The Curriculum
The National Curriculum
In 2014 an updated National Curriculum was introduced. The changes made are documented below.
English
- Stronger emphasis on vocabulary development, grammar, punctuation and spelling (for example, the use of commas and apostrophes will be taught in KS1)
- Reading is at the core of the whole curriculum with a big emphasis on reading for pleasure both at home and at school.
- Handwriting (not currently assessed under the National Curriculum) is expected to be fluent, legible and speedy.
- Spoken English is given greater emphasis, with children being taught debating and presentation skills.
Mathematics
- Simple fractions will be taught from Key Stage 1, and by the end of primary school, children should be able to convert between decimals, fractions and percentages. (e.g. 0.375=3/8).
- By the age of nine, children will be expected to know their times tables upto 12×12 and the related division facts.
- Calculators will not be introduced until upper Key Stage 2, to encourage mental arithmetic skills.
- Problem solving runs throughout all areas of the maths curriculum and is considered a key skill.
- Children will be taught more formal written methods for all four rules, including long division and multiplication. Our calculation policy is available on the Policies page
Science
- Strong focus on scientific knowledge and language, rather than understanding the nature and methods of science in abstract.
- Evolution will be taught in primary school for the first time.
Computing
- Computing replaces Information and Communication Technology (ICT), with a greater focus on programming rather than on operating programs.
- From age five, children will learn to write and test simple programs, and to organise, store and retrieve data.
- From seven, they will be taught to understand computer networks, including the internet.
- Internet safety – currently only taught from 11-16 – will be taught in primary schools.
Design and Technology (DT)
- Design and Technology has become more important in the new curriculum, setting children on the path to becoming the designers and engineers of the future.
- More sophisticated use of design equipment such as electronics and robotics.
- In KS2, children will learn about how key events and individuals in design and technology have shaped the world.
- Greater emphasis on cookery with a focus on savoury dishes.
Geography
- Greater use of atlases and maps including O.S. maps and digital maps.
- Children are expected to know and locate countries, capitals, major cities, mountains and rivers.
- In depth studies of a European, North/South American countries and a region of the British Isles are required.
History
- Greater emphasis on British History taught in chronological order from Stone Age to 1066. Tudors no longer taught in KS2.
Languages
- The term Languages will replace the term modern foreign languages.
- Currently not statutory, a modern foreign language or ancient language such as Latin or Greek will be mandatory in KS2.
- Children will be expected to master basic grammar and accurate pronunciation and to converse, present, read and write in the language.
Physical Education (PE), Music, Religious Education (RE)
- The study of these subjects remains largely unchanged.
If you would like to read further information regarding the changes, please select the link below.