Foundation Stage Curriculum

In Kindergarten children continue the second year of the Foundation Stage curriculum. At this age children continue to learn much through play and there are still plenty of opportunities to explore and investigate in free play situations.

The broad and balanced Foundation Stage curriculum uses the Early Learning Goals as a starting point, based on six areas of learning:

   Personal, social and emotional development
   Communication, language and literacy
   Mathematical development
   Knowledge and understanding of the world
   Physical development
   Creative development

We continue to extend and enhance the curriculum with as many learning opportunities as possible, catering for children's individual needs within each area of the curriculum, building on from their existing understanding and experiences. Alongside their emerging skills in the basics of literacy and numeracy the children have access to a wider range of enriching opportunities. It is an exciting age! Equally as importantly they continue their ‘social journey', learning and playing in a group environment.

Activities at this stage the children may be undertaken as a whole class, in small groups or individually.

Personal, social & emotional development
Every child is valued as an individual. In our supportive environment they learn to co-operate, trust others and develop self- confidence. We encourage independence and a sense of personal responsibility for belongings. Children learn how to share and take turns, to respect others and to behave appropriately.

Communication, language and literacy
Reading is a skill key to the understanding of all areas of the curriculum. By the time they enter Kindergarten many children will recognise some letters and words. In Kindergarten, through the enjoyment of a wide variety of stories, poems and non-fiction material, we will continue to develop the child's reading skills. From the Spring term Kindies are expected to take home simple books to read with their parents. There is a wide range to choose from in the Infant library.

Mathematical development
During their year in Kindergarten, the children will be introduced to basic calculations and problem-solving as well as exploring different ways of recording their mathematical ideas. There is also a focus on developing the children's mental calculation skills.

Knowledge and understanding
In Kindergarten the children are introduced to a range of subjects, taught in a cross-curricular approach, as class topics; topics such as Seasonal Changes, simple Mapping and Orientation and How Plants Grow. The children learn about the world around them and in the process develop the basic skills and vocabulary associated with ICT, technology, history, geography and science.

Creative development
In these Foundation years art is an essential means of expression and is interwoven throughout the day. Through their paintings and drawings, collage and stamping, use of clay and model making your child will explore a wide variety of materials and media. Musically they will benefit from timetabled bi-weekly sessions, in the process learning many songs and experimenting with an array of sometimes improbable instruments.

Physical Development
 We have a dedicated Nursery play area and use of the large Prep Hall with climbing bars and piano! Whatever the weather your child will have the opportunity to let off steam in a safe environment. Through fun activities and games children will learn the basics of working as a team, abiding by rules, and essential skills such as throwing and catching. Ballet lessons are also introduced  to develop balance and co-ordination. A wide range of appropriate equipment is available at break-times as well.

How parents can help
If your child has previously attended Nursery we would expect them to have attained certain levels of skills and independence. We would expect them for example, to play co-operatively (generally!), recognise and write their name, use scissors and pencils. If your child has not previously attended Nursery please ensure that they can meet their own personal needs (use the toilet independently, use a knife and fork, dress and undress themselves with minimum help).