At Rowdown Reception we aim to tailor our topics to suit the children's needs. There will be many varied and exciting activities on offer each day.

Both inside the classroom and in our large outdoor learning environment, children will be able to explore and experiment through water play using a variety of equipment including funnels and tubes, water mills, mini nets, bubbles and much more. They will investigate sand; building sand castles and using little diggers in role play activities. We have a large mud kitchen set up to support the children mix and measure their own concoctions, writing recipes and instructions for their mud pies!

Children are encouraged to develop their reading and writing skills through a variety of purposeful child initiated and adult led activities. Every day children take part in a whole class writing session. This is used to develop the children’s understanding of the features of a sentence.  Continued mark making, and writing is an integral part of Reception life and children will be provided with opportunities to write throughout the Reception environment as well as in a dedicated writing area, with mini books, stencils, whiteboards and pens and a range of varied mark-making tools.

Mathematics is also key and will be provided through a wide range of exciting counting games, resources and activities. Mathematical activities take place both inside and outside the classroom using natural and found materials.  Our maths can be messy but is always engaging!

We aim to extend the children's creativity by supporting their curiosity, exploration and play.  They will be provided with opportunities to explore and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities such as art, music, movement, dance, imaginative and role play activities, mathematics and design and technology.

ICT features throughout the Reception setting and is used on an individual basis through educational games and programs on desktop computers and iPads as well as the use of the Interactive Whiteboard for whole class ICT activities.

In Rowdown Reception we aim to help your child become as independent as possible.  It is important that children learn to take responsibility but they need support to learn how to do this. The curriculum in Reception covers seven areas of learning and development.  All areas of learning and development are connected to one another and are covered through children's interests and broad topics. Children will be provided with experiences and support which will help them to develop a positive sense of themselves and others, respect for others, social skills and a positive attitude towards learning.

The physical development of young children must be encouraged through the provision of opportunities for them to be active and interactive.  We aim for them to improve their skills of co-ordination, control and manipulation and movement and they will be supported in using all of their senses to learn about the world around them. They will also be supported in developing an understanding of the importance of physical activity and making healthy choices in relation to food. We aim to help your child develop skills in speaking and listening.  They will be provided with opportunities and encouragement to use their skills and knowledge in a range of situations and for a range of purposes.  They will be supported in developing their confidence to do so.

Children are encouraged to develop their reading and writing skills through a variety of purposeful child initiated and adult led activities. Children will be supported to develop their understanding of problem solving and reasoning.  We aim to provide opportunities for children to practise and extend their skills in these areas and to gain confidence and competence in their use. We aim to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding that help the children to make sense of the world.  Their learning will be supported through offering opportunities for them to use a range of tools safely and to encounter creatures, people, plants and objects in their natural environments and in real life situations.  They will undertake practical 'experiments' and work with a range of materials.