Junior School Curriculum

Early Years Foundation Stage – Reception Class

At Churcher’s College Junior School we have agreed to follow a programme of learning in accordance with the aims and principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage as detailed in the Statutory Framework document (2008.)

 

Aims and Principles

We consider the following aims and principles of early years education fundamental to the successful delivery of a fully integrated and varied programme of learning.

Children attend Churcher’s College Junior School during the final phase of the Early Years Foundation Stage, joining the Reception Class for a period of one school year. During this time we aim to provide a broad range of opportunities and experiences in a safe, well-resourced setting. We consider the needs of each individual child when planning and delivering an integrated curriculum, covering each of the six areas of learning as follows:

Programme of Learning

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

The focus is on the development of happy, confident and independent learners who enjoy and achieve consistently. Each child is supported in settling into school life and understanding the purpose of rules and routines; establishing social skills and learning to work in a group and share whilst enjoying a range of activities. Opportunities are provided to help and support each child to develop a positive sense of themselves and of others and respect for others.

Communication, Language and Literacy

In school the children have access to a broad range of materials and stimulus to promote early reading. We have a strong focus on learning sounds and letters, emphasising the impact of developing phonological awareness in the process of learning to read and write. We provide a range of opportunities and experiences to encourage early writing, promoting and providing meaningful context particularly where a child is motivated to initiate writing. We use Penpals’ Handwriting scheme in line with the school’s policy, which effectively supports development in hand writing at a pace appropriate to each child’s stage of development. Attention is given to developing the ability to both consider and communicate thoughts, ideas and feelings through talk and critical thinking. A broad range of texts, songs, rhymes, poetry and stories are used to ensure opportunities exist for children to develop a positive and enthusiastic approach to communication, language and literacy.

Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy

We use the Ginn Abacus Evolve scheme for EYFS, which promotes learning through play and recommends a variety of practical activities to support early stages of mathematical development appropriately. Our workbooks focus on all aspects of this area of learning and include an opportunity for each child to share their views on their learning, for example, which was their favourite activity? They are used for the purposes of applying skills learnt in whole class and practical work and recording each child’s understanding of key concepts. The planning within this scheme allows each child to participate in an activity and face challenges appropriate to the stage of development that they are working within. We have a wide range of appropriate resources that can be integrated in each area of learning both indoors and outdoors, for example: large shapes, coins, number washing lines and large tiles.

Physical Development

Each child is given three lessons with a specialist Games teacher and five swimming lessons during the last half term of the summer term. The early focus in physical development within the Early Years Foundation Stage is very much on gross and fine motor skills, coordination, balance and control in movement and whilst using various tools and objects. A significant proportion of our work in Reception promotes physical development and we are able to make good use of the outdoor area towards achieving the early learning goals.

Creative Development

In creative development there is plenty of opportunity to experience a variety of activities using an extensive range of tools and materials, which also supports each child’s physical development. We have our own set of instruments for Reception class and music is integrated into all aspects of teaching and learning, including language and literacy and Dance. We have a drama lesson alternating with dance each half term. Our Arts week in the autumn term provides opportunities to extend learning in this area. The children are encouraged to explore and share their ideas and express themselves as individuals through drawings and pictures, craft, design and technology during the foundation stage.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

This area aims to encourage children to develop a sense of belonging and to learn where they fit into the world around them. It is addressed through a range of activities and at times a role-play area complements and enhances our provision. Opportunity and provision is therefore provided to encourage each child to explore and investigate and share their ideas and observations, thinking and planning activities, often in groups. Parents are encouraged to support their child’s learning greatly in this aspect of learning, linking home and school activities. We appreciate that certain experiences and opportunities to promote learning and development in this aspect can only occur outdoors. Furthermore, we aim to provide experiences of the local community and environment in order to support this.

 

 

 

 

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