The New National Curriculum for Primary Schools from 2014

Note: The key stage 2 programmes of study for English, mathematics and science are presented in this
document as lower (years 3 and 4) and upper (years 5 and 6). This distinction is made as guidance for
teachers and is not reflected in legislation. The legal requirement is to cover the content of the programmes
of study for years 3 to 6 by the end of key stage 2.

Key Changes:

English
In both stages, an increased emphasis on spoken English, including drama (improvised and written), debates,
reciting of poetry, performing own work.
Spelling is more prescriptive, and accelerates the current list.
The vocabulary of grammar that children should know is also laid out in more detail.
KS1:
use apostrophes for contraction and singular possession
learn poems by heart
KS2:
dictation

Maths
Calculators will not be used until near the end of key stage 2. Then they can be used to support pupils
conceptual understanding and exploration of more complex number problems, but only if their written and
mental arithmetic are secure. They will not be used in tests.
Increased emphasis on children speaking their maths explaining their reasoning.
Accelerated progress compared to current curriculum.
KS1:
Fractions , , , 1/3, 2/3 recognise that 2/4 = 1/2.
2x, 5x and 10x tables
KS2:
Emphasis on times tables up to 12x12 these should be fluent and secure by end of Y4
Roman numerals up to 100 (I to C) by Y4, and 1000 (I to M) by Y6
Know and use notation for squares and cubes (5
2
, 4
3
)
Add and subtract fractions with different denominators (Y6)
Use long division method in Y6
Use angles to construct pie charts

Science
Teaching of causes and effects of climate change, and of introduction to evolution in KS2.
More emphasis on recording and presenting data, including scatter graphs.

Computing
A new subject, which includes programming.

Design and Technology
Computing is also included in Design and Technology, both in the design stage (CAD) and in the making (control
technology). Cooking skills also statutory in KS2, including an understanding of seasonality and food processing.
Geography

More emphasis on factual knowledge (called locational knowledge in the NC)
In KS1, children should be able to:
name and locate the worlds seven continents and five oceans
name, locate and identify characteristics of the four countries and capital cities of the United
Kingdom and its surrounding seas
identify seasonal and daily weather patterns in the United Kingdom and the location of hot and cold
areas of the world in relation to the Equator and the North and South Poles
In KS2, children should be able to:
locate the worlds countries, using maps to focus on Europe (including the location of Russia) and
North and South America, concentrating on their environmental regions, key physical and human
characteristics, countries, and major cities. Note not Africa nor Oceania these come in KS3.
name and locate counties and cities of the United Kingdom, geographical regions and their
identifying human and physical characteristics, key topographical features (including hills,
mountains, coasts and rivers), and land-use patterns; and understand how some of these aspects
have changed over time
identify the position and significance of latitude, longitude, Equator, Northern Hemisphere,
Southern Hemisphere, the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, Arctic and Antarctic Circle, the
Prime/Greenwich Meridian and time zones (including day and night)
use four and six-figure grid references

History

Children should know and understand the history of these islands as a coherent, chronological narrative,
from the earliest times to the present day: how peoples lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has
influenced and been influenced by the wider world.
KS2 has a changed curriculum. Over the four years children should learn about:
changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age
the Roman Empire and its impact on Britain
Britains settlement by Anglo-Saxons and Scots
the Viking and Anglo-Saxon struggle for the Kingdom of England to the time of Edward the Confessor
a local history study
a study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils chronological knowledge beyond 1066
the achievements of the earliest civilizations an overview of where and when the first civilizations
appeared and a depth study of one of the following: Ancient Sumer; The Indus Valley; Ancient Egypt; The
Shang Dynasty of Ancient China
Ancient Greece a study of Greek life and achievements and their influence on the western world
a non-European society that provides contrasts with British history one study chosen from: early Islamic
civilization, including a study of Baghdad c. AD 900; Mayan civilization c. AD 900; Benin (West Africa) c. AD
900-1300.

Music
In KS2 children should use and understand staff and other musical notations.