Stages
In Wales, statutory education begins in the term after a child's fifth birthday, although many children start primary school earlier than this. Between the ages of 3 and 11 a child's education is divided into three main stages:
- Early Years - pre-compulsory education (ages 3-5)
- Key Stage 1 - the first phase of compulsory primary education (ages 5-7)
- Key Stage 2 - the second phase of compulsory primary education (ages 7-11).
Primary schools in Wales must, by law, teach the basic curriculum and the National Curriculum. The basic curriculum consists of religious education (RE) and personal and social education (PSE). Primary schools are also required to have a policy on sex education. At Key Stages 1 and 2, the National Curriculum consists of "core subjects" (English, Welsh, mathematics and science) and non-core subjects - Welsh second language, design and technology, information technology, history, geography, art, music, physical education and religious education. There is no statutory requirement to teach English at Key Stage 1 in Welsh-medium schools.
Read more about this topic: Primary Education In Wales
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