KS1

KS1 - YEAR 1 AND YEAR 2 (AGE 5 TO 7)

During these Pre-Prep years we kindle curiosity, encourage inquiry, and capture imaginations giving our children a life-long love of learning in all its forms in an environment where making mistakes is all part of the process.

We know all our children inside out, so our teachers and learning support specialists tailor their teaching to suit each child, adjusting pace and content to reflect their individual needs. Very young children in particular tend to absorb information at very different speeds. In learning, as in life, one size rarely fits all.

YEAR ONE - EMBRACING SCHOOL LIFE

Year One Transition Class sees the children being introduced to our Maths scheme and starting to work in a more formal way with their language acquisition and development. There are small ratios with the teacher being supported by a team of teaching assistants for the academic challenges. The children also see a sports specialist daily and have specialist teachers for Music, a foreign language and ICT/Computing. 

At the conclusion of year one the teacher advises as to which group each child goes into for our acceleration programme in Maths and English. After school clubs are introduced at this stage to complement the after school care programme and widen the educational experience whilst extending the range of opportunities for all the children.

To ensure that your child has an effective transition from the Foundation Stage to Year One, we will provide opportunities for children to continue to learn through first hand experience within a stimulating and interactive environment. A topic-based approach will allow children to make connections across the curriculum. It is vital that children experience transition at their own pace, with their development dictating the timing of new skill acquisition.

• Children begin to embrace more aspects of school life
• They start to navigate the school grounds with more freedom, mixing with children from different year groups more regularly
• More formal lessons begin, with access to specialist teachers for IT as well as French, Music and P.E.
• Independence is developing significantly and children start to learn strategies to organise themselves and select appropriate resources with greater confidence
• Children start to take an active part in the whole school House system and are also rewarded with Citizenship tokens when they show excellent behaviour

YEAR TWO - A BROAD AND VARIED CURRICULUM

Year Two sees all children taking part in our acceleration programme for Maths and English. These lessons take place at the start of each school day in groups set by ability and potential.

The children then enjoy a broad and varied curriculum for the rest of the day being taught by specialist teachers for a foreign language, music, ICT and joining the older children for their full games programme delivered by specialist teachers supported by sports coaches. The range of after school clubs and activities is extended to widen their educational experience even further.

• Children begin to join in with Year 3 and 4 for Games lessons
• They learn perseverance to keep on trying and that mistakes are a key part of the learning process.
• Writing is more extended.
• Children work independently for longer periods of time
• They feel a sense of responsibility as the older children in KS2 and are role models for the children in Year 1 and further down the school.
• They build confidence to try new things and are gently prepared for Year 3 when even more independence is gained

PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS

We believe that the best outcomes for our pupils come when we work in close partnership with parents. You are very welcome to see us before or after school if there is anything you need to mention. We are available on most days. For a longer discussion it is best to make an appointment. Parent academic consultation evenings take place in Autumn and Spring. A final written report is made in the Summer Term.

To ensure that your child has an effective transition from the Foundation Stage to Year One, we will provide opportunities for children to continue to learn through first hand experience within a stimulating and interactive environment. A topic-based approach will allow children to make connections across the curriculum. It is vital that children experience transition at their own pace, with their development dictating the timing of new skill acquisition.

Curriculum forecasts are sent home at the beginning of each term. These will inform you of the topics and themes that the children will be studying. There will be a gradual introduction of more formal learning as the year progresses and the children’s stamina and concentration extends. We welcome and value parental involvement in all curriculum areas and encourage you to share any expertise or artefacts that you feel would enrich the learning experience in Year One.

EXTENDED DAY

In our busy world we know how important flexibility is for parents so Kent College Junior School offers extended care and a huge variety of clubs and activities for our pupils to enjoy.

The school day runs from 8.40am to 4.00pm. Early care is available from 8­:00am‐8:30am or earlier by prior arrangement. The children can now start to join after school clubs and activities which run from 4.10pm to 5.00pm and from 5.10pm to 6.00pm. Our Breakfast Club sessions are available from 7:30am-8:00am. This session is not included in the school fees and must be booked through the School Office.

HOLIDAY FUN CLUB

Our Holiday Fun Club is available during half terms and the main holiday periods and gives parents the opportunity to select the days and times they require care. Activities are planned throughout the extended school day. An additional charge is made for the Holiday Fun Club service. After school clubs are introduced at this stage to complement the after school care programme, and these widen the educational experience whilst extending the range of opportunities for all the children.