The National Curriculum (NC) was introduced in 1988 and stipulates what must be studied in England and Wales by state school students up to the age of 16. The core subjects taught are English, Mathematics and Science, which form the basis of the Curriculum. Daily Literacy and Numeracy Hour programmes have been introduced nationally into the primary sector. The foundation subjects of History, Geography, Design Technology, Information Technology, Music, Art and Physical Education are also covered. Modern Languages are introduced at secondary level whilst Religious Education must also be covered within the curriculum framework.

The National Curriculum is divided into five sections known as key stages as illustrated below.

Key Stages	1 Infant	2 Junior	3 Secondary	4 Secondary	6th Form
Pupil's ages	5-7	7-11	11-14	14-16	17-18
Year Group	Reception 1,2	Years 3,4,5,6	Years 7,8,9	Years 10,11	Years 12,13

NC Guidelines
Copies of the National Curriculum guidelines are available at our offices, in public libraries, schools and now on the Internet at www.nc.uk.net. You will be expected to follow the NC on a day-to day supply basis. It is essential that you make yourself familiar with the details relevant to the age group you teach, and for the subject specialism.

Within the NC, pupil performance is periodically measured against Standardised Attainment Tests (SAT's). These are formalised tests taken at the ages of 7, 11 and 14. GCSEs are taken at the end of Year 11. A-Level, GNVQ or NVQ examinations are generally taken in the sixth form, Years 12 and 13 after which students may gain entrance into Universities.

For a detailed description of assessment and examinations within the UK school system visit the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (www.qca.org.uk) website.

Regulation of the above system comes under the remit of the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted). Click here for more information on Ofsted.