In September 2014 the primary school curriculum is to get a radical shake-up. So why the big change, and how will it affect your child?

In 2013 the government announced plans to overhaul the national curriculum.

For most children, these changes will take effect from September 2014, but children in Years 2 and 6 will follow the existing programmes of study until September 2015 in English, maths and science. From September 2013, schools will have the option of either continuing to teach the current curriculum or gradually transitioning to the new curriculum.

Why the big curriculum change?

The main aim is to raise standards, particularly as the UK is slipping down international student assessment league tables. Inspired by what is taught in the world’s most successful school systems, including Hong Kong, Singapore and Finland, as well as in the best UK schools, it’s designed to produce productive, creative and well educated students.

Although the new curriculum is intended to be more challenging, the content is actually slimmer than the current curriculum, focusing on essential core subject knowledge and skills such as essay writing and computer programming. It also follows on from similar curriculum revamps in Scotland and Wales, which were implemented in 2010 and 2008 respectively and have a similar focus on excellence and core skills

The following document takes you through all the changes to each year group.  A PDF reader will be required to download the document.

Click on the link to download the full version.