The Foundation Stage
This stage covers the Foundation 1 class through to Foundation 2 and offers a carefully integrated two year programme of learning. The progress of each child is closely monitored across the six key areas which make up this stage: Personal, social and emotional development; Communication, language and literacy; Knowledge and understanding of the world; Physical development & Creative development; Mathematical development. During these formative years, particular emphasis is put on personal, social and emotional development. As the children move through F1 and F2 they build on their understanding of the world around them. All the key curriculum areas are covered during the year, and assemblies provide an opportunity for the children to build a sense of community.
NEW FOR SEPT 2013
We are aware that some parents would like the opportunity for a more gradual start to full time schooling, especially in cases where children may be particularly young in their year group, or may be unused to such a structured environment away from home.
With this in mind, from September will be introducing a new ‘part week’ attendance option. Within each Foundation 1 class a limited number of places will be available to accommodate a pattern of either 3 days per week or 2 days per week attendance. The attendance patterns on offer are as follows:
3 Day Option - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
2 Day Option - Thursday, Friday
The costs for a part week attendance would be fixed on a pro-rata basis. We hope that this new structure will provide some helpful options for those parents looking for more a more flexible attendance pattern.
Key Stage 1
This stage covers
Years 1 & 2 and consists of the three core subjects of Mathematics, English and Science together with Information Communication Technology (ICT) and the foundation subjects of Geography, History, Design Technology, Art, Music and Physical Education. In addition to these subjects, at the BSN, Dutch is also taught from Year 1 and continues through all Key Stages.
Children in Key Stage 1 are taught through a 'topic approach'. During these first two years of Junior School life, students are encouraged to learn both practically and academically and all work is monitored to ensure that students are making the desired progress. We encourage the children to take pride in their achievements and adopt an independent and self-reliant approach to school and particular attention is given to the social and emotional development of all children.
Key Stage 2
This stage covers Years 3 - 6 and is made up of the same core and foundation subjects found in Key Stage 1. In addition, Spanish is introduced in Year 5 - this then being replaced by French in Year 6.
Years 3 & 4 – ‘First Half of Key Stage 2’ Much of the work in these year groups is ‘cross curricular’, which means that one theme is covered by several subjects. Topics are structured to allow children the freedom to explore new subjects in a stimulating way, encouraging a natural enthusiasm for more independent learning. In Year 3 the reading and spelling homework, experienced the previous year, is supplemented with written work, which increases in Year 4.
Years 5 & 6 – ‘Second Half of Key Stage 2’ In the upper part of the School, a greater degree of autonomy and independence is expected of the children. They are gently encouraged to accept new levels of responsibility and demonstrate leadership skills. Such changes become evident in work habits and organisation, behaviour and self-discipline and relationships with other students and with staff.
During the latter part of Key Stage 2, subject teaching becomes more defined, especially in the core subjects of English Maths, Science and ICT. Timetabled use is made of the Science Laboratory and Design Technology room. As students enter Year 6 they are prepared for the subject-oriented approach of the Senior School and are expected to become more independent in planning and completing their studies. The level of homework increases to 3 half hourly sessions per week, plus spelling and nightly reading. With careful planning, homework can encourage skills and attitudes which will stand the students in good stead as they move through their academic life.