National curriculum subjects in British subjects

State schools in England must teach a range of subjects according to targets set by the National Curriculum which was established in 1989. The main aim of the National Curriculum is to raise standards, making sure all children have a broad and balanced education up to the age of 16.

The National Curriculum is divided into four Key Stages that children are taken through during their school life. It specifies what children must study and what they are expected to know at different ages. Targets defined in the National Curriculum are assessed at the end of each Key Stage. For example, Key Stage 1(6-7 year olds) is taught during Years 1 and 2 of primary school, Key Stage 2 (8-11 year olds) – during Years 3 and 6 of primary school, Key Stage 3 (12-14 year olds) – during Years 7 and 9 of secondary school, Key Stage 4 (15-16 year olds) – during Years 10 and 11 of secondary school.

Compulsory national curriculum subjects at primary school (Key Stages 1 and 2) include English, maths, science, design and technology, history, geography, art and design, music, physical education (PE), including swimming, information and communication technology (ICT). At secondary school (Key Stages 3 and 4) compulsory subjects are the same as at primary school, besides they learn modern foreign languages and citizenship. From Key Stage 3 schools must also provide religious education (RE) and sex and relationship education (SRE). SRE involves teaching children about reproduction, sexuality and sexual health. It doesn’t promote early sexual activity or any particular sexual orientation. Some parts of SRE are compulsory – these are part of the national curriculum for science. Parents can withdraw their children from all other parts of SRE if they want. Pupils can choose to withdraw themselves once they’re 18. During Key Stage 4 most pupils work towards national qualifications, usually GCSEs.

The compulsory national curriculum subjects are divided into the core and foundation subjects. Core subjects include English, maths, science. Foundationsubjects are information and communication technology (ICT), physical education, citizenship.

The above subjects are compulsory because they cover essential knowledge and skills that everyone needs for the future. The subjects students’ll have to take exams in are English, maths, science. This usually means GCSEs, but these subjects may also be available at entry level. There are some other subjects that they have to study, but may not lead to exams: careers education, citizenship, ICT, PE, religious studies, sex and relationships education, work-related learning.

From Key Stage 4 in years 10 and 11 children can take optional subjects, which vary from school to school. However, the school must provide children with access to at least one course in such areas as arts (including art and design, music, dance, drama and media arts), design and technology, humanities (history and geography), modern foreign languages. It’s not essential for the child to choose one subject from each area, but it’s necessary to remember that studying a range of subjects at this stage is useful so that pupils have a wider base of options for later study and career choices.

Age	Year	Curriculum stage	Subjects to learn
	Nursery
	Reception	Foundation stage
	Year 1
	Year 2
	Year 3
	Year 4
	Year 5
	Year 6
	Year 7
	Year 8
	Year 9
	Year 10
	Year 11

b) Think about your school days and discuss what subjects Ukrainian pupils study at school. Fill in the table for Ukraine.

22. a) Look at Linda’s school report below. Which do you think are Linda’s favourite and least favourite lessons?

Math		Tries hard, but needs to concentrate more.
English		An able student – shows great promise.
History		Must do more revision! Can’t remember facts and figures.
Art		Makes full use of her imagination and creativity.
French		Linda has a flair for languages.
Science		Can’t quite grasp the need to experiment in order to get results.
Computer Studies		An interested and eager student.
P.E.		Participates, but doesn’t really enjoy the lessons.
Music		A gifted student – plays both piano and guitar extremely well.

b) In pairs, discuss what kind of career (doctor, journalist, accountant, singer/composer, computer programmer, translator, artist, fashion designer, P.E. teacher) Linda might choose later in life.

23. a)Which subject do you associate with the sentences below?

Example:

I read five novels a week. I’m a complete bookworm. Literature

1) I haven’t got a clue about cosines, sines, tangents. ______

2) I picked up a lot of new words when I visited Poland last summer. ______

3) The question about bacteria was so difficult. I just made a wild guess. _____

4) I had to learn the dates of Kings and Queens by heart. ______

5) I know Puccini’s operas inside out. ______

6) I need to brush up on the theories of Nietzsche and Sartre. ______

7) Simon always gets good grades for his paintings. He’s the teacher’s pet.

8) My teacher gave me a hand with my essay about African deserts. _____

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