Early Years at Pelham

In the EYFS (Nursery and Reception) we follow the ‘Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum’ document. The children’s learning experiences are planned to enable them to develop and achieve in the early learning areas through play and investigative learning experiences. The EYFS curriculum is planned for the inside and outside classrooms and equal importance is given to learning in both areas. The curriculum is planned in a cross-curricular way to enable all aspects of the children’s development.

Early Years follow a 2 year rolling cycle of topics as the basis for learning experiences. Class groups can, however, follow themes that are more suitable to their cohorts or that the children themselves show an enthusiasm and fascination in. Teachers ensure that there is an equal balance across the areas of learning. The characteristics of effective learning are viewed as an integral part of all areas of learning and are reflected in our observations of children. The half termly topics are also enriched through the following of whole school initiatives such as STEM events and Anti-Bullying Week as they occur during the academic year. The children’s Physical Development experiences are enriched through some specialist sessions led by outside coaching teams. 

Key Stages 1 & 2

At Pelham Academy we are committed to ensuring that children have access to a broad and balanced curriculum. We give a high priority to their development and achievement in the Foundation Subjects and the Arts. In Key Stage 1 and 2, we have introduced an integrated and creative approach to planning the curriculum, as we understand that young children learn best through experiencing a curriculum which is relevant and meaningful to them.  This is based on good Early Years practice and in encompassing the National Curriculum requirements.

There are whole class English and Maths sessions which continue to include recommendations of the strategies. The children will be involved in directed and independent cross curricular activities related to the week’s learning objectives, throughout the day, either with an adult or independently. The learning is planned to meet the weekly learning objectives. It is expected that each child will carry out an independent Maths and English task each day. This should be cross-curricular wherever possible, and differentiated as appropriate to meet the children’s individual learning needs.

Following our topic based approach, the children become more creative, following their interests and events that happen locally and globally. This includes working with drama specialists, Bird College and the RSPCB. We make links with organisations that help us to develop rich and exciting learning experiences. The learning is also supported by trips to places such as The London Museum, Horniman Museum, and the Royal College of Speech and Language.