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

Year 1  Year 2

Year 3  Year 4
Year 5  Year 6

Mathematics

Year 1  Year 2

Year 3  Year 4
Year 5  Year 6

Science

Year 1  Year 2

Year 3  Year 4
Year 5  Year 6

Foundation subjects

Art and design

Key Stage 1

Key Stage 2

Citizenship

Computing

Key Stage 1

Key Stage 2

Design and technology

Key Stage 1

Key Stage 2

Languages

Key Stage 2

Geography

Key Stage 1

Key Stage 2

History

Key Stage 1

Key Stage 2

Music

Key Stage 1

Key Stage 2

Physical education

Key Stage 1

Key Stage 2

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