From the Head of Primary 22.02.2020

The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum refers to three Characteristics of Effective Learning that are not unique to just Early Years but are important across the curriculum and up to Year 6 and beyond. The Characteristics of Effective Learning are:

Playing and exploring

• Finding out and exploring
• Being engaged
• Being willing to have a go

Active learning

• Being involved and concentrating
• Perseverance
• Motivation

Creating and thinking critically

• Having their own ideas
• Making links

This week the Year 1 children have been busy exploring these characteristics and their journey has been a joy to watch. Through all of the varied tasks and activities planned for this week, the children have been able to demonstrate their love for learning and independence. On Tuesday, I walked into Mrs Garrick’s class room and she told me “this is not what I had planned for this morning!” As the children were busy writing invitations, drawing maps to find the escaped penguin and independently making cookies there was a buzz of purposeful learning in the air. The children were so engaged and motivated by their learning that they had their own idea of what they wanted to achieve and, guided by Mrs Garrick, the children were able to make real progress. The best laid plans often go awry and it was a pleasure to see. The following day I was lucky enough to be invited to the Year 1 café and enjoyed a delicious rice crispy bun made expertly made by Siun. We are yet to find the escaped penguin!

Family Fun Day will be with us before we know it and we are looking for talented members of the KIS community to offer fun, interactive workshops. Each workshop will last approximately 45 minutes and hopefully will give our children the opportunity to try something new. Drumming, circus skills, yoga, arts and crafts and cooking are a few ideas. If you would like to offer a workshop please contact me by Friday 6th March to register your interest.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Joanne Smith

Head of Primary