4 Learning in literacy, maths and science

English, mathematics and science are subjects that should be enjoyed by children in their own right. There is enormous pleasure to be found in solving a mathematical problem, writing a poem and watching a seed grow. Within these distinct but overlapping curriculum foci, skills are applied across the curriculum. For example, in physical education (PE) children will need to know about distance and time; in history and geography children will use a range of literacy skills to explore their local area; and through consideration of scientific evidence, children become ethical and informed citizens. In this section, you will consider some of the challenges for primary schools in these three broad fields of learning.