A parent's guide to learning about the Human Body in Primary School

The Human Body is taught within “Animals Including Humans” in the National Curriculum for England. Children learn how their bodies grow, function and stay healthy. As they move through primary school, learning develops from naming body parts to understanding complex internal systems.

This guide explains what your child will learn in each year group and how you can support them at home.

Year 1 & 2 (Key Stage 1)

In Key Stage 1, children begin by learning about their own bodies and basic health.

What your child will learn:

• Name basic body parts
• Understand the five senses
• Recognise that humans need food, water and air to survive
• Understand that exercise and hygiene keep us healthy
• Learn that animals (including humans) have offspring that grow into adults

At this stage, learning is practical and discussion-based. Children are encouraged to observe, talk and ask questions about how their bodies work.

You can support learning by:

• Talking about healthy food choices
• Encouraging regular physical activity
• Practising good handwashing and dental care
• Discussing how they have grown since they were babies

Year 3 & 4 (Key Stage 2)

In Lower Key Stage 2, children begin to explore how the body works internally.

What your child will learn:

• The importance of nutrition and a balanced diet
• The different types of teeth and their functions
• How the digestive system breaks down food
• The role of the skeleton and muscles in movement
• How muscles work in pairs

Children begin to use more scientific vocabulary and understand how different parts of the body work together.

You can support learning by:

• Cooking a balanced meal together
• Measuring pulse before and after exercise
• Encouraging good dental hygiene habits
• Asking your child to explain how digestion works

Year 5 & 6 (Key Stage 2)

In Upper Key Stage 2, learning becomes more detailed and investigative.

What your child will learn:

• The circulatory system and the role of the heart
• How blood transports oxygen and nutrients
• The respiratory system and gas exchange
• How lifestyle choices affect health
• Human development and puberty

Children learn how body systems work together to keep us alive. They also explore how diet, exercise, drugs and lifestyle choices can have positive or negative effects on the body.

Puberty in Year 5 & 6

As part of human development, children learn about puberty in a factual, age-appropriate way.

At this age (9–11), the focus is on:

• Understanding that bodies change as children grow into adults
• Recognising the physical changes of puberty
• Learning that emotional changes are normal
• Knowing that everyone develops at different times

The content is taught in a factual, age-appropriate and scientific way. It does not cover sexual behaviour. The aim is to help children:

• Feel prepared rather than worried
• Understand that changes are natural
• Respect differences in development
• Develop a positive and healthy attitude towards growing up

Many children begin puberty during primary school, so learning about these changes before or as they happen can help reduce confusion or embarrassment.

If your child has questions, calm and open conversations at home can really support their understanding and confidence.

Why learning about the Human Body matters

Learning about the human body helps children:

• Understand how they grow and change
• Make informed, healthy choices
• Develop responsibility for their wellbeing
• Build scientific vocabulary
• Understand cause and effect within body systems

This topic also supports relationships & health education and personal development.

Supporting your child at home

You do not need specialist knowledge to support your child. Everyday conversations and healthy routines make a big difference.

Simple ways to help include:

• Encouraging daily exercise
• Discussing balanced meals
• Supporting good dental hygiene
• Talking calmly and openly about body changes
• Modelling healthy lifestyle choices

Practical activities:

• Measure pulse before and after exercise
• Prepare a healthy meal together
• Label body parts on a drawing
• Discuss how sleep affects energy levels