Curriculum Overview
Curriculum Intention September 2019
1. Overview
The national curriculum is a set of subjects and standards used by primary and secondary schools so children learn the same things. It covers what subjects are taught and the standards children should reach in each subject.
Other types of school like academies and private schools don’t have to follow the national curriculum. Academies must teach a broad and balanced curriculum including English, maths and science. They must also teach religious education.
Key stages
The national curriculum is organised into blocks of years called ‘key stages’ (KS). At the end of each key stage, the teacher will formally assess your child’s performance.
| Age | Year | Key stage | Assessment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 to 4 | Early years | |||
| 4 to 5 | Reception | Early years | Teacher assessments (there’s also an optional assessment at the start of the year) | |
| 5 to 6 | Year 1 | KS1 | Phonics screening check | |
| 6 to 7 | Year 2 | KS1 | National tests and teacher assessments in English, maths and science | |
| 7 to 8 | Year 3 | KS2 | ||
| 8 to 9 | Year 4 | KS2 | ||
| 9 to 10 | Year 5 | KS2 | ||
| 10 to 11 | Year 6 | KS2 | National tests and teacher assessments in English and maths, and teacher assessments in science |
Assessments
By the end of each summer term the school must write a report on your child’s progress and talk it through with you.
Children who are in years 2 and 6 at the moment will take the new national primary curriculum tests in 2016.
2. Key stage 1 and 2
Compulsory national curriculum subjects at primary school are:
- English
- maths
- science
- design and technology
- history
- geography
- art and design
- music
- physical education (PE), including swimming
- computing
- ancient and modern foreign languages (at key stage 2)
- religious education
Schools often also teach:
- personal, social and health education (PSHE)
- citizenship
- modern foreign languages (at key stage 1)
Tests and assessments
Year 1 phonics screening check
Children at St Anthony's Catholic Primary School follow the 'Floppy Phonics' programme in Reception and KS1. The Year 1 phonics screening check will take place in June when your child will read 40 words out loud to a teacher. You’ll find out how your child did, and their teacher will assess whether he or she needs extra help with reading. If your child doesn’t do well enough in the check they’ll have to do it again in Year 2.
Key stage 1
Key stage 1 tests cover:
- English reading
- English grammar, punctuation and spelling
- maths
Your child will take the tests in May. You can ask the school for the test results.
You’ll be sent the results of your child’s teacher assessments automatically.
Key stage 2
Your child will take national tests in May when they reach the end of key stage 2. These test your child’s skills in:
- English reading
- English grammar, punctuation and spelling
- maths
The tests last less than 4 hours. You’ll get the results in July.
The school will send you the results of your child’s tests and teacher assessments.
P.E Overview
