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  • info@phonicsacademia.edu.pk
  • 30-31, Main Boulevard, Block G Sabzazar, Lahore, 54000

Early Year Curriculum

The early year’s program at Phonics Academia is an inquiry based program that caters to the individual needs of each child. We know that all children learn at different rates and we provide them with opportunities to develop at their own pace whilst challenging them to reach their full potential. At Phonics Academia we believe in the power of child-centered learning and acknowledge that each child is unique. We believe in providing children with a holistic learning experience and opportunities that promote social, emotional, cognitive and physical development.

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Early Year Information Guide

We explore a number of different themes each term to reflect each child's early interests and to encourage learning. The children follow an exciting play-do-review curriculum, with a balance of child and teacher-initiated activities to stimulate and develop every child. It ensures children have some control over their own learning, and access to materials and equipment that they may require. Children are required to make a decision about what they would like to choose to fit into their day. Each day we plan exciting and stimulating activities based on the children’s interests, learning.

As experienced early years’ practitioners we understand that every child is unique and develops at their own pace and in individual ways Our early year program builds on the natural curiosity of young children, where teachers encourage students to ask questions and make meaningful connections through the key concepts, skills, knowledge and attitudes.

Learning at Phonics Academia is unique, as it combines the school preparatory concepts of the English Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) program. The framework of learning has been designed to enhance pre-school learning, knowledge and competencies, the overarching importance of creating a happy and welcoming environment is paramount to learning, allowing our gemstones to excel in their supportive environment.

At Phonics Academia the children in our two Reception classes follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, which comprises seven key areas of learning:

  • Communication and Language
  • Physical Development
  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development
  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Understanding the World
  • Expressive Arts and Design

It encompasses learning not just in the classroom but also through other means of learning within the whole community. The EYFS is an international, transdisciplinary program designed to foster the development of the whole child by encompassing students’ social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to their academic welfare. Students develop an understanding of important concepts, acquire essential skills and knowledge, develop particular attitudes and learn to take socially responsible action. The EYFS combines the best research and practice from a range of national systems with a wealth of knowledge and experience from international schools to create a relevant, challenging, engaging and significant educational framework for all children.

Foundation Stage 1

The Foundation Stage of school introduces young learners to school-life, as students develop their motor skills, foundation-level numeracy and literacy skills, and self-esteem through play-based learning activities in a safe and exciting environment. Our Key Stage 1 students are still discovering their skills and competencies, and at this stage they are introduced to subjects that will lay the foundation for learning as they go into higher year levels. Learning is still exciting and the learning atmosphere is stimulating.
At this stage there is a focus on the children’s literacy development; their increasing understanding of phonics leads to progression in their fluency of reading and writing. Similarly, there is a focus on the acquisition of mathematical skills and understanding.

Foundation Stage 2

During Key Stage 1, students start to rationalize and think independently. The curriculum sets challenging targets and its methodical implementation encourages each student to pursue individual targets and goals.
Throughout year 2, the children will focus on developing different skills. Each week the class teacher will work with the children on developing skills across 7 main areas (so-called assessment focuses). These are: Decoding accurately. The children will use phonics skills to decode new words and use a range of strategies to make sense of what they have read.

Structure:

The children will look at how the text has been put together and organized. They will look at using correct terms such as glossary, captions and sub-headings and begin to understand how these features contribute to meaning.


Kindergarten

Kindergarten emphasis is placed on the development of a positive self-concept, appropriate socialization and learning readiness skills. The foundations are laid for a happy and successful school experience. Fundamental skills are taught in an active, stimulating and accepting environment.
Throughout Year 3

  • Develop the sense of a sentence and grammar. Write single words and phrases.
  • Choose appropriate and interesting words for writing from alternatives supplied (e.g. from a word bank or from stories read) or from their developing vocabulary.
  • Produce ideas about what to include in a narrative with a beginning, development and ending.
  • Develop their spelling ability through their knowledge of phonics.
  • Start to write a variety of different, more complex sentence types
  • Generally using past and present tense accurately
  • Vary their sentence openers
  • Be able to confidently write a range of different text types
  • Begin to edit and improve their work

Kindergarten studies are based on six subject areas:

  • Social Studies
  • Science
  • Personal / Social / Physical Education
  • Islamic Studies
  • Arabic Education (Till Grade 3)
  • Performing Arts (Music, Drama, Arts)
  • School Museum Learning

PLAY-BASED Learning

The Early Childhood program focuses on purposeful play, active learning, creativity and critical thinking. We encourage children to actively explore the world, developing individual and shared inquiries. Our goal is to create a dynamic and joyful community of young learners who have the strong educational foundations they need in order to continue their journey through the PYP.