Lower Primary

Lower Primary

Here in the Lower Primary Department at Park Community Academy we use the principles of the EYFS as a base for the opportunities and provision that we provide to children in their KS1 years. This is a continuation of the learning and experiences that they would have accessed in their EYFS year at PCA or other Reception setting. Through child led, practical & stimulating learning experiences in a play based environment we support children in developing the skills needed to be successful learners, resilient individuals and responsible citizens in their learning journey through PCA & into adulthood.

We support children to learn by:

playing and exploring - children investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’;
active learning - children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy achievements; and
creating and thinking critically - children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things.

The Lower Primary curriculum is designed to support children in gaining new knowledge and skills, extend their thinking and challenge them at an individualized level. Learning experiences are exciting, motivating and interesting through carefully planned child led topics & stories. Pupils are always encouraged to use their own interests to practice and apply new knowledge & skills.

A day in a Lower Primary classroom:

8:40am

Arrival, child led play & self-registration - pupils are encouraged to write their own name/ identify a photo of themselves to register their attendance

9.20am

Whole class breakfast

9:40am

Curriculum focus together time followed by small group/ 1:1 adult led activity & child led play in continuous provision

10:45am

Whole class snack time & outdoor play

11:15am

Phonics & reading focus together time followed by small group/ 1:1 adult led activity & child led play in continuous provision

12:00pm – 1:15pm

Lunchtime followed by outdoor play/ lunchtime clubs

1:15pm

Curriculum focus together time followed by small group/ 1:1 adult led activity & child led play in continuous provision