Reception & Key Stage 1
A typical day in Reception Class and Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and 2) begins at 8.20am and runs until 4pm with the option to stay for after school activities. In contrast to our Pre-school, these classes have a timetable with greater structure, although the focus remains on delivering a dynamic and creative curriculum based around their core Literacy text.
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The curriculum has key skills in literacy and numeracy at its core, with daily lessons in each. Numeracy and literacy skills are introduced with fun, exciting and interactive methods, following the core school schemes to ensure consistency as pupils progress. Early reading skills are developed through the use of our daily phonics scheme (RWI) and our well-equipped library. This is enhanced by the use of a core literacy text, which provides a base for child-centred topics that encompass Science, Humanities, Art and Design, and Performing Arts. From the onset, children are encouraged to have ownership of their learning and to share ideas and skills with each other.
Our Reception class follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum but work closely with Key Stage 1 classes to follow a sequential book-led curriculum, and to enable stretch for children ready to be extended in areas. In Reception, every day is different and our curriculum is centred around discovery and exploring. The environment is integral in our learning, and we take many opportunities to learn outside of the classroom, including our own forest area. As the children develop, so does the curriculum. Children gradually learn independence and staff monitor social development carefully.
We have regular Outdoor Pursuits (OP) sessions that give the children the opportunity to explore our school grounds, the local area, engage in Outdoor Adventure skills and continue to develop their communication, collaboration and core values.
To extend the children's cultural and linguistic skills, two languages are taught from Reception (Spanish and French) every week. Here they explore both the language and culture, engaging in role-play, singing, conversation, reading cultural exploration. Our weekly swimming and three sports sessions make the most of our on-site pool and sports facilities including sports pavilion, all weather hockey pitch, cricket grounds, tennis and netball courts and indoor climbing wall, facilitating the development of key skills.
From Reception, all children also have dedicated lessons in Art/Design, Science, Humanities, RE, Computing, Drama and Mindfulness, as well as two hours of Music, making the most of our extended day which finishes at 4pm.
Key Stage 1 and Reception children take part in several whole school events such a Sports day, Christmas Nativity and Carol Service along with Form assemblies and opportunities for performing throughout the year.