Overview
Year R at Napier is all about having fun and learning at the same time. Children learn a great deal through well-planned play activities, both indoors and out. We are lucky enough to have a covered outdoor area so that the children can go outdoors in all weathers. There are 3 Reception classes, each with a teacher. There is also 2 full time teaching assistants. We have an open-plan setting and we are working towards operating as a whole unit rather than as individual classes. Children start in Year R when they are 4. All children now start school in September rather than having 2 separate intakes. The younger children (those whose 5th birthdays fall between March and August) attend for half days only until half term, and then full time after that if both parent and teacher feel they are ready. The children have the opportunity to learn in a positive, stimulating environment, which builds on what the children can do. The children are given positive reinforcement in the form of good work and good behaviour certificates as well as stickers. We also encourage parents to be actively involved in their children’s learning, inviting them into school regularly and joining in with activities at home.
Curriculum
The Reception curriculum follows the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage, and builds on activities in which the children have participated in their Nursery or Pre-School setting. A balance of teacher-initiated and child-initiated activities is included. The 6 areas of learning are …….
1. Personal, Social and Emotional Development – This includes developing independent and self help skills, building confidence and developing relationships with others. 2. Communication, Language and Literacy – Speaking and listening to others as well as the development of early reading and writing skills. 3. Mathematical Development – Counting, ordering numbers, practical addition and subtraction, the language of measurement, awareness of shape and patterns, and problem solving. 4. Knowledge and Understanding of the World – Developing early skills in Science, Technology, ICT, Geography, History and R.E. 5. Physical Development – Developing fine motor skills, including pencil and scissor control, as well as improving jumping, skipping, hopping, climbing and small and large apparatus skills. 6. Creative Development – Art, Music, Dance and imaginative play.
The development of these skills is integrated into topic work throughout the year, so that the children have the opportunity to learn and practise new skills in a meaningful context. The topics include Ourselves, Toys, Light and Colour, Growth, Animals and Water.
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