ISK Early Years Curriculum
2014-2015

ISKEarly Years Curriculum

Introduction

At ISK, our approach to early years education is through play-based learning for cognitive, physical and social development. We are developing the IPC Early Years (International Primary Curriculum Early Years), using the Learning Strands of the programme as our guide.

There is currently one age group in the Early Years at ISK:

  • Reception - 4 to 5 years old

Students are introduced to a wide range of learning experiences covering all subject areas from language and mathematics to science and technology.

The IPC Programme

The Early Years classes at ISKfollow the International Primary Curriculum. The IPC Early Years programme was written by practicing early years specialists. It takes a holistic approach to learning and is not subject specific. The learning of children aged three to five is described in four strands:

  • Independence and Interdependence
  • Communicating
  • Exploring
  • Healthy Living

These enable us to not only introduce specific concepts and skills to all children, but also allow all students to develop the enormous range of cognitive, social and physical skills that will set them up for future success in school.

Aims of the Early Years

The aims for Early Years learning at ISK include developing children’s ability to interact with new people and form relationships; to play and learn with people outside their immediate family; to take turns and negotiate; to take part in learning experiences in a group; and to ask questions through enquiry and find out more. Learning is promoted through play and exploration, extending and enhancing the natural curiosity of the child. These types of skills enhance what children have already learned at home and help them develop into a positive, confident and capable individual. Children also form a strong foundation for later learning, a “readiness to learn”.

We encourage that children are empowered to learn and grow, and to do so in a holistic way. Their intellectual, social, cultural and emotional learning is integrated throughout all their experiences at ISK.

Use of Centres in the Early Years Classroom

The use of centres in the classroom cover a wide range of tools and learning such as:

  • Literacy
  • Maths
  • Art
  • Role play
  • Construction

During centre time we promote children’s choice.Educational games and learning tools in each centered area are always readily available,which the children can access freely. This gives the children adequate space to explore and learn with their peers in an unstructured environment. In addition, there is a focused learning activity or experience set up that the children can choose to take part in. This is supported by theteacher and relate to currentlearning goals in the classroom.

Maths and Literacy in Early Years

Early years maths and literacy is delivered using a play-based approach. Each area of learning and developmentis implemented through planned, purposeful play and through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activities.

Mathematics in the Early years provides children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, space and measure.

Our literacy program encourages children to link sounds and letters to begin to read and write. The curriculum gives the children access to books, poetry and other written materials to ignite their interest. We follow the British “Letters and Sounds” programme, which continues the children’s understanding of letter and phonics a well as developing their reading and writing skills. This is taught through singing, games, actions and written activities.

To ensure the best approach to learning in Early Years at ISK, there is a purposeful balance planned for children to have the time and space to engage in both their own child-initiated activities and those led by classroom teachers.

Specialists

At ISK, the children enjoy time with other teachers who specialise in their subject area. This is a great opportunity for the childrento learn a wide range of skills and develop a deeper understanding of Physical Education, Art, Music and Korean.

Assessment

Each child in the class has an Individual Profile, which is a collection of their progress and learning throughout the year. Assessment of the children’s progress is monitored and recorded regularly through observations, photographs and a collection of their work. The profile allows the teacher to keep track of each child’s progress, individual understanding of class learning and any reinforcement that is needed. These will be shared with parents during parent/teacher conferences to show all of the developments theirchild has made during their time at school. The parents are given the Individual Profile as a keepsake and record of their learning at the end of the year.

Homework

Homework at this stage is a great time for children to share learning from school with home, as well as an opportunity for parents to be involved in the learning which has taken place in school. The homework requires parents to sit with and support their child either in games, reading or written activities.

Class Field Trips

Children in Early Years at ISK have several opportunities throughout the school year to take part in educational outings. Field trips are linked to, and build on, the learning taking place at school. This is a great opportunity for the children to explore new places and activities outside of school as a class.

ISK Website

We have a school website with great information regardingthe International School of Koje and its departments, classes and staff. If you would like to find out more about the Early Years or the school in general, visit us online:

Each Reception class also has an online blog which can be accessed on the school website. The teachers update them regularly with photos, information and ideas all about the children’s learning each week.