As the children move through their school journey we, at St Maria Goretti’s, endeavour to support the children in making a smooth transition between the year groups.

Each child is offered a curriculum that is broad, balanced, creative and exciting. We teach using a variety of styles and techniques to ensure that all children are catered for.

EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE

At St Maria Goretti our Foundation Stage comprises of the new ‘Little Blossoms’ two year old unit, a morning ‘Acorns’ nursery class of up to twenty six children, and Beech Class (Reception). Staff and children within this stage of learning work closely together with parents and carers to ensure that the learning opportunities offered to the children reflect their interests and stage of development.

Our skilled staff observe the children at play and plan experiences to support future learning for each individual. Photographs and observations are used to build each child’s Learning Journey which is available at all times to the children, their parents and carers.

At St Maria Goretti’s we recognise the importance of parental support in the learning, development and achievement of the children and as such, we use the ‘Wishing Tree’ in each room where parents and carers can post their hopes and wishes for their child. Staff will note the wish apples on the tree and strive to support the children in achieving these goals. We also encourage parents to keep us informed of any experiences that your child participates in as this builds a bigger picture in their learning journey .

There are three Prime Areas that we assess our children in the Early years on which are:

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Physical Development and

Communication and Language.

We also ensure that the four ‘Specific Areas’ of Literacy,

Mathematics, Understanding of the World and Expressive Arts and Design are taught. In addition, there is a focus on the characteristics of effective learning which are:

Playing and Exploring.

Active Learning and Creating and Thinking Critically.

In Key Stages One and Two, English( including speaking and listening, reading, writing and phonics) Mathematics, Science and ICT, form the Core Subjects. We aim to develop pupils according to their ability. They experience a varied, exciting approach and are encouraged to always achieve their best .

Every child is also taught a wide range of Foundation subjects including Art, Design Technology, History, Geography, Music, Physical Education and FL( foreign languages.)