Curriculum

A Christian education is about relationships - relationships between the learner and God, others, himself, and the world about him. This consideration has influenced a curriculum which is always accessed by children through ‘play’ - by which we mean that there should be joy in learning. Much learning is achieved during children’s self chosen activity, but we have structured activity too. Whether it is child initiated or adult directed activity the accent must be on enjoyment if there is to be deep learning.

  • Every day the Bible stories are recounted and children join in with the story telling. Christian songs - new and old are sung. Children learn to talk to God.
  • Ability with language, spoken and written, is valued as empowering the child for communication and accessing endless sources of learning. So we support children in developing pre-writing and pre-reading skills. Different means are used including the ‘Write Dance’ programme.
  • Mathematical knowledge and understanding is important for the child’s powers of thinking and reasoning. Mathematical learning may be going on as a child plays with wooden blocks or as ‘Ten Town’ songs are sung.
  • There is a whole world to be discovered and enjoyed. Children are encouraged in outdoor activities and exploration of the natural environment. There is fostered an appreciation of and concern for the environment. There is opportunity for children to become familiar with some basic elements of French language.
  • Expressive activity and aesthetic appreciation are nurtured, and physical and emotional development are supported. There is much music heard and made. Creativity abounds! There is always opportunity for exercise and every day we go outdoors no matter what the weather. Children have opportunity to talk about their lives, their interests and their feelings.

An important statutory document for the curriculum is the Early Years Foundation Stage. It identifies six curriculum areas:

  1. Personal, social and emotional development
  2. Communication, language and literacy
  3. Problem solving, reasoning and numeracy
  4. Knowledge and understanding of the world
  5. Physical development
  6. Creative development