UK National Curriculum
The National Curriculum sets out a clear, full and statutory entitlement to learning for all pupils. It determines the content of what will be taught, and sets attainment targets for learning. It also determines how performance will be assessed and reported.
An effective National Curriculum therefore gives teachers, pupils, parents, employers and their wider community a clear and shared understanding of the skills and knowledge that young people will gain at school. It allows schools to meet the individual learning needs of pupils and to develop a distinctive character and ethos rooted in their local communities. It provides a framework within which all partners in education can support young people on the road to further learning.
How the National Curriculum works (Back to Top)
The National Curriculum applies to pupils of compulsory school age in community and foundation schools, including community special schools and foundation special schools, voluntary-aided and voluntary-controlled schools.
It is organised on the basis of four key stages shown here:
| |
Key Stage 1 |
Key Stage 2 |
Key Stage 3 |
Key Stage 4 |
|
| Age |
5 - 7 |
7 - 11 |
11 - 14 |
14 - 16 |
|
| Year Groups |
1 - 2 |
3 - 6 |
7 - 9 |
10 - 11 |
|
| English |
 |
|
|
|
National Curriculum Core Subjects |
| Mathematics |
|
|
|
 |
| Science |
|
|
|
|
| Design and Technology |
|
|
|
|
National Curriculum Non-Core Foundation Subjects |
| Information and Communication Technology |
|
|
|
|
| History |
|
|
|
|
| Geography |
|
|
|
|
| Modern Foreign Languages |
|
|
|
|
| Art and Design |
|
|
|
|
| Music |
|
|
|
|
| PhysicalEducation |
|
|
|
|
| Citizenship |
|
|
 |
|
Statutory from August 2000
Statutory from August 2001
Statutory from August 2002
Schools have some discretion over when to start teaching the Key Stage programmes of study. The law requires that they are taught during the Key Stage age group, not that they be introduced at a particular time.
Note: The UK Government believes that two hours of physical activity a week should be included on top of the National Curriculum for physical education. More information on the National Curriculum can be found at www.nc.uk.net
Students with specific learning difficulties, or special needs, are often taught within mainstream schools. Such learning difficulties can be emotional, behavioural, physical or through conditions such as dyslexia.
Such pupils will be monitored and their progress evaluated via an IEP (Individual Education Plan) under the supervision of the school's SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator). They are assessed according to the level of their needs (from Stage 1 to a Full Statement). The school is then given state funds to help the individuals, either through withdrawal from lessons and/or in-class support, possibly from a Learning Support Assistant.
To become a special needs supply teacher in the UK it is not necessary to have a formal Special Needs Qualification. Teachers interested in teaching SEN can apply to our Special Needs Team who will tell you more about Special Needs and the opportunities available in this field.
The assessment and monitoring of pupils’ work is taken seriously by schools. Teachers are expected to keep accurate records of all pupils – test marks, ability, aptitude and progress. Schools are now expected to set targets for pupils and performance in each subject will be monitored; the idea is that every pupil will make progress in every subject. Expect a lot of ‘paper-work’!
Homework is set for all pupils in most subjects. You will be expected to devise and set homework tasks for your classes. In the first few weeks, you will need to be vigilant and ensure that all your pupils attempt to complete the homework tasks which you set. Homework needs to be marked and if you have a lot of different classes this can be time-consuming! Homework is seen as one way to measure (assess) pupil progress.
|