EYFS

First impressions are very important, especially for our youngest learners. At Ashton House School, we understand that the beginning of a child’s educational journey sets the tone for their future experiences. In our Pre-Prep classes, our passionate team of staff is dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive environment from the very start.

We offer a wide range of engaging activities designed to motivate and inspire children, both in our spacious classrooms and in our specially designed outdoor areas. The Pre-Prep classes enjoy exclusive access to the ground floor of one of our two houses, featuring three large, airy rooms equipped with modern facilities. Our students also benefit from a large playground, an enclosed garden area, the school hall and a unique adobe outdoor classroom.

Throughout the year, children work towards (and beyond) the statutory Early Learning Goals of the Early Years Foundation Stage, with a strong emphasis on Reading, Writing, and Maths. We encourage them to develop their independence, fostering a growth mindset as they learn to tackle challenges and embrace the joy of discovery, even when faced with uncertainty.

Our goal is to create a foundation for lifelong learning, and we look forward to guiding your child on this exciting journey. Children in Pre-Prep progress to Year 1 in the September following their fifth birthday, ready to take their next big step in their education.

We invite you to explore what Ashton House School has to offer. Together, we can inspire and nurture the bright minds of tomorrow!

Year 1

In Year 1, children embark on an exciting journey of growth and discovery. This year is all about fostering independence, building academic and social skills and developing a strong foundation for learning.

As they become more self-reliant, children also deepen their knowledge in key areas like phonics, writing and reading. They expand their vocabulary by learning how to use adjectives and similes, enabling them to craft more vivid and imaginative stories. In Literacy, the children continue to strengthen their phonics skills and become more confident readers. They begin to develop their writing skills further, learning how to construct sentences with more detail, creativity, and expression. This helps them to write engaging stories, filled with exciting descriptions and ideas.

In Mathematics, Year 1 students further develop key concepts such as addition, subtraction and sharing. They use concrete resources, like counters and blocks, to build a solid understanding of these concepts. They also start exploring simple word problems, which challenges them to apply their mathematical knowledge to real-life situations.

History lessons introduce children to the concept of time and how things have changed in the past. They learn how to use timelines to place events in order and explore what life was like for people in different periods of history. Science in Year 1 is an exciting exploration of the world around them. Children develop their scientific skills by engaging in hands-on experiments and investigations, building on their knowledge of various topics such as animals, plants, materials and seasons.

Throughout the year, children grow not only in their academic abilities but also in their social and emotional development. They learn to work collaboratively, communicate their ideas and solve problems with their peers, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and growth.

Year 2

The Year 2 curriculum is designed to build upon the foundational skills acquired during Year 1, promoting further development across a variety of subjects essential for the holistic growth of pupils. 

In Literacy, students will focus on enhancing their reading fluency and comprehension skills through a range of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. They will engage in regular writing exercises that emphasise narrative structure, character development, and the use of descriptive language, whilst also learning about grammar and punctuation. In Maths, the curriculum will cover key areas including addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, measurement, and geometry. Pupils will explore practical applications of mathematics through problem-solving activities and will develop their ability to reason mathematically. The Science curriculum will encourage curiosity about the natural world. Topics will include ‘Animals and Habitats’, ‘Plants’, and ‘Materials’, enabling students to investigate and conduct experiments while fostering critical thinking skills. 

In History, pupils will explore significant events and figures, such as The Great Fire of London and famous explorers. This will foster an understanding of the past and its impact on the present. Geography lessons will focus on the local environment and comparisons with other areas, including countries and continents. Pupils will develop map-reading skills and an awareness of physical and human geography. STEAM will integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics through projects such as building simple structures and learning how to be inquisitive, collaborative and resilient learners.  In Art, students will explore various techniques and mediums, including painting and sculpture, while in Design and Technology (D.T), they will engage in hands-on projects, designing, constructing and evaluating their own models, focusing on functionality. There will also be opportunities for food technology activities. 

This comprehensive curriculum aims to equip Year 2 pupils with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive as they progress through their educational journey, with cross curricular learning throughout topics and school trips to further enrich their overall learning experience at Ashton House School.