Reception (Early Years Foundation Stage)
You might also like…
As your daughter starts her educational journey it is important to us that her first year at Francis Holland is a successful and happy experience. In Reception, we aim to build a strong foundation for future progress and learning. Challenging, yet achievable, activities encourage the development of new skills, knowledge and learning.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage, the curriculum centres around the seven areas of learning and development which enables us to stretch and challenge our pupils to a level beyond the EYFS expectations.
Seven Areas of Learning and Development
- Communication and Language
- Personal Social Emotional Development
- Physical Development
- Maths
- Literacy
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Art and Design
English
We understand the importance of early literacy skills and aim to foster a joy of reading from the start of the Reception year. In literacy lessons, we follow Ruth Miskin’s Read Write Inc. scheme where the girls learn to use their phonic knowledge to read, write and understand simple texts. The class have regular reading sessions with our school librarians where they enjoy rhyme time, book themed parties and story time around the big chair!
Maths
Maths is often explored through practical activities and role play in the Early Years. Through this role play and during more formal lessons, the girls learn to recognise, write and apply their numbers to 10, 20 and beyond. They explore shape, space and measure, and consider their place in the world around them. We also provide plenty of opportunities for problem solving and believe that a secure understanding of number builds confident learners.
Free Play
During our afternoon free flow sessions, the girls lead their own learning and engage in a range of open-ended activities based around the seven areas of learning and development. We make careful observations of the children to plan for their individual needs, and provide an inclusive and enabling environment which allows them to play freely and become active learners.
Free play is taken out of the classroom once a week! We believe that learning outdoors provides huge benefits to the girls as its sparks their natural wonder and curiosity. During our visits to local parks in London, the girls have time to learn about the nature surrounding them.
