Your 11 to 14-year-old and the National Curriculum

Key Stage 3 – what is your child learning at school?

• English
• Maths
• Science
• Design and technology
• Information and communication technology (ICT)
• History
• Geography
• Modern foreign languages
• Art and design
• Music
• Citizenship
• Physical education

Schools also have to provide:

• Careers education and guidance (during Year 9)
• Sex and relationship education (SRE)
• Religious education (RE)

Parents can decide if they want their children to go to RE and parts of the SRE classes.

Remember - children do not pass or fail at this stage. Key Stage 3 tests are so teachers and parents can have an idea of how the child is getting on so far.

This is an important time in your child’s education and life so far, and you are an important part of this too!

Children will take national tests in English, Maths and Science. Most kids are expected to achieve level 5 but their target is level 6.

Children aged 14 also have to choose what they will study in Key Stage 4 – many of these subjects will be studied as GCSE’s. The have to do English, Maths and Science but there are lots of other choices. Each school is different, but they have to let children choose between these broad areas:

•  Arts (including Art and design, Music, Dance, Drama and Media arts)
•  Design and technology
•  Humanities (History and Geography)
•  Modern foreign languages

There are also other vocational courses and apprenticeships available.

You can be an important part of this process; it will help them if they can talk about this with you. Some practical things that you can do are:

• make sure they have a quiet area at home where they can work quietly and safely
• look on the internet and in shops for some study tests and revision guides
• if you are worried about how your child is doing at school you can talk to their teacher who will be happy to help
• help them write a plan to split work time up into 30 minute chunks, starting with the bits they find hardest
• always praise your child for their hard work. Make sure they have time to relax as well, and that they get enough sleep.

Don’t worry if you don’t always understand the work your child is doing! You can be there for them in lots of different ways. This is a really important time in their education and you can help them plan for their future. Encourage them to see it as an exiting time!