Preparation for Key Stage 1
The program offered in the Early Years is designed to develop the key learning skills to better equip the children with the transition into Key Stage 1.
What is Key Stage 1?
Key Stage 1 comprises of two year groups: Year 1 (ages 5-6) and Year 2 (ages 6-7). The underlying aim is to further build on the foundations laid in EYFS and continue to provide a safe, secure and stimulating learning environment that encourages children to become confident in their own abilities.
How is Key Stage 1 delivered?
The children follow the English National Curriculum, sensitively adapted to meet the needs of the wide range of children at BSM and to incorporate local learning opportunities. The programme for Years 1 and 2 also includes specialist-taught Music, Swimming and PE.
The four ‘core’ subject areas are identified as being Information Communication Technology (ICT), Mathematics, English and Science. Alongside these are a number of ‘Foundation’ subjects.’ Children are taught through a combination of individual subjects and a cross-curricula approach, such as in Year 1 where the topic Houses and Homes embraces History, Geography, Science and Technology. 
In Key Stage 1 the timetable naturally becomes more structured and we continue to plan a programme that is broad and balanced so that children are engaged, work hard yet continue to be challenged in a fun-filled environment. Whilst we regard the acquisition of traditional skills of reading, writing and numeracy as vital to their future learning, we are also aware of the importance of developing the ‘whole child.’ We aim to achieve this through lessons such as PSHE, ‘Building Learning Power’ and ‘Global Citizenship,’ amongst others which give the children opportunities to work collaboratively on a range of challenges which all serve to develop awareness and increase self esteem.
Whilst carefully planning learning opportunities to meet all children, teachers pay particular attention to developing speaking and listening skills, actively looking for cross-curricular links to further reinforce and consolidate understanding.
Each Key Stage 1 class has its own full time primary support assistant to provide additional support for activities within the classroom.
Some of the highlights in Key Stage 1 include special ‘topic theme days’ such as ‘Christianity Day’ and ‘Careers Day’ in Year 1 and ‘Holy Hai Day’ and ‘Mexican Day’ in Year 2. In addition, the children experience a host of activities through primary school focus weeks such as ‘Book Week’ and ‘British Philippine Culture Week.’ The children also have the opportunity to visit local places of interest which support and bring to life subjects studied in the classroom, such as the ‘Mexican’ kitchen in a local five star hotel in Year 2.
Throughout the year all children in Key Stage 1 take part in two class assemblies. These give the children the opportunity to showcase work they have been covering in class and to perform in front of an audience.
How do teachers implement the curriculum in Key Stage 1?
The ultimate focus in Key Stage 1 is on making the curriculum relevant, interesting and fun. Teaching and support staff aim to guide, encourage and challenge the children; all within a caring and supportive environment that promotes independent lifelong learning.
Teacher/Parent partnership
Throughout the Key Stage, there is an emphasis on teachers and parents working in partnership to address the individual needs of each child and this is actively encouraged through the use of a home/school link book, regular meetings and an open door policy allowing parents to discuss with teachers any domestic issue which may impact on their child’s learning.
