Curriculum articles
School reading schemes explained
Ask any parent of a Reception child about Biff, Chip and Kipper, and they’ll know exactly who you’re talking about. But just how do primary school reading schemes work, and how can you tell if your child is progressing at the right rate? Lucy Dimbylow puts these questions to the teachers who use reading schemes in the classroom.
Help! My child doesn’t want to go on school swimming lessons
Students in primary school are required to learn to swim, which is a difficult part of the curriculum for water-shy children to float through. Be prepared by finding out what the learning targets are, what responsibilities your school has, and how to help your child feel confident about taking the plunge.
Reading comprehension explained for parents
Once your child can read they’ll be working on understanding what they read and really engaging with words in their literacy lessons. Reading comprehension is also a big part of SATs. Teacher Alice Hart explains how you can help boost your child’s skills at home.
An overview of the English education system
A parents' guide to the key stages and assessments within the structure of the education system in England.
An overview of the Scottish education system
How does the school education system work in Scotland? What are the differences between the National Curriculum and the Curriculum for Excellence? We explain how students are assessed within both systems in the UK.
An overview of the Welsh education system
A quick guide for parents about how the education system in Wales is structured, plus information about the National Reading and Numeracy Tests and the new curriculum for Wales, due to be introduced from nursery to Year 7 in 2022.
An overview of the Northern Irish educational system
Understand more about the curriculum used in Northern Ireland and how students are assessed with this brief guide.
11 things parents need to know about the National Curriculum
It’s the basis for what your child learns every day, but what exactly is the National Curriculum and what does it teach? Education writer and primary teacher Phoebe Doyle offers some clarity.
What your child learns in Year 6 maths, English and science
Year 6 means the next round of SATs exams! Start revising by knowing what the learning targets are for the new year, reviewing what was taught in Years 3, 4 and 5, and giving your child SATs practice papers and past exams.
What your child learns in Year 5 maths, English and science
Understanding the new things your child will be learning in Year 5 can prepare both of you for the months ahead, and make homework sessions much easier. Read our quick guide to Year 5 maths, English and science to be ready for the new challenges.
What your child learns in Year 4 maths, English and science
Help your child prepare for the concepts and topics covered in Year 4 by knowing ahead of time what they’ll be learning in class.
What your child learns in Year 3 maths, English and science
Starting Year 3 also means entering a new Key Stage. Read on to find out what your child’s maths, English and science lessons will be like, and how they can keep up their studies outside of school with free Year 3 worksheets.
What your child learns in Year 2 maths, English and science
Year 2 is when your child will take their Key Stage 1 SATs exams, but what does that mean? What will they learn? And how can you help? Find out in our parents’ guide.
What your child learns in Year 1 maths, English and science
Be prepared for what your child will learn in Year 1 with our quick reference guide to the key concepts and skills they’ll cover in class – find out how you can help them at home, too!
What your child learns in Reception year
Understand what your child is learning in their first year of school, and find out how you can help them do their best.
Sports Day cringe stories
It’s supposed to be one of the highlights of the school calendar, but in reality sports day is ripe with opportunities for humiliation. From finishing line tantrums to trackside arguments, six mums share their shame with TheSchoolRun.
What are key stages?
One of the terms you’ll hear most often during your child’s education is ‘key stage’, but what does it mean? We explain what you need to know.
What your child learns in Key Stage 3 drama
Do you have a bright young star in the family? Find out what your child will be taught in drama lessons and how you can extend this learning at home.
Year 2 English: what your child learns
Are you keen to keep up with what your child is learning in English lessons? You can, with this guide to classes in Year 2.
Year 7 maths: what your child learns
As your budding mathematician moves up to secondary school and starts KS3 maths, what new skills will they learn?
What your child learns in the Early Years Foundation Stage
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the programme which must be followed in all childcare settings from birth to five years, so for schools this means nursery and Reception.
Year 2 maths: what your child learns
Your guide to what’s covered in the maths curriculum in Year 2, from partitioning to pictograms.
Year 7 science: what your child learns
As your child moves up to secondary school, Year 7 science lessons can change a lot as children start working in labs like proper little scientists. Here’s an insight into what they’ll learn In KS3 science.
What your child learns in Key Stage 1 English
Your guide to what your child will learn in Years 1 and 2 in English and literacy.
Year 2 science: what your child learns
Your child will be learning about everything from animals to electricity in Year 2 science. Read on for the full overview of what they’ll be taught in school.
How is religion taught in schools?
Every school has to teach religious education and hold an act of worship each day. But what happens if you don’t like what’s on offer? In this extract from TheSchoolRun's The Essential Guide to Primary School, we explore what your child learns and your rights as a parent.
What your child learns in Key Stage 1 maths
Unsure about what your child will be learning in maths in years 1 and 2? Find out here.
Year 3 English: What your child learns
Your guide to what your child will be taught in English lessons in Year 3 as they move into KS2.
What your child learns in Key Stage 1 science
You may well struggle to remember what you learned in Years 1 and 2 in science – and things have moved on a lot anyway. So swot up on what your child will be taught with this quick guide.
Year 3 maths: what your child learns
Want to know what your child will be learning in maths lessons this year? Read on to discover the Year 3 maths curriculum.
What your child learns in KS2 maths curriculum
Think maths involves just adding, subtracting and times tables? Think again. Here’s a rundown of all the things your child will be learning in Years 3 to 6.
Year 3 science: what your child learns
Got a mini Einstein in the family? Here’s what they will be learning in Year 3 to help develop their scientific knowledge.
Understanding SATs results
How are SATs marked, when will you see your child’s results and what do the marks mean? Moira Holden explains everything you need to know about the optional Y2 and compulsory Y6 SATs results.
What your child learns in Key Stage 2 science
Want to know more about what your child gets up to in science class at school? Here’s your guide to the topics they’ll cover.
Year 4 English: what your child learns
Unsure what your child gets up to in English lessons? Get clued up with our guide to the Year 4 English curriculum.
How debating can benefit your child
From improving speaking and listening skills to building self-esteem, learning to debate could have many benefits for your primary-school child. Lucy Dimbylow finds out more.
Primary science: what you need to know
Not sure what your child is learning in science? Swot up with our two-minute parents' guide to primary-school science.
What your child learns in Key Stage 3 English
KS3 covers the first three years of secondary school. Here’s your guide to what your child will learn in English classes in that time.
Year 4 maths: what your child learns
Want to know what subjects will be the focus in maths lessons in Year 4? Find a detailed breakdown here.
The primary design and technology curriculum
Is your child a budding designer? We take a look at what design and technology lessons involve.