Understanding Your Child's Curriculum

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Understanding Your Child's Curriculum

Research shows that parental involvement in a child’s education has a positive effect on their performance.  The more supported a child feels at home, the more he or she will accomplish at school.

To help you provide the best possible support for your child at home, it is important to understand the school curriculum and learn more about what they are studying in class. To make this as easy as possible, Parsons Green Prep School has put together this handy guide to the school curriculum for parents…

The National Curriculum is split into five different Key Stages based on the age of your child. 

These Key Stages are:

Key Stage 1: Aged 5-7, Years 1-2

Key Stage 2: Aged 7-11, Years 3-6

Key Stage 3: Aged 11-14, Years 7-9

Key Stage 4: Aged 14-16, Years 10-11, GCSEs

Key Stage 5: Aged 16-19, Years 12-13, A Levels

This curriculum is an important framework that helps to ensure all children are reaching their full potential and that a consistent level of education is provided across the board. Within each key stage your child will study towards exams. These exams will assess their progression and allow the teachers to check whether or not they are meeting national targets. The classwork and activities your child takes part in throughout the term will follow the National Curriculum. 

The curriculum also places importance on learning essential skills that will benefit children throughout their life and future careers. Teachers will help to develop communication skills using activities such as reading, writing, talking and listening, as well as mathematics and technology.

Your child’s annual report will tell you about their learning and progress in a number of areas. The teacher will give your child a level to indicate how well they are doing in each area, as well as provide an overall assessment of your child’s progress.  As your child moves through school, it is hoped that their ability in each area will improve and they will progress to a higher level.

At the annual parents’ meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk to the teacher about your child’s progress and how you can help to support their learning at home. 

Which Key Stage is your child in?