Subject (school) facts for kids

School is where you learn lots of new things! To make learning easier, everything is divided into different subjects. Think of subjects as different areas of knowledge, like chapters in a giant book about the world. When you're in a lesson at school, you usually focus on just one subject at a time. Some of the most common subjects you'll find in school include English, history, mathematics, physical education (PE), and science. Each subject helps you understand different parts of the world and develop important skills.

What Are School Subjects?

School subjects are like building blocks for your brain. Each one teaches you something new and helps you grow. For example:

• English helps you read, write, and communicate clearly.
• Mathematics teaches you how to solve problems with numbers and understand patterns.
• Science helps you explore how the world works, from tiny atoms to giant galaxies.
• History lets you learn about the past and how it shaped today.
• Physical Education keeps your body healthy and teaches you about teamwork.

Learning a variety of subjects helps you discover what you're good at and what you enjoy. It also prepares you for many different paths in life, whether it's going to college, learning a trade, or starting a career.

Subjects You Might Learn in School

The subjects you study can change as you get older and move from primary school to secondary school. Here are some examples of subjects you might encounter.

Primary School Subjects (Ages 4–11)

In primary school, you learn the basics that will help you with more advanced topics later on.

• Art: Expressing yourself through drawing, painting, and crafts.
• Citizenship: Learning about being a good member of your community and country.
• Geography: Studying the Earth's lands, features, and people.
• History: Discovering stories and events from the past.
• Languages: Sometimes you might start learning a new language like French or Spanish.
• Literacy: Focusing on reading, writing, and understanding language.
• Music: Learning about sounds, instruments, and creating melodies.
• Natural History: Exploring the natural world, including plants and animals.
• Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE): Learning about staying healthy, safe, and getting along with others.
• Science: Doing experiments and learning about living things, materials, and forces.
• Arithmetic: Basic math skills like adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.
• Social Studies: Learning about people, cultures, and how societies work.
• Reading: Developing strong reading skills.
• Writing: Learning to write clearly and creatively.

Secondary School Subjects (Ages 11–16)

As you get older, subjects often become more detailed and specialized.

• Art: Continuing to develop creative skills.
• Business Studies: Learning how businesses work and make money.
• Citizenship: Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a citizen.
• Critical Reading: Learning to analyze and understand complex texts.
• Dance: Expressing yourself through movement and choreography.
• Design & Technology: Creating and building things using different materials and tools.
• Drama: Acting, performing, and understanding plays.
• English: Advanced reading, writing, and literary analysis.
• Geography: Deeper study of the Earth's physical and human landscapes.
• History: Exploring historical events and their impact in more detail.
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Learning about computers, software, and the internet.
• Languages: Continuing to learn or starting new foreign languages like German, Irish, or Italian.
• Mathematics: More advanced topics like algebra, geometry, and statistics.
• Modern Studies: Looking at current events and social issues.
• Music: Studying music theory, history, and performance.
• Physical Education (PE): Staying active and learning about different sports and fitness.
• Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE): Continuing to learn about well-being and life skills.
• Religious Education (RE): Exploring different religions and beliefs.
• Science: Often split into specific areas like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
• Study Skills: Learning how to learn effectively, organize your work, and prepare for tests.

Other Interesting Subjects

Some schools might offer even more specialized or unique subjects:

• Ancient Greek and Latin: Studying ancient languages and cultures.
• Animal Husbandry: Learning about caring for farm animals.
• Biology: The study of living things.
• Chemistry: The study of substances and how they react.
• Commerce: Learning about trade and business activities.
• Computer Studies: Deeper dives into programming and computer systems.
• Ethics: Thinking about right and wrong.
• Food Technology: Learning to cook and understand food science.
• Health and Hygiene: Understanding how to stay healthy and prevent illness.
• Home Economics: Practical skills for managing a home and family.
• Literature: Reading and analyzing different types of books and stories.
• Physics: The study of energy, force, and matter.
• Psychology: Learning about the human mind and behavior.
• Religion: Exploring different faiths and their impact.
• Sociology: Studying how people live together in groups and societies.
• Woodwork: Working with wood to create objects.
• Design Technology: This can include working with paper, resistant materials, food, or textiles to design and make products.