The first few years of a child’s education form the foundations of all future learning. At King’s College we take a child centered approach to education. All of our teachers are professionally certified and registered with the Department for Education in London.

We aim to provide children with the educational experiences which develop a positive approach to learning and create a learning environment which is enhanced by making the child feel at home at school. 

Self-discipline, a sense of responsibility, and respect for others are encouraged. Classroom walls are covered with displays of children’s art and craft, as well as pictures on interesting topics and language-based information to help them develop literacy skills.

 

 

Play to Learn

Through a mixture of play, group activity and free exploration, young children learn about the world around them. As children grow physically and mentally they start to make important connections between different objects, people and various kinds of social interaction. We take play very seriously. We work hard to structure play in a way that encourages and nurtures the development of perception, reason and logical thinking at the same time as being great fun. Learning from first hand experience ensures all our pupils make progress towards the next levels of social, linguistic and creative development. What will your child be doing?

Usually the children will start the school day with a class assembly or group conversation where plans are made and news is exchanged. Once the discussion has finished each child will know what he or she will be doing for the morning. Most activities are done in small groups, focused on a particular theme, with the help of the teacher or classroom assistant. Individual attention is used to help pupils reach particular objectives. During the day there are regular breaks and opportunities to play outside with a range of equipment and toys in the Early Years playground. Lunch is followed by a nap, which gives young minds and bodies a chance to recuperate before launching into an afternoon full of interesting activities, new experiences and projects.

 

Nursery & Reception (Ages 3 to 5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The classes for three to five-year-olds provide a stimulating and creative environment where young children may experience a wide range of activities which lead into Key Stage 1 of the English National Curriculum.

These two years are very important as they form the basis of a child’s future education. At King’s College we follow the requirements set out in the Desirable Outcomes for Children’s Learning (i.e. the 6 goals for learning for children within the Early Years setting):

  • Language and Literacy cover important aspects of language development and provides the foundation for reading and writing. Children are helped to acquire competence in English as soon as possible. Particular emphasis is laid on speaking and listening and in pre-reading and pre-writing activities.
  • In Mathematics children are introduced to important aspects of mathematical understanding and are provided with the foundation for numeracy. This is achieved through practical activities and by using and understanding simple mathematical language.
  • Knowledge and Understanding of the World teaches Children to acquire a basic knowledge and understanding of their environment, other people and features of the natural and man-made world.
  • Personal and Social Development focuses on children learning how to work, play, co-operate with others and function in a group beyond the family.
  • The Physical Development programme aims to help children develop physical control, mobility, awareness of space and manipulative skills in indoor and outdoor environments. Children are actively encouraged to establish positive attitudes towards a healthy and active way of life.
  • Creative Development focuses on stimulating children’s imagination and their ability to communicate and express ideas and feelings in a creative way.

 

Key Stage 1: Year 1 (ages 5-6) and Year 2 (ages 6-7)

 

  • Our aim is for children to enjoy their time at school and to develop knowledge, understanding and values in order to reach their full potential in all academic and social areas of school life.
  • The work of each year group is guided by the appropriate level of the English National Curriculum, Key Stage 1, which is by nature broad and balanced. Subject areas include English Language, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Design and Technology, Art and Craft, Music, Physical Education, Health Education, Religious Education and Information Technology.
  • In Language and Literacy we aim to provide a rich and stimulating environment in which children find interest and pleasure in communicating in English. They are offered many experiences to develop their interest in reading with fluency, accuracy, understanding and enjoyment. The development of handwriting skills forms an important part of Language and Literacy.
  • In Mathematics and Science we aim to develop a knowledge and understanding of the role of these subjects in everyday life. Children are encouraged to relate their Mathematics and Science work to other areas of the curriculum and the skills and attitudes acquired are important components of cross-curricular topic work.