Language
Central to a young child's learning ability is
their ability to comprehend and communicate thoughts to friends and teachers.
Language skills are promoted by stories, poetry and drama. Regular listen and
response sessions encourage children to develop
self expression and confidence. Termly projects incorporating History,
Geography, Science and Art advocate the use of new and interesting vocabulary.
French is introduced as a foreign language through music and movement.
Reading and
Writing
When
a child is ready, the alphabet is introduced phonetically through the use of
sensorial materials. Using sandpaper letters each child quickly distinguishes
between the different sounds of each letter. Short words are then introduced
which the child pronounces and associates with real life objects. This
progresses to the formation of sentences with a simple grammatical structure.
Children are taught to use the correct names for equipment and objects around
them thereby giving them a broad knowledge and
extensive vocabulary. The school holds a wide range of books, and uses CD ROMs'
to bring the written word to life.
Mathematics
Simple
mathematical concepts are initially presented through the use of of practical
materials, as this allows the child to conceptualise differences in size and
quantities long before written skills are established. As the child advances,
the decimal system is taught using both tactile and written materials. This
enables more advanced problems
to be introduced such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and fractions. As
each child becomes more proficient, they are actively encouraged to demonstrate
their new found skills to the younger children, further enhancing their
understanding.
Information Technology
The school has a Multimedia Computer System which
enables the unique interactive presentation of topics through sound and video. A
library of CD ROMs' is available to both teachers and pupils for IT sessions and
project work. Children are taught the basics of computer terminology and use,
with an emphasis being placed on their application as an information resource.
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