Early Years Foundation Stage
Class 1 (Early Years Foundation Stage)
Class 1 at Marwood School is a straight reception class. In this class, children begin to learn about the Marwood core values of ambitious progress, respectful consideration and learning to learn.
Nestled in the beautiful rural setting of North Devon, our approach is deeply rooted in our core values of learning to learn, respectful consideration, and ambitious progress
Learning to Learn
Our curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning. Through play-based and hands-on activities, children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These early experiences encourage independent thinking and a proactive approach to learning, which are essential as they transition to more structured education in KS1.
Respectful Consideration
We place a strong emphasis on social and emotional development. Our supportive environment helps children learn to interact positively with their peers and adults. By nurturing empathy, cooperation, and respect, we ensure that our pupils are well-prepared to engage in collaborative learning and build meaningful relationships in KS1 and beyond.
Ambitious Progress
Every child is unique, and our tailored approach ensures that each pupil is challenged and supported according to their individual needs. We focus on building confidence and resilience, helping children to set and achieve ambitious goals. This personalised attention prepares them not only for the academic demands of KS1 but also for the broader challenges of their educational journey.
Holistic Development and areas of learning and development
At Marwood School, we are committed to providing a foundation that supports every child’s journey towards becoming a confident, capable, and enthusiastic learner. Our small, close-knit community ensures that each child receives the attention and care they need to thrive, setting them on a path to success in KS1 and beyond. The curriculum is organised around the 7 different areas of learning and development in the EYFS. These include:
- communication and language.
- personal, social and emotional development.
- physical development.
- literacy.
- mathematics.
- understanding the world
- expressive arts and design
The EYFS curriculum map for 2024-25 is shown below:
Preparing for Future Learning
At Marwood School, our small Foundation Stage Unit (Reception) is dedicated to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment that lays the groundwork for successful learning in Key Stage 1 (KS1) and beyond.
Communication and Language: Fosters listening, speaking, and understanding skills, laying the foundation for literacy and effective communication in English.
Physical Development: Develops coordination and motor skills, essential for PE, and fine motor skills needed for writing.
Personal, Social, and Emotional Development: Builds self-confidence, emotional regulation, and social skills, crucial for all subjects, promoting a positive learning environment.
Literacy: Introduces basic reading and writing skills, forming the bedrock for English and other subjects requiring comprehension and communication.
Mathematics: Covers counting, shapes, space, and measures, establishing the basics for numeracy skills used in Maths and Science.
Understanding the World: Encourages exploration of the environment, laying the groundwork for subjects like Science, Geography, and History.
Expressive Arts and Design: Cultivates creativity and imagination, forming the basis for Art, Music, and Design Technology.
Each area intertwines to create a well-rounded foundation for the diverse subjects encountered later in the national curriculum.
If you would like to know more about the early years curriculum at Marwood School, please speak to Mrs Barnett (EYFS Leader/SENDCO/Class 1 teacher) or Mrs Nelson (Class 1 teacher) or Dr Boon (Headteacher).