Our Curriculum (EYFS)
Here at Old Trafford Community Academy we are very proud of the start we give to our children in the Foundation Stage.
The Foundation Stage is concerned with the development of “the whole child”, each area of development closely and often seamlessly intertwined together as children learn and develop. The Foundation Stage curriculum has three “prime” areas of learning;Personal, Social and Emotional development, Communication and Language, physical development, and four “specific” areas; literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and expressive arts and design. The Foundation Stage Outcomes in each of these areas form the basis of our planning for learning and children’s progress and attainment is monitored in relation to these developmental strands. We ensure teaching is responsive to children’s needs and interests and provision is adapted accordingly to ensure this is reflected .
Alongside academic achievement, we want children to develop a love for learning and the skills to learn that will support their progress and development throughout their schooling into adulthood. The ‘Characteristics of effective learning’ embodies this idea. Focused on processes rather than outcomes we ensure our provision provides opportunities for children to play and explore; learn in an active way; and create and think critically.
We recognise that when children learn something new they then need opportunities to consolidate and apply their knowledge and skills so that learning becomes secure. In Nursery and Reception we organise learning in a variety of ways; children are taught in small groups, larger groups, in guided activities and also have opportunities to work independently. Opportunities to revisit learning are built into the curriculum to ensure children have a good grasp of concepts and skills and can apply them securely in a range of contexts.
Within the timetable we offer children access to both indoor and outdoor provision during their independent learning. During this time staff facilitate children’s learning by modelling skills and imaginative play, interactions and use questioning effectively, this is informed by teacher assessments and their knowledge of the children.
Early learning goals
Click the link below to read the Early Learning Goals
Academy wide topics
The curriculum is split into three termly, whole-school topics. For the academic year 2018-19, these are:
Autumn Term – Around The World In Eighty Days
Spring Term – Could It Be Magic?
Summer Term – Imagine, Invent, Inspire
Our annual curriculum overview can be found here: