Ide Hill Curriculum
Saplings Class (EYFS)
Throughout the school it is important to us that learning is meaningful and inspiring. We make links in learning as often as possible and use 'hooks' and surprises to keep children engaged in their learning journey.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage (Reception Class), the children's learning is planned and taught according to the children's needs and their interests. Often the term's learning will take off by reading a high quality text. Together the staff and children will investigate, explore and discover new skills and knowledge through child initiated and adult led activities.
The Prime Areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (Personal, Social & Emotional Development, Physical Development and Communication & Language) are essential for a child to succeed in the Specific Areas of learning (Literacy, Maths, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design). It is our intention here in Saplings to ensure all children enjoy a developmentally appropriate provision that allows them to learn in a safe, inspiring and nuturing environment, following our school's vision and values. The children have access to a wide range of resources and provocations inside the classroom and in our garden, which support them to practice key skills, challenge themselves and take appropriate risks, make links in their learning and begin to think critically about how and what they learn. They work and support each other in adult led learning and also have the opportunity to lead their own learning through purposeful play. By creating this engaging learning environment, the children can flourish, building their self-esteem and key skills so they are ready to start Year One.
The newsletters below will give a flavour of the learning journey we follow in Reception.
Elms and Beech Class (Key Stage 1)
There has been much research into the power of 'learning communities' in children's development. At Ide Hill, we believe in children using the skills mastered in EYFS to continue in their learning journey. We encourage to talk about their learning and to work collaboratively. We have designed the year 1 and 2 curriculum to reflect this, so that both classes work together as much as possible on the same topic, at different curriculum levels. This means that they can discuss their learning throughout the day, work collaboratively on different projects and develop their skills as learning buddies.
Each of the topics taught (shown in the table below) is created to reflect our school values and to focus upon one of the UNICEF Children's Rights. Throughout this teaching, children will be taught about their rights and responsibilities towards each other, themselves and other children around the world.
Transition into Elms class from Saplings:
The transition into Elms class is well managed at Ide Hill. As children begin their year 1 journey, we continue to deliver the EYFS approach to teaching and learning so that children's learning progresses when they are developmentally ready. As the children move through the year, their learning will become more formal, in order to prepare them for their learning journey into year 2. The topics below are a starting point for learning however, teachers will also respond to children's interests, weaving curriculum expectations into their learning journey.
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
| Cycle A | Ourselves | Toys | Turrets and Tiaras |
Y1 Space Race
Y2 Great Fire of London
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Around the World | |
| Cycle B | Food Glorious Food | Sparkle and Shine | Where the Wild things are | Where the Wild things are |
Y1 Space Race
Y2 Great Fire of London
|
Rise of the robots |
Willows, Hazel and Ash class (Years 3,4 and 5; Key Stage 2)
We have designed a three year rolling curriculum for children in Willows, Hazel and Ash Classes.
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
| Cycle A | Around the World in 80 Days | The rise of the dinosaurs | Myths or Legends? | Water of Life | The rise of the robots | Different Worlds? |
| Cycle B | The first pirates | There's no place like home | Reach for the skies | |||
| Cycle C | Crime and Punishment | Food Glorious Food | To Benin or not to Benin? | To infinity and beyond? | ||
Oak Class (Year 6; Key Stage 2)
In year 6 the children follow a one year rolling programme, as follows:
| Autumn1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
| Dogfights and Heroes | Fit and Fun | Sparks or Explosions? |
What is the legacy of the Ancient Greeks?
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Are you ready? | |