In the Nursery & Pre-Prep School pupils progress through and beyond the National Curriculum, beginning with the Early Learning Goals and moving through to the attainment targets of Key Stage One and Two.
Class teachers take their own classes for most subjects. We believe children should learn from, and be inspired by, the best; from their earliest years, our pupils benefit from the expertise of visiting specialist teachers in a wide range of subjects, from Mandarin and French to PE, art and music.
Special visitors, trips to museums, exhibitions and events during the year vary and enrich their education.
The Early Years Foundation Stage covers the period of learning for children in Nursery and Reception. The curriculum is presented in a rich, stable, caring and effective environment that enables each child to realise their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical potential and to develop his or her aesthetic awareness.
It extends a child's range of learning experiences beyond that which can be easily provided within the family. The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum is taught in ways that build on a child's curiosity and interests, enabling them to learn through planned worthwhile play activities. Children in the EYFS learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors and outside.
There are 7 areas of learning and development that comprise the curriculum's framework; however every aspect of the curriculum is interrelated. Children should mostly develop the 3 prime areas first. These are: Communication and language, Physical development and Personal, social and emotional development. These prime areas are those most essential for your child's healthy development and future learning. As children grow, the prime areas will help them to develop skills in 4 specific areas. These are: Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the world and Expressive arts and design.
All 7 areas are used to plan your child's learning and activities and are designed to be really flexible so that staff can follow each child's unique needs and interests. Although young children do not separate learning into curriculum areas, and every aspect of the curriculum is interrelated and interdependent, the 7 areas form the framework on which the Early Years Foundation Stage is built. The principles which guide the work of all early years' practitioners are grouped into four themes:
