Robotics lessons in new curriculum The disclosure will be made this week as part of a shake-up of all subjects in English state schools, including English, maths, science, history, geography, foreign languages, art and physical education. New-style lessons - to be taught from 2014 - will place a greater emphasis on the core knowledge that each pupil will require between the age of five and 14. Maths syllabuses are expected to introduce pupils to fractions at the age of five, 12 times tables by nine, algebra at 11 and financial education at secondary school. In science, evolution will be covered at the age of nine for the first time and require pupils to build electric circuits and experiment with materials before the end of primary school. Climate change is a topic at secondary school. But one of the most radical changes to the curriculum - last redrafted by Labour in 2007 - will be in D&T as part of a move that ministers claim will set more children on the path to careers in engineering, construction and manufacturing. The change follows claims from the Royal Academy of Engineering that Britain needs an additional 100,000 science, technology, engineering and maths graduates every year to meet a desperate skills shortage. A senior Whitehall source said: "The new curriculum will give pupils the skills to design, make, and test their own products. Pupils will learn computer-aided design and electronics. 3-D printers will become standard in our schools - a technology that is transforming manufacturing and the economy. Combined with the introduction of programming, it is a big step forward from Labour's dumbed down curriculum. Between the ages of five and seven, pupils will be expected to build structures, including how to make them stronger, stiffer and more stable. Under plans, seven- to 11-year-olds will be introduced to computer-aided design and lessons will promote the use of mechanical and electrical systems, incorporating switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors. At secondary school, pupils will be taught to "develop and communicate design ideas using annotated sketches, detailed plans, 3-D and mathematical modelling, oral and digital presentations and computer-based tools," the curriculum says. The new curriculum is in sharp contrast to the original draft published by the Coalition in February which expected children to receive lessons in sewing and knitting, cultivating plants for "decorative displays," bike maintenance and extensive cookery classes. At the time, Sir James accused the Government of "diluting" the subject with "puff pasty and topiary." However, commenting on the new document, Richard Green, chief executive of the Design and Technology Association, said: "This is a curriculum that challenges young people to design and innovate - essential skills for them to participate in an increasingly technological world. We know this will be well received by teachers and schools.