KEY STAGE 3 (Age11-14)

These years of your child's time at school are called key stage 3.

At the end of each key stage, each National Curriculum subject has a target: your child should have reached a particular level of skills, knowledge and understanding.

Why have targets and tests?

• Pupils get a sense of achievement from reaching each milestone in their learning, and going beyond it.

• Schools use them to check on pupils' progress, so that they can match their teaching to each pupil's needs and abilities.

• The government uses them to see how many pupils are making the right kind of progress (especially in English, maths and science, where pupils take National Curriculum tests at age 14).

Of course, some pupils may not make as much progress as others and some have special educational needs.

As a parent or carer, you have a very important role to play in helping your child learn. Some parents are afraid of doing the wrong thing. (If you are unsure about how to help, you can always ask your child's teachers.) The most important things you can do are:

• take an interest in what your child is learning at school, and encourage them to tell you about it

• praise them when they have done well

• give them a quiet space to do their homework.

There are other things you can do, too: this site gives ideas and tips about homework, revision and how to develop your child's thinking skills. Don't feel you have to do all of them, but any you can do will support your child's learning.
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Why do schools teach English?

English concentrates on four key skills that your child needs to get the most out of all their learning at school - speaking clearly, listening closely, reading carefully and writing fluently. English helps pupils express themselves creatively and boosts their confidence about speaking in public and writing for others. Pupils read classic and contemporary prose and poetry from around the world, look closely at the way writers use language and explore the social and moral issues they raise.

Why do schools teach mathematics?

We all use maths every day, even if that's not what we call it. We check our change at the shops, work out how expensive the new carpet will be, decide when we need to leave the house to get to the airport. And at the other end of the spectrum, brilliant scientists are using maths to build the internet and help us understand the laws of the universe.

Why do schools teach science?

Pupils study science to help them understand the natural world and to get to grips both with the technology they already use in daily life and with what they'll encounter later in their workplace.

Why do schools teach design and technology?

A video recorder that's easy to programme or a desk that's just right for the home computer, good design makes things easier and more enjoyable to use. Design and technology lessons give pupils the opportunity to investigate how well familiar products and objects actually work, and who they're really aimed at. By answering questions such as 'Is this the right tool for the job?' they learn how to solve practical problems skilfully, creatively and with imagination.

Why do schools teach information and communication technology?

You can email through your TV, surf the internet from a mobile phone, or do the shopping from your home computer: modern technology is changing the way we live and work. And pupils need to learn how to manage it all - how to get hold of information, store it, share it with others and tailor it to their own needs. That's where their information and communication technology (ICT) lessons come in. This is where they learn how to use the internet and email, digital cameras and scanners, recording equipment and computer software.

Why do schools teach history?

How did we get here? Where do we come from? History helps shed light on some big questions by unearthing evidence about the past. Pupils are often interested in how different their lives might have been if they'd lived at some other point in history. Learning about some of the people and events that have shaped Britain and the wider world over the centuries can inspire them to think about what they want to do as they get older. As history fires their imagination, they begin to understand and remember a framework of big events and important people.

Why do schools teach geography?

We all make a mark on where we live, and where we live leaves its mark on us. Learning about our lives and the impact they have on the environment is central to geography lessons at this stage. Pupils find out about and compare different places around the world. To help them get the best out of the facts they gather inside and outside the classroom, they learn how to use maps, photographs and computers - skills which prove useful in other subjects as well as when they leave school.

Why do schools teach modern foreign languages*?

As new technology brings people closer together across the globe, studying a language like French, German or Japanese becomes ever more important in preparing pupils for living and working in the 21st century. Learning a new language teaches pupils how people live in other countries and cultures. It gives them insights into our own multicultural society as well as helping them when they go on holiday. Knowing another language can boost their career prospects if they're interested in working for a company with an eye on global markets.

Why will schools teach citizenship?

As they grow older, pupils will need to get involved in the communities they live in and help change them for the better. Citizenship is the key here, as pupils find out how our society works. They also learn how to communicate their ideas effectively and why it's vital to understand other people's views and respect their rights. By teaching these skills, citizenship shows pupils how they can play an active and responsible part in society.

All state schools started teaching citizenship from autumn 2002.

Why do schools teach art and design?

Whether they're digitally manipulating images on the computer or getting the feel of textiles or clay, pupils use art and design to look afresh at the world around them. Experimenting with colours, materials, textures and patterns or trying out new processes helps them communicate what they see, feel and imagine. They study different sorts of artwork from murals to sculptures and discover how images can tell stories or express ideas. They learn how art, craft and design enrich our lives and can lead to many kinds of interesting and creative jobs.

Why do schools teach music?

We've all got our 'desert island discs', songs that remind us of places we've visited, or tunes that always cheer us up when we're feeling down. Making music together helps pupils to explore and express their thoughts and feelings. Learning songs from times gone by or from different parts of the world helps pupils learn about other times and other cultures. And getting to grips with listening carefully is going to help them in all sorts of different lessons throughout their school career.

Why do schools teach physical education?

Whether regular exercise is swimming or a Sunday afternoon kickaround, we know keeping fit is important these days. And physical education, or PE, is where pupils learn key life skills like teamwork, co-operation and the spirit of competition. PE aims to show pupils that we all need exercise and we can all enjoy one variety or another, vital messages to help them lead active and healthy lives as they grow up.

Why do schools teach religious education?

To be able to understand their own beliefs and values, pupils need to learn about and respond to the beliefs and values of others. In religious education (RE) pupils learn about the main religions in the country, particularly Christianity. The subject aims to help them respect the beliefs and practices of others as well as discover more about their own.

Your child's school must teach religious education, but there is no national programme of study. For most schools, RE teaching will be based on the local education authority programme. Some schools (for example, church schools) may follow a different programme. The local programme is shaped by national guidelines. These say that teaching should:

• reflect the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are mainly Christian

• also include teaching about the other important religions in this country.

There are no targets for RE at key stage 3.

If you think it is best for your child, you can take them out of religious education lessons.

PSHE and Citizenship

Why do schools teach personal, social and health education?

To lead independent, happy lives, pupils must develop their self-confidence. This involves taking responsibility for their own health and well-being. In this subject, pupils learn about these important life skills.

Secondary schools do not have to teach PSHE, but the government encourages them to do so. It may not be taught as a subject in its own right - it might be taught:

• through other subjects

• through special time set aside

• by creating special opportunities for pupils to take responsibility.

There are no targets for PSHE at key stage 3.

Questions Parents Ask  for Key Stage 3

Schools keep in touch with parents regularly to explain important developments and will be able to answer any questions you have more fully. Your first contact for help is always your child's teacher.

At key stage 2, all state schools have to teach all the National Curriculum subjects in this guide:

• English
• mathematics
• science
• design and technology
• information and communication technology
• history
• geography
• art and design
• music
• physical education

They also have to teach religious education.

This guide also describes personal, social and health education and citizenship, which does not have to be taught but many schools choose to teach it.

Not every subject will be taught in separate lessons.

'This guide says that most children reach the 'target for every child' by age 11. But I'm worried that my child won't.'

The 'targets for every child' in each subject describe what children should be able to do and know. Level 4 is the target for 11 year olds.

The aim of the targets is to give a level that most children should have reached by a certain age. There will always be some children below and others beyond the target. If your child finds their work easy, talk to their teacher about what target they should be aiming for - they may need to aim higher. If your child is likely to find level 4 hard when they get to age 11, the school will tell you in good time. Every school must give parents an annual report on how their child is progressing in each National Curriculum subject. (The school is not obliged by law to give a level for each subject in this annual report, but some will.)

If the school says that your child is likely to find it hard to reach the target, remember:

• children develop at different rates. Some may not reach the level at the given age, but will catch up later

• at the moment, however, your child may need extra help from their school and from you. Talk to their teacher about how you can help.

'What if my child has special educational needs?'

Help is available. For more information, see 'special educational needs' in the 'Teacher talk' section.

'Where can I find help if my child has health or social problems at school?'

School is about much more than learning: it's about your child growing up, making friends, growing in confidence. School might bring all kinds of questions: for example, what kind of uniform do you need to buy? If your child has asthma, how can the school help? This guide focuses on learning between the ages of 7 and 11, and doesn't try to look at the other questions in detail. But the help section at the end of 'Teacher talk' shows you where you can go for help with the other questions.

'I see there are tips in this guide, but I don't have time to do them all - will my child be left behind?'

No. The tips in this guide are there for you to complement the work of the school. Do as many tips as you feel able to do, but don't feel guilty about those you can't. The main thing is always to show an interest in what your child is learning at school. (But remember - even if you don't have time to do some tips, grandparents are often pleased to help.)

'My child seems to have difficulty keeping up at school and finds the work difficult. What can I do?'

Talk regularly to your child's teacher. You don't have to wait for a parents' evening: you can ask the school for an appointment with your child's teacher at any time. Find out more about what your child is doing at school and ask the teacher what your child could do at home to help their learning at school. See also 'special educational needs' in the section on 'Teacher talk'.

'My child's school doesn't seem to be teaching all the subjects in this guide. Why?'

Primary schools have to teach all but one of the subjects explained in this guide. Schools must teach religious education and all the National Curriculum subjects. Schools are expected to teach a daily literacy hour, a daily maths lesson, and PE every week. But:

• schools don't have to teach the other subjects every week. As long as they cover the curriculum, it is up to them. So your child's school might teach some subjects in blocks

• schools don't have to call the subjects by the names in this guide. For example, they might teach some geography and history together and give it a more child-friendly name, such as 'our neighbourhood'. Personal, social and health education and citizenship is an optional subject.

'I hear a lot about the literacy hour and numeracy hour. What are they?'

These are teaching methods set out in the National Literacy Strategy and National Numeracy Strategy, which give detailed aims for teaching most of the English curriculum, and all of the maths curriculum. For more information, send for two free leaflets 'Learning to read and write at home and at school' and 'Learning about mathematics at home and at school'. (Call the DfEE orderline on 08000 96 66 26 to ask for a copy.)

Also see the Parents' Centre Literacy and Numeracy sections.

'I see there are national tests only in English, maths and science. Does this mean the other subjects are less important?'

All the National Curriculum subjects are very important: they all contribute to your child's education in different ways. The National Curriculum was introduced to make sure that all children are given a broad and balanced education. PE, for example, contributes to your child's physical development. Art and design and music give your child other experiences that help them to develop important skills, such as being creative.

'What is a home-school agreement?'

Your child's school should give you a written home-school agreement, setting out its aims and values. The agreement will list the school's responsibilities, your responsibilities, and what the school expects of its pupils. Each school's agreement is different but all should cover the importance of regular and punctual attendance, discipline and good behaviour, and homework.

Your support and encouragement are very important to your child's progress and the home-school agreement will help you to work with the school. Schools have to review their agreements every two or three years and must consult parents before making any changes. You will be asked to sign a copy of the agreement. If you don't feel you can sign it, you don't have to. Please talk to the school about it.

'Will my child be taught sex and relationship education?'

This depends on the school's policy. Find out more in the section on sex and relationship education and drugs education.

'Will my child be taught French, German or Spanish?'

Primary schools don't have to teach modern foreign languages at this age, but some choose to do so. The schools that do usually teach children aged 10-11. They will focus on one language. Children practise simple phrases and learn about the culture of the country where the language is spoken.

In secondary school, your child will have to learn a modern foreign language between the ages of 11 and 14.

'Should I help my child with their homework?'

• Take advice from your child's teacher about how much help you should give with the work itself. Depending on your child, it may be helpful to give them a hand with particular homework tasks. But an important aim of homework is to help children learn how to work independently, so it is helpful to encourage them, but not to do the work for them.

• If you haven't got a copy of the school's homework policy, do ask for one and check what it has to say.

• Make sure your child has a quiet space to do homework in, and help them to plan their time.

'My child just wants to watch television instead of doing homework. Help!'

Television can encourage learning if chosen carefully. For example, some wildlife documentaries are excellent introductions to important topics in science and geography. Schools don't always have time to show these kinds of television programmes in full. So if your child watches them, this will add to their school learning. In this guide you will find tips that make good use of television - often in ways that encourage your child to note or discuss what they see.

However, homework is important and sometimes it may be demanding. On many occasions it will be best simply to turn the TV off (or video the programme!), and give your child both encouragement and support when they are not motivated.
Finding Out More

Teacher Talk

For more help on many topics.

This guide is about what your child will learn at school. Of course, there are many other issues to do with your child's education, health and well-being that don't link directly to the curriculum. Your child's school is always your first point of contact for help.

This site is part of DfES's web site for parents, which covers many other issues. Click here to go to the Parents' Centre

For more information about the curriculum, use the links which appear at the bottom of each page to see the full curriculum for each subject, or click here to go to the whole curriculum.

For more suggestions about ways to help with your child's education, use the links at the bottom of some pages to view leaflets with more hints and tips, or see all the leaflets at the Discover site

You can also search for learning resources here.