Children in primary school will learn how to spot fake news, identify misinformation and manage money, as part of a major shake-up to the national curriculum.

The government has shared a range of reforms that will “breathe new life” into the school curriculum – including encouraging critical thinking from a young age.

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said the “landmark reforms” will help young people “step boldly into the future”.

Here’s what parents need to know.

Changes being made to the curriculum for primary school pupils

It’s been over a decade since the national curriculum was updated.

Under new plans, citizenship will be made compulsory in primary school, so young children will be educated on topics like media literacy, managing money, law and rights, democracy and government, and climate education.

The government also plans to introduce a strengthening of writing assessment in year 6 to spot pupils who need extra support.

A new oracy framework will also be shared to help more young people become confident and effective speakers.

How will the curriculum changes impact secondary school-age students?

The government said “too many” pupils are leaving school without passing their GCSE in English – so it will introduce a new statutory reading test in year 8.

Arts GCSEs will also be given equal status to humanities and languages, recognising their value in boosting confidence and broadening skills for a competitive job market.

Schools will also be expected to work towards offering triple science GCSE (earning separate GCSES in biology, chemistry........

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