National Curriculum in England

Give the next objective a clear classroom starting point.

Teaching the National Curriculum in England? Explore ideas for your key stage and subject. Prepare a discussion, model a method or build practice that helps you see what pupils understand.

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Your classroom starting points

Support an inference

Help pupils connect an interpretation with evidence from a text.

Explain a method

Make room for pupils to describe how they reached an answer.

Check understanding

Use a fresh question to see what pupils can do independently.

Explore the context

Start with what PLAI™ knows.

Explore the curriculum context, then take the conversation towards the task you are preparing.

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What do you know about the National Curriculum in England and its key stages?

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Bring your teaching context

Key stage 1: Years 1 and 2
Key stage 2: Years 3 to 6
Key stage 3: Years 7 to 9
Key stage 4: Years 10 and 11

Use the programme, stage or framework your class follows.

Choose a task for your class.

Support an inference

Help pupils connect an interpretation with evidence from a text.

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Create a short reading activity where pupils support an inference with evidence from a text.

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Explain a method

Make room for pupils to describe how they reached an answer.

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Create a maths task on [topic] where pupils compare two methods and explain their choice.

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Check understanding

Use a fresh question to see what pupils can do independently.

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Create an independent follow-up question on [topic] that reveals a common misconception.

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Questions about England teaching

Does every school in England follow the national curriculum?

Local-authority-maintained schools must follow it. Academies and independent schools can use different curricula. Check your school's current curriculum and teaching sequence before using a resource.

Does this include early years and sixth form?

This page focuses on key stages 1 to 4. Early years uses the separate Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Post-16 study follows the requirements of the chosen qualification or programme.

Is the national curriculum the same as a GCSE specification?

No. For an exam-focused task, check the current specification for your subject, awarding organisation and examination year as well as the relevant curriculum requirements.

Should I specify a key stage?

Include the key stage and subject when they affect the activity. Add the particular learning objective for a more focused task.

Does England mean the whole UK?

No. This page focuses on England. Other UK nations have their own curriculum arrangements.

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