Early Years Curriculum
At St Frideswide, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum ( EYFS).
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is made up of seven areas of learning that are defined as Prime or Specific areas. The Prime areas of learning and development are fundamental, work together, and begin to develop in response to relationships and experiences. The 3 areas known as the prime areas are seen as particularly important for igniting curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building children’s capacity to learn, form relationships and flourish.
The prime areas are:
- Communication and language
- Physical development
- Personal, social and emotional development
The prime areas are strengthened and applied through 4 specific areas:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the world
- Expressive arts and design
Provision is made for good quality resources with an emphasis on the use of concrete materials for use in all curriculum areas for both indoor and outdoor experiences. These are well organized and accessible to the children. Outdoor facilities are available whenever possible and are regarded as part of the learning environment as a whole.
Children learn best through first hand experiences. Emphasis is placed on practical exploration, encouraging the use and extension of skills, knowledge, concepts and, in particular, language acqusition.
An emphasis is placed on the value of children’s play in their learning, where children can acquire concepts and practise skills. The Early Years Team provide well organized, well resourced play areas which give opportunities for observation, challenge and extension of the child’s learning as appropriate. This provision is carefully monitored in order to inform future planning.
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We teach Phonics using the Read, Write, Inc scheme of learning
Our Reading is structured using a combination of reading scheme and real books which are levelled using standard Book Banding. Once children are confident readers they use
We teach Maths using Big Maths and White Rose
We teach Science using Crest Science awards.
We teach RE using the Diocese of Oxford Scheme of Work. This uses an Engage, Enquire, Evaluate and Reflect model. It is important that whenever the children are given the opportunity to reflect on what they have learned, they consider what difference their learning is making to their thinking and acting.
We teach Computing using Lego Coding Express
We teach PE using Real PE, Real Gym and offering opportunities with sports coaches including Karate.
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We teach Music using Charanga
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Our topic work is guided through play and exploration, spending lots of time both inside and outside.
Topic
Dinosaurs
After Dark
Making music
London