"Learning is personalised to the individual and a carefully planned and resourced provision ensures high levels of engagement."
ISI Inspection Report, 2023
At Highfield Priory School, the Reception Class curriculum is designed to nurture children’s development across the seven areas of learning as outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). These areas are categorised into three prime areas and four specific areas, providing a holistic approach to education that supports each child’s growth and development. We also include the Characteristics of Effective Learning, which include playing and exploring, active learning, and creating and thinking critically. These characteristics underpin how children learn and thrive during their time in Reception.
Children develop listening, speaking, and understanding skills through engaging activities like interactive story sessions, role play, and group discussions. Our daily reading practice with an adult helps build confidence and a love for reading, while phonics sessions introduce letter sounds and blends. By participating in these activities, children learn to express themselves effectively and develop essential communication skills.
Physical development is encouraged through activities that enhance gross and fine motor skills. From PE and gymnastics lessons to fun fine motor exercises like threading and letter formation, children develop coordination and strength. They also learn the importance of personal hygiene and healthy lifestyles, creating a strong foundation for lifelong well-being.
Through team activities, role play, and circle time, children learn to manage emotions, build relationships, and develop independence. They gain confidence in dressing themselves, managing personal hygiene, and making healthy choices. These experiences help them grow into empathetic and self-assured individuals.
Children develop a love for reading through daily one-to-one reading sessions and group activities like big book sessions. Phonics lessons enable them to recognise and sound out letters and blends, building the skills needed for early writing. By practicing letter formation and exploring creative writing tasks such as lists, stories, and poems, children gain confidence in their literacy abilities.
Mathematics in Reception focuses on Numbers and Shape, Space, and Measures. Children enjoy hands-on experiences that make learning fun and practical, such as counting objects, exploring patterns, and measuring items in their environment. Activities are tailored to individual needs, ensuring each child progresses at their own pace.
Children explore their environment and learn about the world around them through topics such as nature, seasons, and technology. Hands-on activities like planting seeds and using simple digital tools help them develop curiosity and critical thinking skills. They also learn about different cultures, fostering a sense of global awareness and respect for diversity.
Creativity flourishes through activities such as painting, music, dance, and role play. Children are encouraged to express themselves using a variety of media and materials. Collaborative projects and imaginative play foster both individual creativity and teamwork skills.
By focusing on these seven areas of learning and embracing the Characteristics of Effective Learning, we provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This ensures they develop a strong foundation for future learning and success.
🌈 Last week in Nursery and Preschool, we celebrated Wellbeing Week! From calming yoga and wellness breathing to peaceful cloud watching and mindful listening walks, our little ones explored ways to take care of themselves and notice the world around them ☁️🧘♀️💛
They even baked and hand-delivered treats and cakes, spreading joy with random acts of kindness around the school, proving that big hearts come in little packages! 💌✨Photos from Highfield Priory School and Nursery's post
18 hours ago
Year 1 Explore Maths and Movement! 🍂📚
Year 1 have been busy learning and moving in exciting ways this term!
In Power Maths, the children have been discovering that two or more parts can be combined to make a whole, developing their understanding of addition in a hands-on and engaging way.
In P.E, the focus has been on Autumn-inspired movement. The children explored moving their bodies like the season around them—slow and gentle like falling leaves, or fast and bouncy like conkers dropping to the ground.
Well done, Year 1, for your curiosity, creativity, and fantastic effort in both learning and play!
#independentschoolsuk #independentschool #HighfieldPriorySchool #learningisfunPhotos from Highfield Priory School and Nursery's post
2 days ago
