Foundation
Stage Curriculum |
Foundation
Stage
The
Foundation Stage was introduced as a distinct
phase of education for children aged 3-5 in
September 2000. The Curriculum Guidance for
the Foundation Stage,
which was distributed in May 2000 to all schools with nursery and reception
classes, sets out six areas of learning, covering
children’s physical, intellectual,
emotional and social development. The six areas form the basis of the Foundation
Stage curriculum.
These areas are: |
|
Personal,
social and emotional development
Successful personal, social and emotional development
is critical for very young children in all aspects of their lives
and gives them the
best opportunity for success in all other areas of learning.
|
| |
Communication,
language and literacy
Communication, language and literacy depend on learning and
being competent in a number of key skills, together with
having the confidence, opportunity,
encouragement, support and disposition to use them. This area of learning
includes communication, speaking and listening in different situations
and for different purposes, being read a wide range of books and reading
simple texts and writing for a variety of purposes. |
|
Mathematical
development
Mathematical development depends on becoming
confident and competent in learning and using key skills. This
area of learning includes counting,
sorting, matching, seeking patterns, making connections, recognising
relationships and working with numbers, shapes, space and measures.
Mathematical understanding is developed through stories, songs, games
and imaginative play, so that children can enjoy using and experimenting
with numbers. This includes numbers larger than 10. |
|
Knowledge
and understanding of the world
In this area of learning children are developing the crucial knowledge,
skills and understanding that help them to make sense of the world. It
includes helping children develop the skills of observing, predicting,
exploring, investigating, interpreting, discussing, decision-making and
using tools and materials appropriately. |
|
Physical
development
Physical
development in the Foundation Stage is about improving skills
of co-ordination, control, manipulation and movement. Physical development
has two other very important aspects. It helps children gain confidence
in what they can do and enables them to feel the positive benefits
of being healthy and active. |
|
Creative
development
Creative
development is fundamental to successful learning. Being
creative enables children to make connections between one
area of learning
and another and so extend their understanding. This area of learning
includes art, music, dance, role-play and imaginative play.
|
|
Diamond
Class - Collage |
Reception
Class Room |
Reception
Play Area |
|
