THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM

Pupils aged 5 to 16 in state schools must be taught the National Curriculum. This is divided into four `Key Stages' that depend on pupil's ages.

Pupils in KS3 must be taught the following subjects: English, mathematics, science, history, geography, design and technology, information and communication technology, modern foreign languages, art and design, music, physical education and citizenship. Pupils must also study religious education.

Levels of achievement

The National Curriculum sets standards of achievement in each subject for pupils aged 5 to 14. For most subjects, these standards range from Levels 1 to 8. Pupils progress up the levels as they get older and learn more:

• most 7 year olds are expected to achieve Level 2
• most 11 year olds are expected to achieve Level 4
• most 14 year olds are expected to achieve Levels 5 or 6

Teacher assessments

All teachers check their pupils' progress in each subject as a normal part of their teaching. They must also assess pupils' progress in English, mathematics and science against the National Curriculum standards when pupils reach the end of each Key Stage. The teacher decides which level best describes a pupil's performance in each area of learning in that subject. Teachers use their knowledge of the work pupils have done throughout the year in class to judge the pupils' progress.

Tests

Pupils must also take national tests at the end of each Key Stage. These show a pupil's performance in selected parts of a subject on a particular day. At the end of KS3, pupils are tested in English, mathematics and science. These tests give an independent measure of how pupils and schools are doing compared with national standards in these subjects.

Your child compared with his or her age group

* Level 8 is only available in Mathematics at KS3