Early Years Curriculum
FS1
Our Early Years program aligns with the UK Statutory Early Years Foundation Stage Framework 2021, employing the guidance outlined in the Development Matters 2020 (revised 2021) for framework delivery. This comprehensive framework is categorized into seven interconnected areas, collectively forming a holistic strategy for fostering child development.
In the foundational stage of learning (FS1), our educational focus centers on the prime areas outlined in the Early Years Framework, which are personal, social, and emotional development; communication and language; and physical development. These fundamental areas form the bedrock of a comprehensive educational experience, laying the groundwork for academic success throughout the primary years.
Our daily routines and activities are meticulously designed to promote communication, language, and physical development. These crucial aspects not only contribute to the immediate learning experience but also play a pivotal role in shaping the academic trajectory of the students in the primary years.
Within the FS1 curriculum, children embark on the initial phase of phonics, specifically Phase 1. This phase introduces them to the critical skills of listening for sounds and discerning the differences between them. This deliberate focus enhances their ability to become adept listeners, setting the stage for proficient reading and writing skills in the future.
A key aspect of our approach involves encouraging children to engage in mark-making, providing a foundational step towards the development of writing skills. Daily mathematical routines and group sessions are integrated into the curriculum, introducing students to number composition skills and basic mathematical concepts, ensuring a well-rounded approach to early numeracy.
The holistic development of students extends to the continual support and encouragement of personal, social, and emotional skills. We believe that these skills are integral to building a strong foundation where children not only make friends but also learn to resolve conflicts and engage in collaborative play and learning experiences with their peers.
In essence, our FS1 program is designed not only to impart academic knowledge but also to nurture the essential skills that form the building blocks for a well-rounded, socially adept, and academically successful educational journey. Through a balanced and comprehensive approach, we aim to instill a love for learning that will resonate throughout their educational endeavors.
FS2
In FS2, we meticulously adhere to the Statutory Framework 2021, actively working towards achieving the Early Learning Goals across all seven areas of learning. Our primary focus lies in building a strong foundation for language development, encompassing speaking, listening, rhyme, mathematical concepts, reading, and writing.
Central to our approach are robust daily routines specifically crafted to reinforce key skills in mathematics, reading, and writing. These routines serve as scaffolding for academic proficiency, fostering a structured and supportive environment for optimal learning experiences.
Within our curriculum, we place a special emphasis on promoting our core values of lifelong learning, empathy, excellence, and collaboration. These values play a crucial role in nurturing the emotional, personal, and social skills of our students, contributing to their overall well-being and development.
A key milestone in FS2 is the introduction of daily phonics sessions, marking the beginning of the journey into reading and writing. We encourage a sense of curiosity and exploration by integrating child-led topic work and real-life experiences into the learning process. This approach not only enhances academic understanding but also fosters critical thinking, questioning, and problem-solving skills.
The Early Years Framework serves as the compass for our educational endeavors, providing a broad and balanced approach. We deliver this framework with creativity at its core, immersing children in their own learning experiences. This immersion is key to developing skills that extend beyond memorization, emphasizing the cultivation of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
In essence, our FS2 program is designed to be more than just a progression through curriculum goals. It’s a holistic and creative approach to education, ensuring that each child not only meets academic milestones but also develops into a well-rounded individual equipped with the essential skills for a lifetime of learning and success.