EYFS Curriculum Overview
Based on the 2021 Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and the Primary National Curriculum of England, our structure focuses on developing concepts, skills and learning strategies. Positive attitudes towards the intellectual, social and physical areas of learning are fundamental to our holistic educational system.
Our EYFS teachers encourage children to discover through dynamic activities in an enabling Reggia Emilia-inspired environment.
A full-day school experience characterises this philosophy with child-led activities, a diverse and well-balanced curriculum, personalised consideration and attention, and a comfortable and caring atmosphere. Teachers recognise the importance of self-directed play, and they balance this with adult-initiated activities that focus on each child's unique requirements.
In addition to the class teacher and full-time educational assistant, children benefit from the support of a team of highly qualified specialists who teach Physical Education, Learning Technology (ICT), Mandarin Chinese and Music.
We assess learning and development through frequent observation and evidence of students’ work. Each student has an electronic learning journal that is used to evidence and reflect upon his or her progress. Crucially, the EYFS team ensures that parents are welcomed and encouraged to be part of their child’s educational experience.
We provide opportunities for one-on-one, small-group and whole-class instruction. Children are encouraged to build on existing knowledge as well as to enquire and explore concepts to stimulate further questions. Education through play and active learning, along with thinking creatively and critically, effectively reinforce our Prime and Specific areas of learning.
Prime Areas of Learning
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Communication and Language
Physical Development
Specific Areas of Learning
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding of the World
Expressive Art and Design
These learning topics provide meaningful contexts for learning as our students grow. Moreover, they include the essential skills and knowledge our students will need to succeed in a global society.
Read More: Early Years Curriculum Handbook 2020-21 🔗
The Reggio Emilia Approach
DBIS EYFS has adopted the overarching principles of a Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. It derives its name from its place of origin, Reggio Emilia, a city located in northern Italy.
Shortly after the Second World War, the parents of this region cooperated with Loris Malaguzzi, a lifelong educator, innovator and creative philosopher, to find a unique system of childcare education. The Reggio Emilia approach is based on the principles of respect, responsibility and community.
There is an expression from the Reggio Emilia approach that ‘a child has a hundred languages’. This expression describes, symbolically, all the languages of learning. These languages of learning can be displayed through innovation, nature, construction, fantasy, art, music, dance, building, writing, talking, signing, science, body and soul.
The languages of learning are used to help children build knowledge, make connections and understand the world around them.
Guiding Principles
The Reggio Emilia philosophy believes in the rights and opinions of every child. We treat each child as a competent, capable and natural learner – an individual who desires knowledge and life experience and is always ready for new challenges.
The Role of the Teacher
The teacher plays a critical role by partnering with the child and identifying all learning opportunities. Teachers listen, observe, enquire, document, cooperate and reflect upon children's experiences to further enhance the method of learning.
Environment as a Third Teacher
The Reggio Emilia approach considers the environment in which your child explores to be their third teacher. Therefore, we have thoughtfully designed the various spaces of our schools to be welcoming and inspiring. The classroom elements encourage children to interact with their surroundings and support their independent expression of thought.
Documentation
To understand your child and how they learn, our teachers work carefully to document all aspects of the learning process. As a result, not only should a student's day be filled with meaningful experiences and thoughtful interactions, but these activities also inform the next steps of their educational journey.
From online learning journals to one-on-one observations and recording of artwork, all moments are considered essential parts of the process and are visible in the classroom for reference and reflection. It's through this documentation that children, parents and their teachers synergise their collective efforts.
At Discovery Bay International School, we pride ourselves on our child-directed Reggio Emilia approach. Our energised environments and methods promote highly customised learning experiences.