In KS1 the curriculum is broadly akin to the National Curriculum, but extended to cover a greater breadth and depth of learning. During these years we continue to build on the foundations laid in Early Years Foundation Stage. Staff deliver a broad pre-preparatory curriculum and each child is educated to his or her full potential, with the Arts and PE having their vital places. Children are taught by specialists in Music and PE and have access to both the Music studio and large sports hall. Year 2 (7 year olds) also have additional specialist teachers in Art, ICT and Games.
The wide range of activities and new experiences takes place both indoors and outdoors and aims to enrich the overall development of the children, with ICT embedded throughout the curriculum. We have a whole school curriculum policy, which ensures the highest standards in all subjects and a continuity between the pre-preparatory and the preparatory departments. To gain entry to the preparatory department (Year 3) at 7+ years, children must enjoy reading to a good level, be articulate and able to express themselves clearly both verbally and in writing and have a grasp of the basic skills in Mathematics.
The main areas for development are:
To encourage the children to ask questions and solve problems
To enable the children to work independently and co-operatively
To develop self-confidence, self-respect, leadership and a competitiveness to be their very best
To promote understanding of the concepts and proficiency in English, Mathematics and ICT
To introduce the children to basic scientific skills by investigating and observing the world around them
In order to achieve a happy and confident, well rounded child, activities are offered that:
Are structured to ensure progression
Based on a combination of first hand experiences, using the environment and experiences through books, pictures and visual aids
Prove learning through reinforcement which involves written recording and memory skills
Introduce Humanities, Art & Design, Religious Education, Personal and Social Education, Team Sports Games and Swimming
For children aged 2½ to 5 years
The main areas for development are:
To encourage the children to become more independent and self-reliant
To develop physical skills and co-ordination of both large and small body movements
To foster a child’s natural curiosity through exploration and investigation
To further the development of language leading to pre reading activities and mathematical abilities through the acquisition of basic skills
In order to achieve a happy and confident, well rounded child, activities are offered that:
Are both child led and adult led to encourage problem solving and to ensure progression
Are based on a combination of first hand experiences, using the environment and through books, pictures and visual aids
Secure learning through a wide variety of experiences