The National Curriculum of England is a framework that outlines the subjects and content to be taught in schools for students aged 5 to 16. It aims to ensure that all children receive a balanced education, covering essential subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science, along with other areas such as History, Geography, and the arts. Introduced in 1988, the curriculum is divided into key stages, each corresponding to specific age groups. Schools are required to follow this curriculum, but they also have the flexibility to adapt their teaching methods to meet the needs of their students while maintaining educational standards.