A Place to Belong

Welcome to Key Stage 1

Children joining Phoenix in Reception or Key Stage 1 begin their journey in our Lower School courtyard. Whilst being very much a part of the Phoenix Family, there is a cosy courtyard and a playground just for them which gives them a chance to become more confident in their own space. At the end of Year 2 the children move to Upper School, Key Stage 2, having gained independence, confidence and a love of learning.

The classrooms are arranged around a central courtyard allowing for plenty of collaborative work within year groups. The children explore the rest of the school when they leave their classrooms to attend their specialist lessons, such as Art, Music, Computers, Library, Sports and Swimming.

Following the British National Curriculum, lessons in Maths, English, Science, History, Geography and PSHE take place in the classrooms and courtyard in Lower School. The curriculum is designed to enhance the development of academic, social, emotional, creative and physical skills. Children are encouraged to pursue excellence, whilst being challenged at their own level of development. Teaching and learning in KS1 is differentiated according to ability and multi-sensory, catering to visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learning styles.

Phoenix provides a rich and broad learning experience. Each class performs two class assemblies a year and every child takes part in the Lower School Production during Term 3. Field trips, weekly assemblies, regular events and activities such as the Christmas Recital, Sports Day, Founders Day and World Book Day form an integral part of the curriculum.