The national curriculum
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)
Primary schools must also provide:
- relationships and health education
- religious education (RE) - you may choose to take your child out of these lessons
Schools often also teach:
- personal, social and health education (PSHE)
- citizenship
- modern foreign languages (at key stage 1)
- sex education - you may choose to take your child out of these lessons
Year 1 phonics screening check
The check will take place in June when your child will read 40 words out loud to a teacher. The teacher will tell you how your child did, and will decide whether they need extra help with reading. If your child does not do well enough in the check they’ll have to do it again in Year 2.
Year 2 (key stage 1)
Schools can choose whether they want to do any tests or assessments. If they do, the school will tell you. Tests will normally be held in May.
Tests will cover:
• English reading
• English grammar, punctuation and spelling
• maths
Teacher assessments will cover:
• English reading
• English writing
• maths
• science
Year 4 (key stage 2)
Your child will be tested on their times tables at the end of year 4.
Your child will answer 25 questions to check if they know their times tables up to 12. There’s no pass mark, but teachers will share your child’s score with you and use it to decide if they need any extra help with maths.
Year 6 (key stage 2)
Your child will be assessed at the end of year 6.
National tests (previously known as SATs) will cover:
• English reading
• English grammar, punctuation and spelling
• maths
The tests last less than 4 hours. They’re normally in May. You’ll get the results in July.
Teacher assessments will cover:
• English writing
• science
The school will send you the results of your child’s tests and teacher assessments.
When your child might be assessed in a different way
If your child is working below the standard of the curriculum, teachers may assess them using the engagement model or pre-key stage standards instead.