Key Stage 1 is a phase of education for 4–7-year-old children.

Our approach is based on the National Curriculum for England and Wales and the Cambridge International Curriculum. We take an integrated approach to learning so that we can establish a proper foundation for education in the later stages. Our approach, at Reception stage is necessarily less than purely academic. The emphasis is on socialisation, working and playing with others, following instructions, and exploring the world around them, as well as beginning the foundations of literacy, using phonics.

In KS1 we nurture young children, through our ‘Early Learning Goals’ we help them build their learning skills, attitudes, emotional awareness, and behaviour. Children acquire basic notions of number, literacy, and the world through active, play activities. By the end of the year 1, most children have the basics of reading, through phonics, and basic number skills. .

Year 2 starts them off on a journey to tackling a more advanced numeracy and literacy skills. We also introduce them to Personal, Social and Health Education (PHSE) where they learn about emotional and personal aspects of life, culture, and self-identity.

The KS1 programme also includes Music, as a specialist subject. In music, the goal is to help them to enjoy music as well as exploring topics from other subjects such as science, history, and geography through songs. Games like musical chairs, hot potato and freeze dance also help them understand musical concepts like beat and rhythm.

Opportunities for dramatic expression, such as assemblies and creative play, enable our pupils to explore, discuss and deal with difficult issues and express their emotions in a supportive environment. It enables them to explore their own cultural values and those of others, past and present. It encourages them to think and act imaginatively and creatively.