Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Lower Kindergarten and Kindergarten (Ages 3-5)
In Lower Kindergarten, your child will be gently and actively introduced to school life through a combination of structured play and interaction within small groups.
The learning curriculum is based on a range of activities including:
- Reading & Writing*
- Computer Technology
- Drawing & Painting
- Sand
- Water
- Cutting & Sticking
- Role Play
* Reading & Writing skills – every pupil, when ready, embarks on a reading scheme and attention is given daily to each child for this. Reading skills are also enhanced by phonetic interpretation of the alphabet.
Your child will also be introduced to a range of different activities including:
- Weekly Swimming
- Music & Movement Lessons
- Visits to the junior library
Kindergarten sees the culmination of our Early Years schooling. With the confidence and sense of independence already gained at the school, both the year group and individual children within it quickly progress and are ready to move to KS1.
Key Stage 1 (KS1) – Years 1 and 2 (Ages 6-7)
While the Class teacher continues to play an integral role in the pupils’ education as well as personal development, it is this part of the School that sees the gradual introduction of specialist teachers in the different subject areas.
In Year 1 children continue to progress through the reading scheme and weekly spelling tests are given.
In Year 2 formal homework is introduced, with the children receiving 20 minutes of homework per day during the week (and 30 minutes at the weekend). It is also during this Year that the recorder is introduced as part of the music syllabus. Computing is also taught as part of the curriculum and the Form makes use of the School’s dedicated IT suite.
From Year 2, pupils are taught French as a second language and also undertake project work.
Key Stage 2 (KS2)- Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 (Ages 8-11)
Pupils should become progressively more independent learners by the time they reach Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. On entering KS2 in Year 3, there is an increase in the impetus towards increasing the levels of commitment and achievement expected of the children, competitive inter-school sporting fixtures and project work are introduced. A Forest School lesson also takes place weekly for Year 3.
The syllabus is designed to guide and prepare the children fully for entrance examinations, scholarships and awards to senior schools at the end of Year 6.
Pupils are gradually rewarded and given more responsibility, culminating in members of Year 6 becoming Monitors and Prefects. Members of Year 6 also play a greater role within the local community and take part in local Police schemes and initiatives as part of their project work.
The school has good links with the local community Police Officers, Fire Brigade and National Life Boat Service.