Reception to Year 2

Developing a love of reading is fundamental to enabling a child to access all aspects of learning. Our wonderful library inspires pupils’ imaginations and opens the door to an exciting world of literature.

Our pupils begin to read and write quickly, using our successful phonics scheme: Read, Write Inc. Once a child finishes the phonics programme, they develop their skills further as readers and writers across a range of written genres.

Numeracy is taught from a practical foundation to build a deep understanding of numbers.

Pupils are able to apply their knowledge and problem solve in a variety of contexts and real-life applications to provide a fun and exciting learning environment.

Our Science curriculum is designed to encourage pupils to be inquisitive and explore the world around them.

They learn about how the world works, develop scientific concepts, and carry out investigations.

Physical exercise is crucial to pupils’ well-being and these lessons are designed to develop their fine and gross motor skills.

At Hurst, pupils have a weekly PE and Dance lesson taught by subject specialists.

Our annual Dance Showcase, in the New Bury Theatre, provides every pupil with the opportunity to demonstrate the progress they have made in their lessons.

Every child from Reception to Year 2 has a weekly swimming lesson in our on-site swimming pool.

Lessons are taught by our fully qualified swimming instructors to ensure that pupils are happy and confident in the water.

Drama and Music build confidence, develop skills and encourage teamwork.

Pupils benefit from weekly lessons taught by subject specialists in the Music School and Drama department.

Each year, pupils are given the opportunity to perform in our annual Nativity, as well as class assemblies and role play, which is embedded into the curriculum.

Every child from Reception to Year 2 has a weekly French language lesson.

French is taught through rhymes and songs which develops their vocabulary and enjoyment of the language and lays the foundation for further study.

History, Geography, REP (Religion, Ethics and Philosophy), Art and DT lessons are woven into the curriculum over the course of the academic year.

In History, Geography and REP, children learn transferable skills such as map work, how to use sources and to research effectively.

Pupils’ creativity and making skills are developed through focused practical tasks.

Computing is embedded throughout the curriculum. Our Reception to Year 2 classrooms have access to iPads and Microsoft Surface Go devices. In addition, our pupils have regular lessons in the Prep School computer suite.

The social and emotional development of our pupils sits firmly alongside their academic development. Specific PSHCEE lessons teach children the skills they need to live and work together in a community. We cover subjects such as respect for others, feelings, how to care for others and a range of different health issues.

Pupils visit our on-site Woodland School every week as part of their timetable.

Led by our trained Woodland School leaders, these lessons provide a programme which supports play, exploration and measured risk-taking.

Pupils develop confidence and self-esteem through learner-inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.