Foundation Stage

Pupils aged 3 through to the end of the Reception year of school.

In this important stage of learning it is most valuable for teachers and nursery nurses to work in partnership with parents, in order to promote children's learning.

Other Early Years workers such as Care Staff, Portage, Health Visitors, Social Workers, Speech and Physiotherapists may also be part of the team.

At St. Vincent's we also provide children with additional specialist support in areas such as Mobility, Music therapy and introduction to early Braille skills.

The Foundation Stage Curriculum is divided into six areas of learning:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development.
• Mathematical Development.
• Communication, language and literacy.
• Knowledge and understanding of the world.
• Physical Development – including swimming.
• Creative Development.

These areas are each divided into smaller “stepping stones� which lead to Early Learning Goals.

To support children's learning we use a wide range of sensory and educational toys and equipment, which are available in our Early Years Base and Primary classrooms.

Key Stage 1 And 2

Key Stage 1 Pupils aged 5 to 7 years old, in Years 1 and 2 of the school.

Key Stage 2 Pupils aged 7 to 11 years old, in Years 3 to 6 of school.

The National Curriculum outlines the requirements for the ten subjects covered during Key Stage 1 & 2.

1. English, taught mostly through the Literacy Hour.
2. Mathematics, taught mostly through the Numeracy Hour.
3. Science.
4. Design & Technology
5. Information & CommunicationTechnology.
6. History.
7. Geography.
8. Art & Design.
9. Physical Education
10. Personal, Social and Health Education and Citizenship
11. Religious Education

At the end of Key Stages 1 pupils will be assessed against National Standard Attainment Targets for English and Maths. At Key 2 for English, Maths and Science.

These subjects may be taught in specific lesson times or during topic work. In addition to these subjects, pupils at St Vincent's will have mobility lessons, swimming lessons and it required Physiotherapy, Music Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy.