The National Curriculum for Wales
Sections 102 to 110
Sections 102 and 103: The foundation stage; The key stages in Wales
243.These sections re-enact section 355 of the EA 96. They set out the key stages in relation to a pupil, which are defined according to age. For example key stage 2 begins when the majority of children in a pupil’s class reach eight and ends when the majority of pupils in a class reach eleven. They also provide for the period of the new foundation stage of the National Curriculum for Wales to be set out in an order of the NAW.
Section 104: Curriculum requirements for the foundation stage
244.This is a new provision which provides that the foundation stage of the National Curriculum for Wales shall comprise areas of learning and, in respect of those areas, desirable outcomes, educational programmes and assessment arrangements. These are specified in an order made by the NAW under section 108(2).
Sections 105 to 107: The key stages in Wales and the power to alter or remove requirements for the fourth key stage
245.Sections 105 and 106 re-enact sections 353 and 354 of the EA 96, listing the subjects which are compulsory at each key stage, but in relation to key stages 1, 2 and 3 only and stating that the National Curriculum shall specify attainment targets, programmes of study and assessment arrangements in relation to each subject for each key stage. Section 107 adds a broad power to alter or remove requirements for the fourth key stage.
246.The requirements of the National Curriculum are now described separately in relation to the foundation stage, key stages 1 to 3 and key stage 4. This will allow for different provisions to apply at each stage. Separating out key stage 4 from the others allows for new requirements for this age group to be introduced in the future.
Section 108: Establishment of the National Curriculum for Wales by order
247.This largely re-enacts section 356 of the EA 96 for key stage 4. It requires the NAW, by order, to specify areas of learning in respect of the foundation stage of the National Curriculum for Wales, and (in relation to each of those areas of learning) desirable outcomes, educational programmes and assessment arrangements. Similarly it has power in relation to the 4 key stages to specify the attainment targets, programmes of study and assessment arrangements which it considers appropriate for each subject.
Section 109: Implementation of the National Curriculum for Wales in schools
248.This re-enacts section 357 of the EA 96 in relation to Wales. It places a duty on LEAs, governing bodies and head teachers to ensure that the National Curriculum for Wales is implemented in maintained schools. This includes a new duty in respect of primary schools with nursery pupils in respect of the foundation stage.
Section 110: Implementation in respect of nursery schools etc.
249.This extends the duty to ensure that the foundation stage of the National Curriculum is implemented to include head teachers, LEAs, and all providers who are currently receiving Government early years education funding.
