The National Curriculum is a framework used in schools in England to outline the subjects and content that students should learn at different stages of their education. It sets out the knowledge, skills, and understanding required for students from ages 5 to 16, ensuring a consistent education across schools. The curriculum includes core subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science, as well as foundation subjects such as History, Geography, and Art. Schools are required to follow this framework, but they can also adapt their teaching methods to meet the needs of their students while adhering to the overall guidelines.