, students finish with one AS Level and three full A Level qualifications. There are no compulsory subjects and students should choose what most interests them or what will be of benefit to their future career.

If you want to support your child throughout their education, it’s important that you maintain regular communication with their teachers so that you can understand what they’ll be learning about and how you can help.