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UK Curriculum
Though some children begin their education at an earlier age, statutory schooling for children in England is between ages 5 and 16. The system is divided between primary education (catering for those between the ages of 3 and 11) and secondary education (focused on ages 11 through 16). Further education is offered at many secondary educational institutions for those aged 16 to 18. The education system is divided into a progression of four Key Stages:

The education system is divided into a progression of four Key Stages:

Child's Age

School Key Stage Year Nursery Reception Year 1 Key Stage 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Key Stage 2 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Key Stage 5 Year 9 Year 10 Most children take GCSEs Year 12 Various Year 11 Further National Tests in English, Maths & Science National Tests in English, Maths & Science National Tests in English & Maths Tests / Examinations

3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6 6 to 7 7 to 8 8 to 9 9 to 10 10 to 11 11 to 12 12 to 13 13 to 14

Foundation

14 to 15 Key Stage 4 15 to 16 16 to 17

Education (not compulsory ) 17 to 18

courses available including Alevel NVOs and modern Year 13 apprenticeships .

Child's Age 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6 6 to 7 7 to 8 8 to 9 9 to 10 10 to 11 11 to 12 12 to 13 13 to 14 14 to 15 15 to 16 16 to 17

Key Stage Foundation

hool Year Nursery Reception

Tests / Examinations

Key Stage 1

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 National Tests in English & Maths

Key stage 2

Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 National Tests in English, Maths & Science

Key Stage 5 Key Stage 4

Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Most children take GCSEs National Tests in English, Maths & Science

The National Curriculum

The majority of schools in the UK teach within the framework of the National Curriculum. The intention of the National Curriculum is to ensure that all pupils receive a balanced and consistent education which will provide them with the opportunity to learn and achieve. The curriculum includes guidelines on:

The subjects which must be taught at each specific Key Stage. The knowledge, skills and understanding a child is required to have in each subject.

Attainment targets in each subject, in order to measure a childs progress and plan for their future learning. The assessment and reporting of a childs progress.

Teachers and schools can plan their lessons in order to best meet the needs of their pupils however this must be done within the framework of the National Curriculum. There are two National Curriculum handbooks available: one for primary teachers - Key Stages 1 and 2, and the second for secondary teachers - Key Stages 3 and 4. The legal requirements for all of the National Curriculum subjects for pupils of primary or secondary age are contained in these handbooks. There are also separate booklets available for each National Curriculum subject for all of the 4 Key Stages. These booklets provide information to assist teachers in implementing the subject in their schools. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the National Curriculum before you start teaching in the UK. For more information please see the useful web pages below.

Useful Web resources

The National Curriculum online The Standards Site, Department of Children, Schools and Families Curriculum and teaching related issues Help and advice on teaching and learning

http://curriculum.qcda.gov.uk/key-stages-1-and-2/aims-values-and-purposes/aims/index.aspx