Formal Curriculum Flashcards

1️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the flashcards:

  • Look through all the flashcards to see what's on both sides.
  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

  • Look at the question or prompt on each card and try to remember the answer before flipping it over.
  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

3️⃣ Consistently Review and Practice:

  • Use spaced repetition: spend more time on the cards you struggle with and go over them more often.
  • Regularly review all the flashcards to help you better understand and retain the information over time.

Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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What is the formal curriculum?

The planned subjects, topics and skills taught in school. It is set out in timetables and assessed.

What is the National Curriculum?

The official plan for what most state schools in England teach. It says what to cover in each subject and year.

What are core subjects?

English, maths and science. All pupils study these.

What are foundation subjects?

Other school subjects, such as history, geography, PE, art, music and languages.

What is a timetable in the formal curriculum?

The weekly plan that shows when each lesson happens for each subject.

What are Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4?

KS3 is ages 11–14. KS4 is ages 14–16 and leads to GCSEs.

What are GCSEs?

National exams usually taken at age 16. They give qualifications in each subject.

What does assessment mean in the formal curriculum?

Checks on learning, like tests and exams. Some courses also use coursework.

Who helps decide what is in the formal curriculum in England?

The government sets the National Curriculum. Exam boards set what each GCSE covers, and schools plan lessons.

What is meant by a broad and balanced curriculum?

A wide range of subjects and skills. It helps pupils develop in many areas.

When do pupils usually choose GCSE options?

Often in Year 9, at age 13–14, for Key Stage 4. It can vary by school.

How is the formal curriculum different from the hidden curriculum?

The formal curriculum is planned subjects and exams. The hidden curriculum is unwritten rules, norms and values learned at school.