In the Early Years Department we follow the English curriculum, modified to take account of the particular local and international needs of our children. The children in the Pre-school Classes and Reception follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework while the children in Year 1 and 2 follow Key Stage 1 of the English National Curriculum, both of which lead directly on to Key Stages 2, 3 and 4 and ultimately i.G.C.S.E. and ‘A’ Level.
In line with the rest of the school the Early Years Department is English speaking. However the needs of the children entering into the school with no, or little, spoken English are recognised. Some lessons are taught bilingually and each class has a classroom assistant who is able to speak at least two languages, and often many more. Additional support is given to those who require it.
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The children in the Pre-School and Reception Classes follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This framework recognises that children are competent learners from birth and develop and learn in a wide variety of ways. The children’s needs, their interests and stages of development are all taken into account when planning to ensure the children receive a challenging and enjoyable experience.
The EYFS is planned for through six areas of learning and development:
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Communication, Language and Literacy
Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
Physical Development
Creative Development
None of the six areas of learning and development within the EYFS can be taught or learnt in isolation from the others. They are all equally important and depend on each other to support a rounded approach to child development. All the areas are taught though planned, purposeful play, with a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities.
When children enter Key Stage 1, in Year 1, the curriculum becomes subject based, and follows the English National Curriculum. At this early stage in a child’s education the teaching remains cross-curricular and topic based.
The following subjects are taught:
Literacy
Mathematics
Science
Information Communication Technology
Religious Education
History
Geography
Art and Design
Design and Technology
Music
Physical Education (including swimming)
Personal, Social and Health Education
Successful Personal, Social and Emotional Development gives children the best opportunity for success in all other areas of learning as it is about emotional well-being. Children learn who they are and where they fit in and feel good about themselves. It is also about developing respect for others, social competence and a positive disposition to learn.
The development and use of communication and language is at the heart of young children’s learning. Non-verbal communication is recognised as children express their needs and feelings and begin to establish their own identities and personalities. Children learn to speak and listen in different situations and for different purposes. They are read a wide range of books, read simple texts and write for a variety of purposes.
Children’s mathematical development arises out of daily experiences in a rich and interesting environment. Children count, match, sort, seek patterns, make connections and recognise relationships. Children work with numbers, shapes, space and measures. Their understanding is developed through use of stories, songs, games and imaginative play.
In this area of learning children develop knowledge, skills and understanding that help them to make sense of the world. They learn through first-hand experiences which encourage exploration, observation, problem solving, prediction, critical thinking, decision making and discussion.
Physical Development in the Foundation Stage is about improving skills of co-ordination, control, manipulation and movement. It helps children gain confidence in what they can do and enables them to feel the positive benefits of being healthy and active.
Creativity is fundamental to successful learning. Being creative enables children to make connections between one area of learning and another and so extend their understanding. This area of learning includes art, music, dance, role play and imaginative play.
In Literacy pupils learn to speak confidently and listen to other people’s ideas. They learn to speak clearly thinking about the needs of their listeners. In KS1 they are learning to read and write independently. They also learn to work collaboratively as a group during drama and role-play.
Children are taught about scientific enquiry. They are taught how to observe, collect evidence, measure and record. They are encouraged to explore their own ideas and ask questions and take to a leading role in their own learning.
In History children learn skills in order to help them to children learn about people’s lives and life styles, including their own. They find out about significant men, women, children and events from the past. They listen to and respond to stories and use sources of information to help them ask and answer questions.
Children investigate their local area and a contrasting environment finding out about the environment in both areas and the people who live there. They also begin to learn about the wider world. They carry out geographical enquiry inside and outside the classroom.
Children learn to express themselves through art using a variety of media. They are introduced to different artists work and learn to read and respond to different images. They develop their control of the equipment and learn different mark making techniques.
Pupils enjoy learning how to think imaginatively to design and make their own models. They explore how familiar things work and talk about, draw and model their ideas. They learn how to design and make safely and evaluate their own work.
During KS1 pupils build on their natural enthusiasm for movement, using it to explore and learn about their world through dance and gymnastics. They also participate in a variety of team games learning the rules and different associated skills. They also partake in swimming lessons and begin to understand the importance of having a healthy lifestyle.
Children learn about the different cultures and beliefs of different people. They learn to share their own experiences and understand those of others. They do this through celebrations, stories and visits to places of worship.
Pupils listen carefully and respond physically to a wide range of music. They play musical instruments and sing a variety of songs from memory adding accompaniments and creating short compositions, with increasing confidence, imagination and control.
Pupils learn about themselves as developing individuals and as members of their communities, building on their own experiences. They learn the basic rules and skills for keeping themselves healthy and safe and for behaving well. They have opportunities to show they can take some responsibly for themselves and their environment.
During KS1 pupils explore ICT and learn to use it confidently and with purpose to achieve specific outcomes. They are taught how to gather information from a variety of sources, enter and store information in a variety of forms.
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