Laying down a solid foundation
POSITIVE early-year experiences have an impact on a child’s success, right through primary school.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in the British National Curriculum includes nursery, age three-plus, and reception for over four years old.
EYFS is an area of the school that caters to the physical and emotional development of children within that age range.
It aims to provide a solid foundation for children in education.
King Henry VIII College, Malaysia follows the EYFS British National Curriculum, offering opportunities for development:
• communication and language
• physical development
• personal, social and emotional development
• literacy
• mathematics
• understanding the world
• expressive art and design. This is a well-rounded curriculum for young students to explore and learn, within a self-contained EYFS unit, designed with indoor and outdoor environments.
The curriculum’s flexibility encourages students to follow their interests and respond to ideas for developing play activities. It also provides structured lessons to teach specific knowledge and skills.
Outside of a traditional EYFS curriculum, King Henry VIII College offers specialised support and guidance to students, by instilling the school’s values and ethos. It aims to inspire students to be compassionate, respectful and caring individuals.
The college’s EYFS unit adopts elements from its sister school, Christ College in the UK.
By modelling manners and kindness, alongside the core curriculum, students can access these values through age-related activities.
Fundamentally, King Henry VIII College ensures that students feel safe, cared for and valued as individuals. This will be a cornerstone for learners to flourish in the primary school curriculum.
Significant knowledge has shown that many forms of play help children learn and build confidence.
King Henry VIII College’s UK-trained and experienced teachers create a secure environment for students to take risks in their learning.
Specialist EYFS staff encourage students to learn topics of interest within the seven areas of the curriculum.
In the early years, experienced practitioners who understand students individually guide them towards the next steps.
Having an adult skilled at interacting with children to enhance their learning experience is crucial in initial formal education.
Towards the end of reception stage, teachers will extend the length of tasks and expose students to new learning environments.
Upon completion, students are equipped with necessary tools to access a rich primary curriculum.
They will increasingly be taught to take ownership of their learning through guidance and encouraged to enquire and reflect independently.
The transition into Year 1 (age five-plus) from reception stage involves daily routines and higher social, academic expectations.
It is beneficial that parents get involved by offering emotional support to ease potential anxieties.
Experiences in the early stages of education play an indispensable role in the attitude students have towards school and their learning.
Children build positive identities at school through collaborating, maintaining relationships with others, managing and taking risks, experiencing success, developing resilience and developing “mastery” or “can-do” attitudes.
High-quality provision help students develop these positive attitudes, which lay the foundation for becoming lifelong successful learners.
King Henry VIII College aims to establish an inspiring EYFS unit with state-of-the-art facilities, a comprehensive curriculum and world-class teaching staff.
These are designed to ensure students learn in a secure and engaging environment.
■ King Henry VIII College has offices at G-07, Gem In Mall, Persiaran Sepang, Cyber 11, Cyberjaya, Selangor. Call 03-8322 7722, e-mail enquiries@ kinghenryviii.edu.my, or visit http://www.kinghenryviii.edu.my