At Olga Primary children join us from a wide range of starting points and with varied life experiences. Our aim is to ensure that every child has an equal chance of success through giving them the foundation knowledge and skills to develop a love learning, a sense of awe and wonder and the ability to achieve in every area of life.
Our Curriculum is adaptable and responsive and we carefully balance following children’s interests with teaching essential knowledge and skills. The EYFS Curriculum at Olga is designed to support all children to overcome possible barriers and is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. It ensures that children are given a secure foundation which enables them to ‘Be The Best They Can Be’.
We value children’s interests and allow for significant periods where children lead their learning while having meaningful interactions with skilled practitioners to extend their learning further. Planning from children’s interests is explicitly included on our weekly planning and this is represented in many ways including trips out of school, arranging a visitor to come in, enhancements or development in our environment. We recognise that some key knowledge and skills will need to be explicitly taught. The Olga Primary School Curriculum outlines ‘Non-negotiable’ content across Nursery and Reception for each half term.
Adult led learning includes:
Alongside our non-negotiable content and child initiated learning the Olga’s Early Years curriculum includes 8 goals based on our curriculum drivers. These were developed specifically for our children.
Communication and Language
“The development of children’s spoken language underpins all seven areas of learning and development. Children’s back-and-forth interactions from an early age form the foundations for language and cognitive development.”
Physical Development
“Physical activity is vital in children’s all-round development, enabling them to pursue happy, healthy and active lives”
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
"Children’s personal, social and emotional development (PSED) is crucial for children to lead healthy and happy lives, and is fundamental to their cognitive development. Underpinning their personal development are the important attachments that shape their social world. Strong, warm and supportive relationships with adults enable children to learn how to understand their own feelings and those of others.”
Literacy
Writing
“It is crucial for children to develop a life-long love of reading. Reading consists of two dimensions: language comprehension and word reading.”
“Writing involves transcription (spelling and handwriting) and composition (articulating ideas and structuring them in speech, before writing).”
Mathematics
“Developing a strong grounding in number is essential so that all children develop the necessary building blocks to excel mathematically.”
Understanding the World
“Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community.”
Expressive Arts and Design
“The development of children’s artistic and cultural awareness supports their imagination and creativity.”