National Curriculum Primary
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The structure of the national curriculum, in terms of which subjects are compulsory at each key stage, is set out in the table below:Figure 1 – Structure of the national curriculum
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 |
Core subjects | ||||
English | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Mathematics | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Science | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Foundation subjects | ||||
Art and design | ✓ | |||
Citizenship | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Computing | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Design and technology | ✓ | |||
Languages | ✓ | |||
Geography | ✓ | |||
History | ✓ | |||
Music | ✓ | |||
Physical education | ✓ | ✓ |
All schools are also required to teach religious education at all key stages. Secondary schools must provide sex and relationship education.
Figure 2 – Statutory teaching of religious education and sex and relationship education
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 |
Religious education | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Sex and relationship education | ✓ | ✓ |