he National Curriculum is followed throughout the school and every week your child will spend time in a variety of activities such as:
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Learning the basic skills of reading, language, mathematics and handwriting
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Participating in a variety of physical activities which could include dance, movement, sports and PE
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Enjoy music, drama and literature
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Study humanities which includes Geography and History
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Take part in technology work
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I T work, which may involve working on our 42 computer network, either in the Learning Zone or in the classroom.
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Studying the culture and religions of other peoples (RE). Our religious education reflects the government’s commitment to promote respect, understanding and tolerance for those who adhere to different faiths. RE is part of the basic curriculum and has equal standing with English, Maths and Science.
We also have collective worship sessions (assemblies) during the week. If you do not wish your child to participate in these sessions or R.E., then please let us know.
We will then discuss suitable alternative provision for your child.
As part of our Technology sessions the children may be involved in making, tasting and testing food products. Please do inform us if your child suffers from any specific food allergies.
At the start of each term, we send home an outline of the work to be covered during that term. If you would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact the class teacher.
The day in our Foundation Stage (reception classes)
The foundation stage was introduced by the Dfes as a distinct phase of education for children aged between the ages of 3 to 5years in the year 2000. The Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage sets out six areas of learning which form the basis of the foundation stage curriculum.
These areas are:
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Personal, social and emotional development
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Communication, language and literacy
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Mathematical development
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Knowledge and understanding of the world
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Physical development
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Creative development
Each area of learning has a set of related early learning goals. Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage is used to help the foundation stage team plan to meet the diverse needs of all the children so that most will achieve and some, where appropriate, will go beyond the early learning goals.
A single national assessment system for the foundation stage was introduced. The Foundation stage profile has 13 summary scales covering the six areas of learning, which need to be completed for each child.
At Hilltop over the past two years, the foundation stage team have worked closely with Medway Early Years Advisers to develop and implement the foundation stage curriculum. We have widened the opportunities for our reception children by improving access to the outdoor areas.
The increased use of the outdoor area allows and encourages a wider choice of activities and improves independence. This gives a more improved balance between formal structure to their working day and child-initiated play and learning. This has shown that children are better prepared for accessing more formal work when it is given. The children are closely monitored and continually assessed in the six areas of learning.
If you would like any additional information on the foundation stage curriculum, the reception teachers are always happy to spend time to talk to you about it. |