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.

During Key Stage 3 pupils 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 through to 8. Pupils progress through 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

Throughout the year, all teachers assess their pupils' progress in each subject as a normal part of their teaching. The teacher decides which level best describes a pupil's performance in each area of learning in that subject. They must report their assessments in English, mathematics and science when pupils reach the end of each key stage. Teacher assessments are not reported in the Secondary School (Key Stage 3) Achievement and Attainment Tables.

Tests

National tests, taken at the end of each key stage, give a snapshot of a pupil's attainment in the core subjects. At the end of KS3, pupils are tested in English, mathematics and science. These end of key stage tests give an independent and nationally standardised measure of how pupils and schools are doing compared with national standards in the core subjects.

Using the following table you can compare your child's test result against the expected level for his or her age group.

* Please note: KS3 pupils can gain Level 8 in mathematics only. Level 7 is the hightest available in the KS3 English and science tests.