What did the National Curriculum change regarding access to subjects?

• A. It reduced subject choices for girls.
• B. It made all subjects optional for all students.
• C. It gave girls and boys equal access to the same subjects, with some subjects compulsory for all (e.g., science).
• D. It created separate streams for boys and girls.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is equal access to the same range of subjects for all students, regardless of gender. The National Curriculum set up a system where girls and boys study the same subjects, rather than being steered into different options, and it included some subjects that are compulsory for everyone, such as science. This approach helps prevent gender stereotypes about what students should study and ensures that all pupils acquire a broad, shared foundation of knowledge. It isn’t about reducing choices for girls, making everything optional, or creating separate streams for boys and girls. Instead, it promotes universal access to subjects with core requirements to ensure essential learning for all students.