Understanding Your Child’s School Curriculum
Secondary school curriculums can be confusing for parents. Things have changed quite recently so what you once understood, has now been altered significantly. This is especially true of GCSEs which since 2016 have had a new grading system.
That aside, it’s a good idea to get a solid understanding of how the curriculum works. Particularly at secondary level. This secondary school in Kildare has a strong commitment to ensuring their pupils are empowered to navigate the curriculum to the absolute best of their abilities.
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What subjects must schools teach?
Maintained schools must teach the following at different key stages.
Key Stage 3
English
Maths
Science
History
Geography
Modern Foreign Languages
Design and Technology
Art and Design
Music
Physical Education
Citizenship
Computing
Key Stage 4
Core subjects are:
English
Maths
Science (minimum – Single Science)
Pupils must take core subjects and any pupils without a pass in English and Maths will be required to retake these between the ages of 16 and 18.
Foundation subjects are:
Computing
Physical Education
Citizenship
Core subjects
Schools must also offer at least one subject from each of the following areas:
Arts
Design and Technology
Humanities
Modern Foreign Languages
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Does my child have to do religious or sex education?
Maintained schools have to provide religious education and sex education from Key Stage 3 but parents may ask for their child to be removed from those lessons or from part of them. Schools should show in their policies how they provide religious education and when withdrawal from these subjects will be accepted.
Some portions of sex and relationship education are compulsory, however. This is because they form part of the National Curriculum for science. Parents can decide to withdraw their children from all other parts of sex and relationship education if they want to. A good school will always be happy to answer questions about the curriculum they provide and to allay any concerns you may have.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.