THE CURRICULUM
At Clifton High School, our Reception to Year 2 children are taught through the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. It is a stimulating and ambitious educational programme that blends inspiring teaching, individualised support and hands-on learning experiences to shape curious, independent and confident learners.
The following three prime areas of learning and development support a total of seven components to ignite curiosity and enthusiasm:
- Communication and language
- Physical development
- Personal, social and emotional development
The remaining four are categorised as:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the world
- Expressive arts and design
Our highly qualified teaching staff plan engaging lessons, use clear learning objectives, differentiated activities and strong assessment in learning spaces that are vibrant and inspiring to children. Their teaching is filled with hands-on exploration, investigation, creativity and problem-solving for children to access and enjoy the curriculum.
For an overview of our Infant School Curriculum, please click below:
THE ENVIRONMENT
The Infant School environment, both inside and out, is intentionally designed to create social, exploratory play and immersive learning spaces. The classrooms are spacious, bright and creative, which helps our young learners feel inspired and confident in expressing themselves as well as sharing learning with their peers. Our outdoor areas are filled with opportunities to connect with nature and realise their affiliation with the world around them.
Small class sizes combined with collaborative learning opportunitie create a warm and welcoming environment where Infant School pupils thrive. We believe that when children feel settled, supported and cared for, their sense of belonging encourages strong developmental characteristics.
RECEPTION CLASS
At this early stage of learning, our highly qualified and experienced teachers primarily observe how children play, taking into account their interaction with activities. They focus on asking pupils thought-provoking, age-appropriate questions to encourage the expansion of deeper thinking skills. With these components being considered, teachers sensitively ‘scaffold’ experiences that adopt pedagogy to create stimulating learning opportunities that also develop and challenge an enquiring mind.
Reception Class at Clifton High School governs the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, and places a strong emphasis on exploration, investigation, discovery and problem-solving. This is reinforced through the implementation of our bespoke Adventure Programme as well as a variety of regular community-driven trips and visits.
YEAR 1 AND YEAR 2
Clifton High School's curriculum is delivered by outstanding, highly qualified teachers operating within our excellent facilities for Year 1 and Year 2 children. Their teaching is compliant with the National Curriculum, yet it is not limited by it. Lessons are regularly reviewed, with planning adapted to respond to pupils' individual developmental needs. By closely observing changes in educational thinking and practice, teachers ensure that a broad and balanced approach to learning progression is maintained, which allows children to learn with confidence.
We ensure a smooth transition from our Infant School to the Junior School curriculum. At this stage, pupils are already making meaningful connections between subjects and an understanding of the world. They have developed the critical thinking skills, curiosity, and strong learning habits essential for future success.
