The National CurriculumSummary notes

By Charlotte Irvine

Bryn Hafren Comprehensive School

The National Curriculum• The National Curriculum of the United Kingdom

of Great Britain has ten subjects which must be taught. These are generally referred to as the Core Foundation Subjects. In British schools these subjects are compulsory.

• The National Curriculum, This requires all pupils to study English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Technology, Music, Art, Physical Education and a Foreign Language. Of these English, Mathematics and Science are considered the 'core subjects'.

Curriculum Background

• Before the 1988 Education Act, the education system was governed largely by the principles and the assumptions of the 1944 Education Act.

• In the 1944 act the word 'curriculum' did not appear and there 'is no statutory requirement for the inclusion of any subject in the school time table, except that of Religious Education.

• The 1988 Education Reform Act changed this. The following measures were introduced through this legislation.

Modern Foreign Languages• Within the curriculum Modern

Foreign Languages have become more and more important, as well as becoming compulsory in secondary schools they have also been guideline introduced into primary schools.

Curriculum 2000

• In August 2000 a revised National Curriculum was introduced.

• Its main aim was to ensure that any changes would promote stability in schools and enable them to focus on raising standards.

• Most changess increased flexibility so that schools could fit the curriculum to their pupils needs more easily and at the same time made teaching requirements more clear.

Criticisms of the National Curriculum…

• Teachers say that there is too much testing in schools.

• Some people say it is boring.• It means other subjects are not as

well respected.