National curriculum subjects

The national curriculum subjects in which there are statutory expectations are:

• Art and design
• Citizenship
• Design and technology
• English
• Geography
• History
• Information and communication technology
• Mathematics
• Modern foreign languages
• Music
• Physical education
• Personal, social, health and economic education
• Religious education
• Science

These subjects have programmes of study for some or all of the key stages, which set out the subject knowledge, skills and understanding pupils are expected to develop during that particular key stage.

In addition to these subjects with statutory expectations, pupils in key stage 3 and 4 must also receive sex education and careers education, and work-related learning at key stage 4.

Curriculum dimensions

Cross-curriculum dimensions provide important unifying areas of learning that help young people make sense of the world and give education relevance and authenticity. They reflect the major ideas and challenges that face individuals and society.

They include:

• Identity and cultural diversity
• Healthy lifestyles
• Community participation
• Enterprise
• Global dimension and sustainable development
• Technology and the media
• Creativity and critical thinking