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The Curriculum in the Foundation Stage
Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception)
At Fossdene we aim to nurture and build upon the natural energy, enthusiasm, curiosity
and sense of humour of children. In the Foundation Stage, we offer a variety of play
opportunities to include imaginative play, designing and constructing, investigating and
exploring sand and water, creative activities and energetic play both inside and outside.
Children also have key times to develop reading, writing and mathematical skills. Through
these experiences children's language will be enriched and their understanding of the
natural and built world will be extended; physical abilities and co-ordination will develop;
and levels of concentration and persistence will be raised. We use the Early Years
Foundation Stage Framework to plan the curriculum.
The Curriculum in Key Stage 1 and 2
Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2)
Key Stage 2 (Years 3, 4, 5, 6)
All pupils are taught Mathematics, English, Science, Religious Education and Computing. In
addition children are taught Design and Technology, History, Geography, Art, Physical
Education, Music and PSHCE.
In Key Stage 2 we continue to follow the National Curriculum and in addition children are
taught a modern foreign language, French. Children in Year 4 attend swimming lessons
throughout the school year.
ENGLISH
English, which incorporates Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening, Spelling, Grammar and
Handwriting, is taught both as a separate subject and through themes that relate to other
subjects such as History or Science. For example; non- fiction writing may use a Scientific
theme to develop a report of a Science experiment using particular writing structures that
reinforce Science knowledge and writing skills.
Emphasis is placed on Guided Reading and Guided Writing as strategies for addressing the
needs of the children and focusing on skill improvement. This requires the children to
develop draft versions of their work, checking and accessing reference materials such as
dictionaries until they are able to produce final drafts (or best copies). They may work
collaboratively as they develop towards being independent learners. Learning how to learn
is very important across the whole curriculum. Opportunities for extended writing in
readiness for end of Key Stage 2 SATs are incorporated within the timetable for Key Stage
1 and Key Stage 2 classes.
The school has adopted a themed based approach to the teaching of English. This includes
the use of grouped teaching for reading and writing. Naturally, there is always a place for
supportive parents to assist by encouraging pupils and working with them at home -
especially with reading and spelling. These are important aspects of homework for every
child in the school.
Phonics is taught as a discrete subject on a daily basis throughout Foundation Stage and
Key Stage 1 and offered to some pupils in Key Stage 2 who have not yet mastered the
phonic code.
