Foundation Stage

Includes Talking and Listening, Reading and Writing.

In Foundation Stage, we focus on each child’s ability to understand and use spoken and written language as an integral part of learning. We view language and literacy holistically, taking account of the connections between oracy, reading and writing, which extend across all areas of the curriculum. We incorporate research on the Science of Reading into our teaching.

Including Number, Measures, Shape and Space, Sorting and Pattern and Relationships. Pupils acquire early mathematical concepts through playing, exploring and investigating, doing and observing, talking and listening, and asking and answering questions. Developing mathematical language is fundamentally important, and talk is high priority in the early years.

Including Art and Design, Music and Drama. Our younger pupils have opportunities to explore and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings through art and design, music, movement,, dramatic and role-play activities. We encourage children’s individuality, imagination and creativity and focus on developing fine and gross motor skills and building self-esteem.

Including Geography, History and Science and Technology. Throughout Foundation Stage we build on each child’s preschool experience and natural curiosity to develop their powers of observation. We develop their skills so that they can begin to sort and classify, explore, predict, experiment, compare, plan, carry out and review their work.

PDMU builds on children’s social and emotional development during the early years. We continue to encourage them to form positive relationships with adults and their peers, develop their self-esteem and foster good mental health.

Including Athletics, Dance, Games and Gymnastics. Children start school with functional skills of control, co-ordination and manipulation and will have some awareness of space. We develop these fundamental movement skills through Foundation Stage, as they are crucial to children’s long-term development, physical health and well-being. All children enjoy a block of gymnastics lessons at Salto Gymnastics Centre each year.

Taught in accordance with our Quaker values and the core syllabus drafted by the four main Christian Churches in Northern Ireland and specified by the Department of Education. We are inclusive in our respect for other faiths and welcome pupils from all religious backgrounds and none. We encourage the children to develop their personal understanding of faith and to enhance their spiritual and ethical awareness.