The National Curriculum for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 forms the backbone of secondary education in England. This comprehensive guide breaks down each subject area, providing clear links to programmes of study and GCSE specifications. Whether you're a newly qualified teacher or an experienced educator, this resource will help you navigate curriculum requirements effectively.
Quick Navigation Table
| Subject | Key Stage 3 (KS3) | Programme of Study KS3 | Key Stage 4 (KS4) | Programme of study KS4 | GCSE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | Ages 11-14 | English KS 3 - Programme of Study | Ages 14-16 | English KS 4 - Programme of Study | |
| Mathematics | Ages 11-14 | Mathematics KS 3 - Programme of Study | Ages 14-16 | Mathematics KS 4 - Programme of Study | GCSE - Mathematics |
| Science | Ages 11-14 | Science - KS 3 - Programme of Study | Ages 14-16 | Science KS 4 - Programme of Study | |
| Physical Education | Ages 11-14 | Physical Education (P.E.) - Programme of Study | Optional GCSE | Physical Education (P.E.) - Programme of Study | GCSE - Physical Education (P.E.) |
| Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education (P.S.H.E.) | Ages 11-14 | Personal, Social, Health, & Economic Eductions (P.S.H.E.) - Programme of Study | |||
| History | Ages 11-14 | History KS 3 - Programme of Study | Optional GCSE | GCSE - History | |
| Geography | Ages 11-14 | Geography KS 3 - Programme of Study | Optional GCSE | GCSE - Geography | |
| Modern Languages | Ages 11-14 | Modern Foreign Languages - Programme of Study | Optional GCSE | GCSE - Modern Foreign Languages | |
| Design & Technology | Ages 11-14 | Design & Technology - Programme of Study | Optional GCSE | GCSE - Design & Technology | |
| Art & Design | Ages 11-14 | Art & Design - Programme of Study | Optional GCSE | GCSE - Art & Design | |
| Music | Ages 11-14 | Music - Programme of Study | Optional GCSE | GCSE - Music | |
| Computing | Ages 11-14 | Computing - Programme of Study | Optional GCSE | GCSE - Computer Science | |
| Citizenship | Ages 11-14 | Citizenship - Programme of Study | Optional GCSE | GCSE - Citizenship | |
| Religious Education (R.E.) | Ages 11-14 | Optional GCSE | GCSE - Religious Education(R.E.) Guidance for Religious Education Further Guidance, Agreed Syllabus Conferences R.E. GCSE & curriculum | ||
| Business | Ages 11-14 | Optional GCSE | GCSE - Business Studies |
Planning Support Tools
Lesson Deck offers subject-specific planning templates aligned with each curriculum area:
- Curriculum mapping tools
- Assessment frameworks
- Progress tracking systems
"Having all curriculum requirements in one place has transformed my planning. The links to specific programmes of study save hours of research time." - Ms Thompson, Head of Department
FAQ Section for Curriculum Planning
How do I ensure my lessons cover all curriculum requirements?Lesson Deck's planning tools automatically map your lessons to curriculum objectives, ensuring comprehensive coverage while maintaining detailed records for Ofsted inspections.
What are the mandatory subjects for Key Stage 4? Core subjects (English, Mathematics, and Science) are mandatory, along with Physical Education and Citizenship (non-GCSE). Schools must also offer at least one subject from each of the entitlement areas.
How can I track curriculum coverage across an academic year? Our curriculum tracking tools provide real-time insights into coverage, helping identify gaps and ensure balanced delivery across all required topics.
Conclusion
Understanding and implementing the National Curriculum requirements can be complex, but with the right tools and support, it becomes manageable and efficient. Lesson Deck's curriculum-aligned planning tools can help you ensure comprehensive coverage while saving valuable planning time.
Start planning curriculum-aligned lessons with Lesson Deck →
Note: This guide is regularly updated to reflect the latest curriculum requirements and changes. Last updated: May 2025