CURRICULUM

Our aim is to develop each child's natural curiosity, imagination and creativity. Through careful observation and planning we aim to provide opportunities to develop skills, knowledge, attitudes and values which are developmentally appropriate and also linked to the children's interests. We show respect for each child and the potential of their thoughts and ideas is fully acknowledged. Our focus is to allow each child to develop at his/her own pace and to build upon previous learning that has taken place. The children are regularly involved in projects which are initiated by their interests and questions. Our curriculum is enhanced by the experiences of the staff from visiting schools in Finland, Holland, Italy, Spain and Sweden during the past number of years.

The Importance of Play

While your child is at nursery school most of his/her time will be spent at play. Play, in all its aspects, is the principal means of learning for any young child. Consequently your child will experience the curriculum through a progression of broadly based play activities. The staff meet weekly to plan the curriculum and this is displayed on the parent notice board together with our medium and long term plans.

The Outdoor Classroom

Pond Park Nursery School operates an outdoors first in all weathers policy. Each session commences with at least one hour of outdoor play and the school provide waterproof suits for every child. We have a wide range of resources and equipment to provide a great variety of learning experiences in the outdoors.

Social Development

Includes the development of friendships, the ability to interact with peers and adults, the appreciation of the needs and rights of others and independence and responsibility.

Emotional Development

Includes the development of self-confidence, self esteem and a sense of achievement; self-discipline; the ability to cope with fears, anxieties and difficult experiences; and the ability to express feelings.

Physical Development

Includes the development of co-ordination of physical movements and spatial awareness, hand/eye co-ordination and fine manipulative skills.

Intellectual Development

                              Includes the development of:
                              concentration and listening skills
                              natural curiosity, questioning, observation and exploration
                              language, ie vocabulary, fluency and the use of language; perception of language in the written form and the
                              enjoyment of stories, poems and songs
                              basic mathematical and scientific concepts
                              creative and aesthetic expression through various media