Understanding Your Child’s Curriculum

To help your child get the most from their education it’s important that you have an insight into what they’re studying and the milestones they need to be hitting. For some tips on how you can better understand your child’s curriculum, take a look at the following from an independent school in Hampshire.

What are Key Stages?

The national curriculum is divided into Key Stages which your child will progress through during their time at school. Key Stage 1 applies to children in years 1-3, Key Stage 2 is for children in years 4-6, Key Stage 3 covers years 7-9 and Key Stage 4 is years 10 & 11. The curriculum outlines which subjects are taught at each stage and what sort of testing and evaluation is completed at the end of each. Online resources can provide a more comprehensive summary of what is covered in each Key Stage.

Talk to Their Teacher

For a more in-depth view of what your child is being taught, it is useful to talk to their teacher. Take every opportunity to attend parents evenings and other in-school events. These will give you insight into the curriculum and give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. You will also get updated on how your child is progressing and be able to discuss any areas that either you or their teacher would like to focus on.

Have Them Teach You

Ask your child to teach you about the things they have been learning in school. You could have them recite their class notes to you, or even get them to create workbooks for you to complete. Not only is this a great way for them to reinforce their knowledge, it gives you a more complete understanding of the topics your child has been learning about, allowing you to support them more effectively.

*This is a collaborative post