Early Years
Foundation Stage 1 to Kinder
Ages 3 - 6
Children from 3 to 7 years of age start the Markham journey in Early Years with a well-qualified team of teachers, assistants, and helpers. They are committed to fostering each child’s unique social, emotional, and intellectual development. This holistic approach is supported by a well-researched pedagogy aimed at delivering a high standard of teaching and learning.
Curriculum and Pedagogy
Underpinning our approach are the three core principles from the British Early Years Foundation Stage: unique child, positive relationships, and enabling environments. Through a play-based approach focused on learning and development, we ensure all our young learners achieve a rounded and balanced education.
This includes English immersion and a wide variety of extracurricular activities that challenge and engage children from a very young age. Sports, music, arts, service, and outdoor activities will help develop children’s abilities and confidence, acquiring the knowledge, skills, and responsibilities needed for facing and overcoming challenges. We focus on three areas of learning: Communication and language, personal and social development, and physical development.
In Kinder, children finish the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. The main language of instruction is English, although in Primary we encourage reading, writing and communicating in Spanish.
Children participate in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) activities where they learn skills and values transferable to areas of life outside the classroom.
English Immersion Programme
Total English immersion is applied from the first day of classes and after four years in this programme, our pupils are able to read, write and express themselves in English. Most of all, they enjoy doing so!
Communication between Home and School
All our students have a Digital Portfolio based on the Seesaw platform, which creates a powerful learning bridge between students, teachers, and families. It allows students to show their learning, empower reflection on their learning over time and helps them create something they’re proud to share with others.
It is a great tool for teachers which allows them to understand student thinking and progress. It also helps teachers identify their strengths and areas for growth in real-time so that they can differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all the students.
Families gain a window into student’s learning, feel part of the school community and are able to celebrate their children’s progress.
Parents’ meetings are programmed throughout the year. Target setting reports are shared with parents in May and September, and full reports in July and December. We invite parents to come into the classrooms at our Open Afternoons and at our parent / teacher / student conferences where the children themselves reflect on what they have learned and set new learning targets. Additionally, parents are always welcome to request interviews with staff whenever the need arises.
