Getting to grips with the new primary programmes of study

Following two and a half years of review and consultation, and a flurry of minor tweaks over the summer, the final version of the primary national curriculum was published on September 11, 2013. Teachers and schools, reluctant to act too hastily in case of last-minute changes, are now having to get to grips with the new programmes of study and attainment targets: what is in, what is out, and which elements, if any, must be taught earlier or later than before.

The new curriculum comes into force in September 2014, so teachers have a year to plan how they will teach it. No school will have to change its curriculum in 2013/14, but can choose to introduce some parts of the new one earlier if they wish (see implementation timetable, below). The programmes of study for each national curriculum subject set out the content, skills and processes to be taught at each key stage. For the core subjects, the statutory requirements are accompanied by non-statutory notes. This guidance helps in the interpretation of the curriculum content and often suggests implicit teaching and learning that will help to bridge gaps between the different year groups.