statutory curriculum in all state schools, introduced in the 1988 Education 'Reform' Act and modified several times since.
The framework for teaching and learning across a range of subjects and the associated assessment arrangements, laid down by Statute for all pupils of compulsory school age (5-16) attending state schools
(in England and Wales) the curriculum of subjects taught in state schools progressively from 1989. Pupils are assessed according to specified attainment targets throughout each of four key stages.
Subjects prescribed by the Secretary of State for Education. Introduced under the Education Reform Act 1988.
A structured learning programme that consists of a number of compulsory subjects, along with the standards at which these subjects should be taught at each of the key stages. It consists of three core subjects plus eight foundation subjects. Every child aged 5 to 16 attending a state school should be taught according to the National Curriculum, unless there are clear reasons for dissaplication or modification. Students being educated privately need not follow the National Curriculum. However, their education must still satisfy the local education authority as to its completeness.
Legal guidelines for schools setting out the subjects to be taught. Primary subjects | Secondary subjects
Requirements for the curriculum for all pupils of compulsory school age (5-16) in England and Wales were introduced under the Education Reform Act 1988, and are now governed by the Education Act 1996. Pupils are required to follow a basic curriculum comprising the National Curriculum subjects and religious education. National Curriculum subjects include: English, Welsh (in Wales), mathematics, science, design and technology, information technology, history, geography, art, music, physical education and a modern foreign language from key stage 3.
The Government's initiative to ensure teaching and learning standards in all schools and colleges throughout the UK. Assessments are carried out at four Key Stages.
Established by the 1988 Education Act to ensure that all pupils receive a broad and balanced education
Covers what pupils should be taught in state maintained schools. The National Curriculum provides a balanced education for a child covering 11 subjects overall, and is divided into four Key Stages according to age.
The National Curriculum is a framework given to teachers by government, so that all school children are taught in a way that is balanced and manageable. Find out more from the DfES parents' gateway .
The National Curriculum was introduced into England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as a nationwide curriculum for primary and secondary state schools following the Education Reform Act 1988. Notwithstanding its name, it does not apply to Independent Schools, which by definition are free to set their own curriculum, but it ensures that state schools of all Local Education Authorities have a common curriculum.
