Early Years curriculum - Year 1

[skewiff]

We had a meeting with the head recently and she mentioned something about the early years curriculum carrying on into Year 1 and sort of being phased out during the first half of the Spring term.

Does this sound normal/right? I'm not sure whether I heard what she was saying correctly.

Yes, as far as I know.

Transitioning from a play-based, child-led learning experience to a more sedentary, teacher-led setting can be difficult, and doing so over an extended period is normal.

Oh good - I hope so - I'm slightly dreading DS having to sit down and be serious all of a sudden.

It's called transition and operates for the autumn term in my school, phasing into the KS1 curriculum.

Both DDs have had different teachers in Y1 - interestingly with different approaches.

DD1 had phased and relaxed entrance into Y1 which basically was an extension of life as known in Class R.

DD2 went from day 1 into a very formal setting.

DD1 was very happy, adored her teacher - but learning was very slow in the coming.

DD2 was very unhappy, didn't particularly like her teacher - but learned a lot in this very formal, let's get to business setting.

I'm sure there must be a happy medium somewhere...

I think it should also depend a little on the cohort. My class were mostly pre-reading and writing and could not work independently for the majority of the autumn term. They learned a great deal though, as all activities (maths and English every day, plus science, topic etc) were completed in small groups supported by an adult. Those not working with an adult had free choice from suitable activities, broadly in line with the EYFS areas of learning. In the spring term I switched to two groups working with an adult and the rest working independently, or in pairs or small groups, with some mixed-ability tasks too.

They are thriving now and most have met or exceeded their end of year expectations already :)

piellabakewell

you make a good point. It can depend on the group (or majority of that group) ability. You have to start from where you're at sometimes.

abcdoes.typepad.com/abc-does-a-blog/2011/05/transition-from-reception-to-year-one-a-process-not-an-event.html