Explanatory Notes

Education Act 2002

2002 CHAPTER 32

24 July 2002

Commentary on Sections and Schedules

Part 7 – the Curriculum in Wales

The National Curriculum for Wales

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.