What is Key Stage 2? The National Curriculum and Key Stages in England

This information, brought to you by Key Stage Two.com looks at the National Curriculum and the Key Stages in state schools across England.

Firstly, what is the National Curriculum?

State schools in England must teach a certain range of subjects according to targets set by the National Curriculum. This was established in 1989 to ensure the same standards of teaching and education is delivered across the nation.

The National Curriculum covers learning for all children aged 5-16 in state schools, and defines:

•             Which subjects should be taught.

•             The knowledge, skills and understanding a child should achieve in each subject (depending to your pupil’s age).

•             Targets - so teachers can measure how well the pupils is performing in each subject.

•             How information on the pupil’s progress should be passed on to the parents.

What are the Key Stages?

The National Curriculum is made up of four Key Stages that children are taken through during their school life. For example, Key Stage 1 is taught during Years 1 and 2 of primary school. Targets defined in the National Curriculum are assessed at the end of each Key Stage.

The four Key Stages

Key Stage 1         Ages 5-7               Years 1 and 2

Key Stage 2         Ages 7-11            Years 3, 4, 5 and 6

Key Stage 3         Ages 11-14          Years 7, 8 and 9

Key Stage 4         Ages 14-16          Years 10 and 11

What are programmes of study?

Programmes of study set out what teachers should cover in every subject during each Key Stage.

There are also four general teaching requirements, which apply across all subjects.

Teachers should:

•             Use language effectively

•             Use information and communication technology (ICT) effectively

•             Follow health and safety guidelines

•             Provide teaching that includes different ethnic minority viewpoints

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