Foundation Phase

Foundation phase

In Wales, statutory education begins in the term after a child's fifth birthday, even though numerous children start primary school earlier than this. Between the ages of 3 and 11 a child's education is divided into three main stages.

Early Years - pre-compulsory education (ages 3-5)

Key Stage 1 - the first phase of compulsory primary education (ages 5-7)

Key Stage 2 - the second phase of compulsory primary education (ages 7-11).

Primary schools in Wales must, by law, teach the basic curriculum and the National Curriculum. The basic curriculum consists of religious education and personal and social education. Primary schools are also required to have a policy on sex education. At Key Stages 1 and 2, the National Curriculum consists of core subjects (English, Welsh, mathematics and science) and non-core subjects which are Welsh second language, design and technology, information technology, history, geography, art, music, physical education and religious education. There is no statutory requirement to teach English at Key Stage 1 in Welsh-medium schools. (Wikipedia)

The Early Years Foundation Stage –EYFS is a wide-ranging structure which sets the principles for learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 in England.

Primary education in Wales has a similar arrangement to Primary education in England, but teaching of the Welsh language is required and it is used as the medium of instruction in many schools. The introduction of the Foundation Phase for 3-7 year olds is also creating increasing disagreement between Wales and England. (Wikipedia)

As with everything, there is always an opportunity for expansion, and the foundation phase is no different. From researching into the foundation phase and the different stages it has come to my attention that there is work still need to be done to make sure children have the best possible future they can, and achieve to the highest standard.  Children do not have enough opportunity to gain knowledge through well planned play that provides challenge and motivation. This is vital as, children as very hands on, and focus on play a lot.

If teachers involve the children more with planning and checking their own work this would make a great change as they would understand more.

In society today, there is such a big feud today about different cultures, religions and skin. This should have been stopped, and needs to be solved as soon as possible. I feel that is more emphasis is given to celebrating differences and developing children’s knowledge and understanding of it all at a younger age, would benefit in the long run as children will grow up with it. (foundation phase)

The aims for making foundation phases better is clear. We need to raise children’s standards of achievement as it is clear we can see what children are capable of if they have the right resources. Enhancing their positive attitude to learning is also essential as if you have a positive attitude, you can achieve anything.

If these aims can be met, and the foundation phase can grow throughout the years, we will see massive changes.

Bibliography

foundation phase. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://wales.gov.uk/docs/caecd/research/130717-evaluating-foundation-phase-annual-report-2011-12-en.pdf

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primary_education_in_Wales