Foundation Phase

Y Cyfnod SylfaenBy

Joanne Ellison

Introduction

The Foundation Phase in Wales was piloted in 2006 in schools and by September 2011 all schools from nursery to year two had implemented the Foundation Phase, for children between 3 and 7 years of age.

What are your thoughts on this?

England

In England it is called the Foundation Stage and is only for children between the ages of three to five years old. Most text books only talk about this

There are only six areas in England

Foundation Phase

The Foundation Phase is a progressive framework that spans four years to meet the diverse needs of all children.

The curriculum should be appropriate to their stage of learning rather than focus solely on age related outcomes

Source WG framework for children’s learning 2006

Areas

There are seven areas of the Foundation PhaseLanguage Literacy & CommunicationMathematics DevelopmentKnowledge & Understanding of the WorldWelsh Language skillsCreative DevelopmentPhysical Development (fine & gross motor skills)PSE (personal, social & emotional development)

cultural diversity

Outside areas and ICT should be holistic across all areas

Language, Literacy & Communication

Skills develop through talking signing/communicating and listening

Retell experience feelings and thoughtsOpportunities to use ICT, books and

different reading materials Enjoy mark makingBe aware that there are other languages

spoken

Mathematics Development

Understand mathematics through oral, practical and play activities

Applying mathematics in real life problems

Limited work sheets should be used but developing mathematics through talking and practically instead

Investigating problems

Knowledge & Understanding of the World

Children should experience the familiar world thorough enquiry, investigating in both the indoor and outdoor environment.

Increase their curiosity about past eventsUnderstand people, places living things

using all their sensesLearn through experimentation and their

own ideas

Welsh Language Development

Welsh Language should be progressively developed throughout the Foundation Phase

Children should have use incidental WelshBe exposed to the Welsh culture by different

medium e.g. ICT interactive software, books, audio- visual material

Welsh-medium schools support children in becoming bilingual in both English and Welsh

Creative Development

Develop the children's imagination and creative across the curriculum

Explore a wide range of stimuli to express their ideas

Natural curiosity and sensory experienceExpressive activity through art, craft,

music, dance, movement and drama

Physical development (fine & gross motor skills)

Helping them use their bodies effectively and confidently

Understand spatial awarenessBalance, control and coordinationFine motor skills development through

small world equipmentManipulative skills Importance of diet, rest sleep and exercise

PSE (personal, social & emotional) well being and cultural diversity

PSE is at the heart of the Foundation Phase.

Children learn about themselvesThey develop their self esteemTheir personal beliefs and moral valuesPositive attitude Independent thinkersCelebrating different culturesSelf help skills

Activity

In groups break down an activity that you have done this week into the seven areas of the Foundation Phase.

e.g.Water playPlay DoughHome CornerOutside play