General Information
The National Curriculum is a framework which must be followed by
all local authority schools for children aged 5 to 14. It
sets out
- the subjects taught
- the knowledge, skills and understanding required in each
subject
- standards or attainment targets in each subject
- how progress is assessed and reported
There are different requirements for different age groups:
Progress is measured through eight levels,
covering ages 5-14. The highest is Level 8, achieved by the most
able pupils at the age of 14. There is also a description of
‘exceptional performance’ above Level 8, which only a very few are
expected to reach. By the end of Key Stage 3, the expected level is
5 or above. Then pupils begin their GCSE courses, and the national
curriculum levels no longer apply. Different arrangements apply to
Academies.
Primary Languages
It is expected that primary children will have the opportunity to
learn a language, and after September 2010 this is a “statutory
requirement”. Find out
here about the Key Stage 2 Framework for Languages.
Secondary Languages
At
Key Stage 3, language study is compulsory; read the programme of
study
here. At the end of this key stage, pupils receive a
teacher-assessed level. Most are expected to achieve at least level
5. Read the attainment targets
here.
Towards the end of Key Stage 3, children make
choices about which subjects they will study at Key Stage 4.
Languages are an “entitlement” subject. This means they are an
option which must be offered, but are not compulsory. Some schools,
including language colleges, have their own policies, and expect
almost all pupils to learn a language.