Our Curriculum

Welcome to 'Our Curriculum' page. This is our Intent. At Cowling Preschool, we have had a hard think hard about what we want our children to learn whilst they are with us. The curriculum is the core part of everything we do and how the things in it, are seamlessly woven into our interactions and reflections. Our curriculum covers the 7 areas of learning in the EYFS, using the statutory educational programmes (high-level curriculum summaries). The educational programmes are high level curriculum summaries which set out what should be taught in settings for each area. They involve activities and experiences that enable children to learn and develop, as set out under each of the areas of learning.

To find more out about the EYFS please visit; https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65aa5e42ed27ca001327b2c7/EYFS_statutory_framework_for_group_and_school_based_providers.pdf

'Growth & New Beginnings'
February - April 2024

This term our preschoolers have been immersed in learning about the fascinating life cycle of a hen. Our dedicated team member Carole, in collaboration with community member Robert, has facilitated the setup of an incubator for us to witness the entire process. We have been closely monitoring the development of our eggs, sparking curiosity and prompting insightful questions. Anticipation is high as we await the imminent hatching of the chicks this week - an exhilarating educational experience for all involved. Additionally, when it’s time for our chicks to return, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to visit and interact with them at the local allotment!

Spring has officially sprung at our preschool! Our little ones had the amazing opportunity to feed and cuddle some adorable lambs, all thanks to Daisy and Judi, family members of one of our children here at Cowling Preschool. The joy and excitement on their faces was priceless! A big thank you to Daisy and Judi for helping us deepen our curriculum of 'Growth and New Beginnings' with this unique experience! We revisited the life cycle of a hen as our chicks departed to the allotment. To deepen our understanding, we investigated cracked eggs! “It’s spiky” “it’s sticky” “mine is broken” “can I crack it more?” The children dove into the concept of nests and even created a physical example with hidden chicks inside. This then stemmed into a nature treasure hunt! We then journeyed with a book; “Little Home Bird” and discussed transitions and finding happiness in different places. A great opportunity to discuss what primary school children will be transitioning to and what to expect. To continue the learning, we’re inviting parents to bring in sticks to create a giant nest in our classroom. Each child will add something special to the nest and share why it’s meaningful to them.

'The World Around Us'
May - July 2024

Our preschoolers celebrated the important role that bees play in our world! We had a buzzworthy time exploring sensory trays filled with rice, where we practiced our fine motor skills and learned about numbers and letters. But that’s not all - we also delved into the world of bees! We discovered that bees make delicious honey and valuable beeswax, and talked about the textures and shapes of their hives. We even learned about the queen bee, who is the heart of the hive! As a preschool that prioritises taking care of our environment, we’ve been planting bee-friendly plants to help support these precious pollinators. By doing so, we’re helping to create a safe haven for bees to thrive. This linked beautifully with our curriculum of ‘Growth and New Beginnings’ How can you help protect bees at home? Plant bee-friendly flowers like sunflowers, lavender, and coneflowers in your garden or pots. Avoid using pesticides and herbicides, which can harm bees. Provide a source of water for bees by filling a shallow dish with fresh water and placing it near your garden. Support local beekeepers by buying honey from them or participating in a community-supported beekeeping program. By working together, we can make a big impact on the lives of these tiny but mighty creatures. Thank you for joining us on this World Bee Day adventure!

We took our Arctic-inspired tray outside and learned about walruses and polar bears! We learn to some great facts. As they worked together to free their frozen friends from the ice, they developed essential skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. They even got to practice their science skills by discussing how the sun’s warmth would melt the ice!As they splashed and played, they were also exercising their social skills, taking turns, and communicating with each other. And when the ice finally cracked open, their sense of accomplishment and pride shone through! This type of play-based learning not only builds knowledge but also helps our children develop important life skills that will benefit them in the long run.

As part of our exploration of the world, the children embarked on an exciting journey to discover various countries from around the globe. They shared their holiday photos and engaged in lively discussions about their adventures, which broadened their understanding of different cultures. To deepen this exploration, they examined maps of our local areas and even created their very own maps! Additionally, the children unleashed their creativity by crafting paper-mâché planets, sparking their imaginations and curiosity about space. Using loose parts, they were busy constructing their own modes of transport, including boats, paper airplanes, hot air balloons, and buses. To enhance their learning experience, they watched captivating videos of live space stations observing our planet and enjoyed David Attenborough documentaries showcasing the beauty of the Galápagos Islands. This multifaceted approach inspired a sense of wonder and connection to the world around them!

As part of our vibrant exploration of the world around us, the children enjoyed trips into our local community. They visited the pop-up post office in the village hall, where they learned about the mailing process and created their own postcards. The adventure continued with a delightful trip to Crosshills village, where they tested yummy babychinos and indulged in sweet treats. They explored local shops, discovering the treasures within, and even took a bus ride, making the experience all the more exciting. These outings allowed them to connect with their community and foster a sense of curiosity about the world beyond their own doorstep!

'You & Me'
September - October 2024

In September, our preschool will embrace the theme "You & Me," designed to help our new children settle into their environment and foster relationships with their peers. This month, we will focus on encouraging self-dressing skills and enhancing fine and gross motor abilities through engaging activities such as self-portraits and clay making. To support our exploration of emotions, we will be looking at the book "The Colour Monster," and planning activities around this. This will help children understand and articulate their feelings. Additionally, we will incorporate educational outings into the community and engage in turn-taking activities to promote teamwork and collaboration. A highlight of this term will be the creation of a Family Wall, where we will celebrate our community's diversity by showcasing the unique stories and backgrounds of our children and staff. We believe that by understanding our similarities and differences, we can truly embrace individuality and inspire greatness in each child. With an array of exciting activities planned, we look forward to allowing the children's interests to guide our journey together.

Celebrate the World -

'A Tapestry of Traditions'

November - December 2024

This term our preschool curriculum, 'Celebrate the World: A Tapestry of Traditions' Invites our young learners to explore and appreciate the diverse traditions celebrated around the globe, including those from our own village. Through engaging activities, stories, songs and crafts, children will discover the rich tapestry of cultural practices, customs, and celebrations that shape our world.

Cultural Exploration - We will explore different cultures and communities, introducing children to unique traditions, holidays, and values. There will be engaging storytelling and multi-sensory experiences that will hep the children to make connections to their prior knowledge of family traditions, holidays, and local events.

Local Traditions - Emphasising the traditions and history of our own village and local area, children will learn about local customs and participate in community events.

Global celebrations - We will shine a spotlight on different cultures and delve deeper into their celebrations and festivals. We will be exploring the 'Hygge' way and how Christmas can be celebrated in an alternative way.

Artistic Expression - Art and creativity will play a significant role in our curriculum. Children will participate in art projects inspired by various cultural symbols and motifs, giving them the opportunity to express their own interpretations of the traditions we explore. We will create our very own 'Tapestry' through the art of weaving. We will have a professional weaver to come in and give us a demonstration. This is inspired by a local mill here in Ickornshaw that had 200 looms, producing silk and rayon fibres in the 1950's. We will showcase this in our classroom and in Cowling Village Hall, where we can discuss it, sharing our newfound knowledge with peers and families.

Culinary Adventures - To deepen our understanding of global traditions, children will embark on culinary explorations, tasting and even preparing simple dishes from different cultures.

Guest Speakers and Community Involvement - To enrich our learning journey, we will invite guest speakers from various cultural backgrounds to share their traditions and personal stories. Additionally, we will organise for our families to come in and share their own traditions, foods, and stories, as well as attending our Hygge Christmas Get Together fostering a sense of community and belonging amongst our children and their families.

Reflective Learning - Throughout the curriculum, we will encourage children to reflect on their experiences and share what they have learned about the different culture and traditions. Journaling, discussions and group activities will help solidify their understanding, making connections to their own lives while nurturing an appreciation for the richness of the world around them.