THE UNITED SOCIALIST PARTY
A Party that always campaigns for a fair and just society for all in Britain
The National Curriculum for 11 to 16 year olds
From the ages of 11 to 16 your child will move through Key Stages 3 and 4. There are no
national tests in Year 9. During Key Stage 4 most will work towards national qualifications –
usually GCSEs.
Key Stage 3 and the National Curriculum
Children attending a state school from ages 11 to 14 (Years 7 to 9) follow Key Stage 3 of the
National Curriculum.
Key Stage 3 compulsory National Curriculum subjects are:
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English
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Maths
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Science
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Design and technology
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Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
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History
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Geography
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Modern foreign languages
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Art and design
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Music
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Citizenship
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Physical education
Schools also have to provide:
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Careers education and guidance (during Year 9)
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Sex and Relationship Education (SRE)
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Religious education
Parents can choose to withdraw their child from all or part of the religious education curriculum
and the non-statutory elements of SRE – see the section on ‘SRE and religious education’ below.
Depending on the school, your child may also have lessons in Personal, social and health
education (PSHE).
Choices in Year 9
During Year 9 your child will choose which subjects they will study at Key Stage 4. Their
studies in many of these subjects will lead to nationally recognised qualifications like GCSEs.
They will need to choose subjects they enjoy and can do well in, but should also try to get a
balance of subjects - this will give them more options when deciding on courses and jobs in the
future.
The school will give you information about options in Year 9. Your child may find it helpful if
you talk over these choices with them.
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Your choices in Year 9
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National Curriculum teacher assessments and key stage tests
Key Stage 4
Pupils in Years 10 and 11 are usually between the ages of 14 and 16 years old. At the end of Key
Stage 4 most pupils sit national examinations, usually GCSEs. Your child will also be able to
choose from a growing range of vocational qualifications.
In Key Stage 4, your child will study a mix of compulsory and optional subjects. The subjects
they will have to do are:
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English
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Maths
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Science
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Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
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Physical education
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Citizenship
In addition, pupils have to take careers education and work-related learning. Schools must also
offer religious education, SRE and at least one subject from each of the four 'entitlement' areas.
The entitlement areas are:
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Arts subjects
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Design and technology
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Humanities
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Modern foreign languages
