Dear Parents,

I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to the Early Years Foundation Stage at BISC. For some of you, this is not the first time to have a child in FS, and for others, this will be a brand new experience; either way, I am certain that you will be pleased with the exciting changes to our new-look school.

Last year the Foundation Stage classrooms and garden areas were redecorated and re-equipped to enable your children to receive the highest quality experience available. 

At BISC EYFS, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of best practices in early childhood education. All of our FS teachers are highly qualified and trained in the UK, able to deliver a curriculum that encompasses the best of the British Early Years framework. Our aim for our children is that they settle into the class routines, enjoy coming into school, and make friends for life, as well as acquiring a love for learning. We try to ensure that children leave FS speaking English with a high level of confidence, allowing them to access the Year One curriculum. Alongside this, we offer an Arabic language curriculum, which the FS children receive daily. These classes are run in exactly the same way as the regular classes; the children are taught Arabic through a play-based, investigative programme, and having operated this programme for two years, we have noted a marked improvement in the acquisition of the Arabic language.

Last year, the FS1 day was adjusted to offer a range of exciting activities until 15:00 each day. These include Arabic, Music, Movement, Science and Cooking amongst other things. This extension to the FS1 day contributed to some remarkable results achieved by the FS1 cohort in the last academic year.

In FS2 we continue a play-based learning curriculum, while adding some more teacher-led elements. We teach a structured programme of phonics and reading. To achieve greater progress in reading, we have purchased a wide range of new books from the Oxford Reading Scheme. In addition, all classrooms have a well-equipped reading corner.

The Foundation Stage at BISC is a happy, vibrant place, which offers care and respect for all the children as they begin their BISC journey. In recognition of the achievements and progress the children make during their time in FS, we culminate the FS journey with a vibrant Graduation Ceremony.

Kind regards,

Margaret Cashman

Head of Foundation Stage