AN INTRODUCTION TO K1

EARLY YEARS

The K1 classes are part of the Early Years Foundation Stage known as the EYFS. The EYFS sets the standards to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It gives children a broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life. At Harrow Hong Kong, we provide a broad and balanced curriculum for our youngest pupils, aged 3 to 5 years, based on the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. Pupils learn new skills, acquire new knowledge and demonstrate understanding through 7 areas of learning and development.

THE EYFS

In the EYFS there are seven areas of learning. There are three prime areas, which support development in all other areas.

THE THREE PRIME AREAS

Personal, Social & Emotional Development Communication & Language

Physical Development

These prime areas are those most essential for a pupil’s healthy development and future learning. Personal, Social and Emotional Development involves helping our pupils develop a positive sense of themselves and others: to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; to have confidence in their own ability. Communication and Language Development involves giving pupils opportunities to speak and listen in a range of situations and develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves. Physical Development involves providing opportunities for pupils to be active and interactive, and to develop their coordination, control and movement in gross and fine motor activities.

THE FOUR SPECIFIC AREAS

There are then four specific areas of learning that are essential skills and knowledge which are required for children to participate successfully in society.

Literacy Mathematics Understanding of the World Expressive Arts & Design

As pupils grow, the Prime areas will help to develop skills in the 4 Specific areas. As active learners, our pupils acquire skills and knowledge in many different ways. We believe that for learning to be effective the focus must be in ‘how’ they learn. This ‘how’ then drives the personalised planning of the learning activities and environments in our Early Years Centre.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE LEARNING

The Characteristics of Effective Learning describe how children learn in the Early Years and can be divided into three groups:

PLAYING AND EXPLORING

Finding out and exploring, being able to ‘have a go’ and experience new opportunities alongside playing with what they know.

ACTIVE LEARNING

Being involved and concentrating, learning to persevere and taking pleasure from what they do.

CREATING AND THINKING CRITICALLY

Having their own ideas, making links and connections with previous knowledge and deciding how best to approach challenges.