Q&A: Changes to the teaching of key subjects

The national curriculum aims to make sure all children get the same standard of education

As plans to scrap GCSEs in key subjects in England and replace them with English Baccalaureate Certificates are abandoned and plans to change the national curriculum are published the BBC News website looks at why the planned exams were scrapped and what will be taught in our schools.

Why has Michael Gove decided to shelve plans for the EBC?

What was the English Baccalaureate Certificate set to be?

What kind of exams will 16-year-olds take instead?

What else is being announced?

When was the national curriculum introduced?

Why was the national curriculum brought in?

What subjects are currently included in the national curriculum in England?

How is the national curriculum currently organised?

Is it true that many schools do not have to follow the national curriculum anyway?

So is the national curriculum still relevant?

What is happening in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland?