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Curriculum (Reception)

The best possible start in life

The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS) provides children with the skills necessary to have the best possible start to life. Here, your child will embrace and direct their learning through a combination of play-based and adult supported learning.

Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS)

The four specific EYFS areas of learning are: Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design.

Rookwood’s Reception children follow a creative curriculum filled with awe and wonder. Your child will be encouraged to become an independent explorer who engages with their environment. A focus on personal and social development is key in developing happy individuals with a sense of belonging and self-efficacy. Each child is valued, with learning experiences tailored to their development, interests and needs.

 

Rookwood School early years students dressed in doctors coats and glasses smiling.

“Our daughter joined Rookwood at Reception class and has thrived in her first year developing lots of confidence. She has benefited from a small class size and excellent staff and resources. “

Parent of current Reception child (2024)

A learning journey to be shared

Teaching and learning is very much a joint partnership where teachers share these responsibilities with your child. Through connecting learning areas with exciting topics, the children express their interests and direct the learning to make it meaningful, fun and purposeful. Opportunities for problem-solving and challenge-based learning are incorporated into the daily routine, allowing your child to extend their skills and deepen their understanding.  We acknowledge the importance and value of parents to our children’s wellbeing and learning.  Therefore, we proactively work with parents in delivering the best possible education for our children.

The time spent in Reception is truly magical, with your child building positive attitudes and relationships towards their learning and others. Rookwood provides this magical feel.

A Rookwood private prep school pupil painting in art class.

Developing the whole child

Our Reception curriculum develops the whole child.  A child’s sense of self and belonging is vital in the early years. We ensure that each child is cared for, feeling nurtured and valued. Socially, carpet time sessions are held in order to discuss challenges relevant to them where their peers can support and brainstorm solutions to real life problems.

At Rookwood, your child will be given plenty of opportunities to develop their balance and motor-skills.  The Reception setting consists of a large classroom and an outdoor area where the children can use their bodies to explore their surroundings and undertake exciting and fun challenges.  Children also have four dedicated PE lessons each week, including dance all year round and swimming in the summer, with specialist teachers.

Rookwood’s Reception provides a language-rich environment which encourages children to use a wide vocabulary within their play. Your child will read to an adult daily and engage in story-telling activities on a regular basis. Adults value the children’s interests, joining in with children’s natural play to ensure that new vocabulary and language is modeled. This allows for consolidation and deep understanding of concepts to occur.  The weekly French and Music lessons also help develop your child’s communication and language skills.

 

A Rookwood sixth form student helping prep school students with their work in class.

News & Events

Reception child writing on label

Reception explore toys and Christmas traditions

Reception class has had a magical time exploring the fascinating world of toys. The pupils delved into the history of…

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Pupil's work

Reception gets creative with shapes and puppets

Last week, Reception class were busy with creativity as they combined art, maths, and design in their activities. In Maths…

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Reception pupils learning outside

Reception explore teamwork and tranquillity in Outdoor Learning

Our Reception Class has been focusing on the importance of teamwork, and this week, they put their skills to the…

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Reception child making bread

Reception make bread inspired by “The Little Red Hen”

Last week, our Reception children embarked on a hands-on learning adventure—making bread.  This activity was inspired by ‘The Little Red…

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Reception child working

Reception explore their senses

Over the past few weeks, Reception class has been on an exciting journey exploring the five senses and learning how…

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Reception in PE class

Reception class learns new physical skills

In Physical Development, Reception Class has been busy learning a variety of new skills. Each lesson begins with fun warm-up…

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Rookwood Family

Mr Winnett, Senior School Assistant Head and Maths Teacher.

Mr Winnett

I really enjoy helping the pupils to develop their confidence within the subject and we try to make maths enjoyable and accessible to everyone.

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Mrs Abraham, a member of Rookwood Primary School Staff.

Mrs Abraham

I have been lucky enough to work at Rookwood School for the last twenty years – which sounds like a very long time but which has gone in a flash.

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A student and staff member cooking healthy, filling food as part of an enrichment project at Rookwood School.

Rupert – Upper Sixth

My EPQ which has challenged me from an academic perspective as well as offering personal development.

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In our prospectus, you'll find more information about the school, the facilities and what it's like to be part of the Rookwood family.

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A year 2 Rookwood School student studies a globe in geography class.