| Curriculum |
The National Curriculum came into force in September 1989. It consists of three core subjects: english, maths and science and six foundation subjects:history, geography,art, music, physical education and technology, including information technology. Religious education must also be taught.
School Children are grouped into four age bands known as Key Stages;
Key Stage1: from 5-7years
Key Stage 2: from 7-11years
Key Stage: 3 from 11-14years
Key Stage: 4 from 14-16years
Each child of statutory school age must cover the programmes of study as appropriate for each subject and key stage, covering all ten subjects. The children are assessed in the core subjects using "attainment targets"- standards expected of children within the three subjects. At the end of each Key Stage the children are assessed nationally. Details of these assessments are sent to parents with the child's annual report and schools results are forwarded to the Local Education Authority.
Parents can obtain further information about National Curriculum in public lilbraries and can obtain a leaflet entitled "The School Curriculum--A Brief Guide" by ringing 0845 60 222 60. The leaflet is produced in a range of languages.
Parents with access to the internet can view this guide on :
http://www.dfee.gov.uk/schurric.htm