The National Curriculum
The National Curriculum is a set of subjects and standards used by primary schools so children learn the same things. It covers what subjects are taught and the standards children should reach in each subject.
Early Years Curriculum
The Early Years Foundation Stage
The EYFS Guidance provides the framework for provision in Nursery and Reception. The curriculum covers seven areas of learning:
Communication and language development involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.
Physical development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food.
Personal, social and emotional development involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities.
Literacy development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children must be given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, and other written materials) to ignite their interest.
Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces, and measures.
Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.
Expressive arts and design involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design and technology.
Within the classroom the seven areas of learning are reflected in displays, activities and focus areas. The learning is driven by planned topics and child initiated learning. The classroom has an interactive whiteboard, access to laptops and tablets all with wifi. There is an out door area which is accessible throughout the year.
Within this class the children have daily phonics and maths sessions, which prepare them for the transition to Key Stage One. The children are observed on a daily basis, which enables us to make judgements about their progress. Each term every child works towards literacy, numeracy and personal targets.
Tests and assessments
Year 1 phonics screening check
The check will take place in June when your child will read 40 words out loud to a teacher. You’ll find out how your child did, and their teacher will assess whether he or she needs extra help with reading. If your child doesn’t do well enough in the check they’ll have to do it again in Year 2.
Key stage 1
Key stage 1 tests cover:
- English reading
- English grammar, punctuation and spelling
- maths
Your child will take the tests in May. You can ask the school for the test results.
You’ll be sent the results of your child’s teacher assessments automatically.
Key stage 2
Your child will take national tests in May when they reach the end of key stage 2. These test your child’s skills in:
- English reading
- English grammar, punctuation and spelling
- maths
The tests last less than 4 hours. You’ll get the results in July.
The school will send you the results of your child’s tests and teacher assessments.