Pre-School


	Our Pre-school accommodates children from the ages of 3 to 6 in two groups of 24. Each group has a teacher and assistant teacher and the department is supported throughout the day by a cleaner/helper.

Premises

The Pre-school is situated in a lovely historic building that has been fully refurbished to the highest modern standards. Indoors we have a variety of activity areas where children have many different learning experiences. The Pre-school opens onto a secure playground with outdoor toys, seating and patio area. We can claim to have one of the finest Pre-schools that is clean, modern and safe.

Our Curriculum - Early Learning Goals

The Pre-school programme is based on the U.K. Department of Education Early Years Foundation Stages that are organised into 6 areas of learning:-

· Personal, Social and Emotional Development.
· Communication, Language and Literacy.
· Mathematical Development.
· Knowledge and Understanding of the World.
· Physical Development.
· Creative Development.

Your child will be developing these essential skills in a well-planned, organised, child friendly and non-threatening environment, where s/he will fulfil his/her needs in a stimulating, practical and enjoyable way.




	Personal, Social and Emotional Development. Interest and motivation to learn. Confidence. Concentration. Sensitivity to others. Respect for their own and other cultures. Ability to work as part of a group. A moral understanding. Personal hygiene. Independence.

Communication, Language and Literacy.

Listening to and using spoken and written language.
Sequencing and clear thinking.
Sight and phonetic vocabulary.
Speaking clearly and audibly with confidence.
Naming, sounding and recognising the letters of the alphabet both in order and randomly.
Re-telling narrative in correct sequence – orally and through independent writing.
Recognising and using upper and lower case letters in independent writing.
Using basic punctuation to form complete sentences.
Reading independently with accuracy and for meaning




	Knowledge and Understanding of the World. Investigating objects and materials using the appropriate senses. Identifying some features of living things, objects and events through observation. Identifying and understanding similarities, differences, patterns and change. Becoming inquisitive about how and why things change and work. To be able to communicate and evaluate simple plans and constructions. Building construction using a wide range of objects. Finding out about past and present experiences. Exploring and respecting the environment.


		Mathematical Development. Saying and using numbers in order to 20 and beyond. Reliably counting everyday objects up to and beyond 20. Recognising and using numerals up to 20. Recognising symbols within number sentences ( +, -, = ) Using vocabulary such as ‘add’, ‘plus’, ‘subtract’, ‘take away’ and ‘equals’. Using mathematical language such as ‘more’, ‘less’, ‘lighter’ and ‘heavier’ for mathematical problem solving. Recognising a pattern and solving problems through observation. To recognise and name both 2 and 3 dimensional shapes.

Physical Development.

Moving safely and with sustained confidence and imagination.
Moving with control and co-ordination.
Spatial awareness for own body and those around them.
Understanding of healthy living.
Recognition of changes to own body when actively engaged in physical exercise.
Ability to use a range of small and large equipment safely.

Creative play.

Exploration of colour, texture, shape and form, through a variety of media.
Recognition and exploration of how sounds can be changed ( voices, volume, beat and rhythm)
Responding in a variety of ways to what they see, smell, feel and hear.
Imagination in art and design, music, dance and role play.
Self-expression and communication of their ideas, thought and feelings through a range of media and mediums.
Confidence of self- expression in both small and large groups to a range of audiences.

Extra Curriculum Opportunities:-

Daily -

We are now able to offer an even more enriched and accessible curriculum at the American Academy Nicosia Pre-school, where children have the opportunity to explore and investigate their world around them through practical, independent experiences.

Golden Time –

When the children have worked together as a team, and have followed the class rules, they are rewarded with Golden Time, where they choose (as a class) the educational activities they would like to do on “Golden Time Day”.Their choice is generally carried out in school (e.g. visiting storyteller, entertainer, puppet show, musicians).

Teaching and Learning

We channel learning through a thematic structure where children develop physical, intellectual, emotional and social skills. Cross curricular topics gives a holistic approach to learning that encourages the child to develop an inquiring mind and a fascination for the world around them. Education is a journey of discovery and we aim to see that the children desire to know more and become ’effective learners’.

Educational visits

Each term, an educational visit will be organised to consolidate school based learning and to broaden the children’s awareness of their environment.

Summer School - offers a wide variety of educational activities in the sun.

Shows – the children love to perform in front of an audience. They get the chance to sing, dance and act for you 3 times a year (Christmas, Summer and International Day).


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