The programmes of study, in relation to a key stage, are the matters, skills, and processes which are required to be taught to pupils of different abilities and maturities by the end of that key stage. In short, they set out what pupils should be taught in each National Curriculum subject at each key stage.
Attainment targets
Attainment targets, in relation to a key stage, means the knowledge, skills and understanding which pupils of different abilities and maturities are expected to have by the end of that key stage. The attainment targets are currently set out in the form of level descriptors. There are eight level descriptions of increasing difficulty plus a description for exceptional performance above level 8.
The level descriptions provide the basis for making judgements about pupils’ performance at the end of key stages 1, 2 and 3. At Key Stage 4, national qualifications are the main means of assessing attainment in the National Curriculum subjects.
