The New Primary National Curriculum Tuesday 17 th March 7 – 8pm

Proposed changes – core subjects Reasons for change: International surveys of pupils’ performance show that a number of jurisdictions consistently out- perform England, even in subjects where we perform relatively well. International surveys of pupils’ performance show that a number of jurisdictions consistently out- perform England, even in subjects where we perform relatively well. All high-performing systems strongly emphasise the fundamentals of core academic subjects and allocate them substantial time – yet in England we have been moving away from this approach. All high-performing systems strongly emphasise the fundamentals of core academic subjects and allocate them substantial time – yet in England we have been moving away from this approach. Our primary curriculum in mathematics and science focused insufficiently on key elements of knowledge and is not as demanding as in other jurisdictions. Our primary curriculum in mathematics and science focused insufficiently on key elements of knowledge and is not as demanding as in other jurisdictions.

Proposed changes - Maths There will be a greater emphasis on arithmetic, and the efficient written methods of long multiplication and division will be promoted. There will be more demanding content in fractions decimals and percentages. There will be a greater emphasis on arithmetic, and the efficient written methods of long multiplication and division will be promoted. There will be more demanding content in fractions decimals and percentages. Expectations have been raised. For example, an objective previously expected to be achieved by the end of Year 5 may now be a Year 4 objective. Expectations have been raised. For example, an objective previously expected to be achieved by the end of Year 5 may now be a Year 4 objective. Multiplication knowledge is more demanding. All pupils are expected to know their tables by the age of 9. Multiplication knowledge is more demanding. All pupils are expected to know their tables by the age of 9. Calculators are not encouraged at primary school. Mental and written methods are expected to be mastered first. Calculators are not encouraged at primary school. Mental and written methods are expected to be mastered first.

Proposed changes - English Higher standards of Literacy … a stronger command of the written and spoken word. Higher standards of Literacy … a stronger command of the written and spoken word. Strengthen the teaching of phonics to help pupils read more fluently. Strengthen the teaching of phonics to help pupils read more fluently. More emphasis on vocabulary, grammar and spelling at all ages. More emphasis on vocabulary, grammar and spelling at all ages. Spelling lists for ages 7 – 9 and 9 – 11: Children are expected to know these and understand any rules by the end of this phase. Spelling lists for ages 7 – 9 and 9 – 11: Children are expected to know these and understand any rules by the end of this phase. Children will be expected to participate in discussions from the age of 5. Children will be expected to participate in discussions from the age of 5.

Proposed changes - Science The proposed programmes of study for science are also more ambitious. The proposed programmes of study for science are also more ambitious. There is a stronger focus on the importance of scientific knowledge and language. There is a stronger focus on the importance of scientific knowledge and language. There is a greater emphasis on the core scientific concepts underpinning pupils’ understanding. There is a greater emphasis on the core scientific concepts underpinning pupils’ understanding.

Proposed changes – Computing The current ICT curriculum will be replaced with a new Computing curriculum. The current ICT curriculum will be replaced with a new Computing curriculum. There is much greater emphasis on programming rather than using programs. There is much greater emphasis on programming rather than using programs. Internet Safety will be taught at Primary level instead of Secondary. Internet Safety will be taught at Primary level instead of Secondary. Monday 23 March 1.15pm pm - Yr5 group workshop 2.10pm pm - Yr6 group workshop 6.15pm pm - Parent workshop Tuesday 24 March 1.15pm pm - Yr3 group workshop 2.10pm pm - Yr4 group workshop 3.20pm pm - Parent workshop 6.15pm pm - Parent workshop

Proposed changes – Foundation subjects The study of foreign language will be compulsory at Key Stage 2. The study of foreign language will be compulsory at Key Stage 2. Geography: more emphasis on geographical facts, including locating countries and cities on a map. Geography: more emphasis on geographical facts, including locating countries and cities on a map. History History - British History taught in chronological order - Changes in Britain from Stone Age to Iron Age - Learn about significant individuals from the past. - Detailed study of local area.