Reception
Sancton Wood children move seamlessly and naturally from Unicorns Nursery into our Reception class, but in addition, we often welcome children from other nursery settings.
Pupils in Reception continue to work within the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, but increasing emphasis is placed on the teaching of literacy and mathematics.
We provide a safe, happy and stimulating environment inside and out, in which children can flourish. Our aim is to develop a sense of independence, to instil confidence, resilience and to develop social skills as well as encouraging the children to explore and question the world around them. It is in Reception that our children begin to take advantage of the host of opportunities that Cambridge offers.
Specialist teachers teach the children P.E., Music, Computing, Art and Spanish.
Year One
Following on from Reception, children move into our Year One class. The class size is intentionally small, to enable the attention to detail to be very specific to the development of each child. This is ensured by the full time teacher and the teaching assistant, who work together to help each child reach his or her full potential. There is a great emphasis on continuing to develop reading and writing skills, as well as consolidating and extending mathematics knowledge. We encourage a thirst for learning and high academic achievement, combined with lots of fun!
Trips to the Botanic Gardens, the Museum of Cambridge and a host of the city’s educational attractions widen and deepen the children’s experience. Specialist teachers deliver Spanish, Computing, Art, Music and P.E. lessons.
Year Two
As they move from Year One to Year Two, new and exciting challenges await the children. The teacher and teaching assistant are able to enrich and deepen the existing knowledge and skills the children have already acquired during Nursery, Reception and Year 1. There is a more formal approach to learning and the children are expected to become more independent and responsible in their approach to their studies.
Learning is brought to life through stimulating and ‘hands on’ lessons, including excursions, particularly continuing to make use of all that Cambridge has to offer. The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Scott-Polar Museum, Kettles’ Yard and a whole host of fascinating educational venues are within walking distance. Specialists in the areas of ICT, Music, Art, Spanish, Computing and P.E. continue to work with the children, ensuring a broad and well balanced curriculum. Links to the Prep department take on greater importance as we prepare the children for their move up to Year 3. Carefully designed transition activities guarantee that by the end of the year all the children are comfortable with the move to our Prep and are ready for the next stage in their learning journey.
