Mathematics
The teaching of mathematics is practical and linked to real life experiences. Children will learn about the concept of number and other mathematical ideas such as shape, space and measure. Where they will learn about pattern, sequencing, sorting, solving problems and making connections, all in a very rich and stimulating environment which encourages enjoyment, practising and exploration, we encourage children to be able to think about their findings to ensure that children have concrete understanding of key concepts.
Understanding the World
Understanding the world around you is a fundamental part of our curriculum.
At New Horizons we develop enquiry skills that motivate children to discover the diversity of our world with wonder and excitement. They will learn about technology, how people, places and things change over time and how to use a variety of tools safely. We learn about British values such as democracy, the importance of having rules, about mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith. We also learn about SMSC (spiritual, moral, social and cultural development) Where we learn about how to share with others and the importance of caring for ourselves, others and or environment.
Expressive Arts and Design
Role play, imaginative play, music, art and dance all enable children to make links between areas of learning and extend their understanding of our world. Being creative, using our senses, experiencing a wide range of activities, exploring materials, artefacts, movement- helps children to be innovative, imaginative, to communicate ideas and feelings, to make connections and to solve problems.
We are proud that our children are happy and feel supported and inspired in their learning. Getting it right in the Early Years Foundation Stage is so vital to encourage life- long learning.
Our Nursery pupils, who can join in the term after their third birthday, are happy, confident individuals who are encouraged to communicate with staff and peers and work harmoniously with one-another in a nurturing environment. We believe children learn best when learning is linked in a meaningful way. Our topic based curriculum is designed to capture children’s interests, excite their imagination and provide first hand experiences to help children make sense of the world around them. We are play based, encouraging children to follow their own interests with a focus on core skills such as communication. Application forms are available on the school website or from the office, once completed these need to be directly returned to the school, places are allocated in accordance to our Nursery Admissions policy.
Our Reception children start in the September that they turn 5, please apply using the Medway Reception application Form. Applications can be submitted online or by sending a paper copy to Medway Council.
Do come and see our Early Years in action and see for yourself what a happy and purposeful atmosphere for learning there is. We would love to show you around.
Homework
In Reception children take home a bookband book every week. Children are expected to share the book at least 3 times with an adult across the week. Reading the book more than once will allow the children to become familiar with the text so that they can answer questions about the characters, use their phonic skills to read words and their knowledge of ‘Tricky words’. Children will be issued with a book from our library once a week, the children get to choose this book from a wide range of texts. This book is to share together. Each child has a contact book where parents can record any reading that has taken place.
Reception children also have a phonic book to take home where they can practise the phonemes, high frequency words and tricky words that they have learnt in Phonic sessions that week. New words are set weekly.
Home learning books- Every Friday children take their home learning book home. This is a special book where children can record what they have seen and done with their families. Entries can be photographs, drawings, cutting etc. This book is a place for children to share their special moments and accomplishments. Books are collected in on a Monday and the experiences are shared with the class. During holidays suggestions about what children could do are put into the books along with the expectation that children will create a holiday diary to share with the rest of the class. Children are very proud of their special books and gain great communication skills by being able to talk about their own lives.
Nursery children- Are asked to complete a holiday diary over school breaks. This could be in the form of collecting special items from places they have visited e.g. cinema tickets, photographs, mark making and adult writing. Nursery parents will be able to come into school on a Tuesday to choose a book to borrow and share at home.
